Kippis! These are the best bars and clubs in Tampere right now

What is it? Tampere’s most versatile and accessible live music venue

Why we love it? Tavara-asema truly has something for everyone. This 2,000-capacity venue hosts gigs by top Finnish artists, discos and LGBTQ+ club nights. Its over-40s discos have become such a phenomenon that they’ve even spread to Helsinki. The century-old building has been stylishly modernised, with a real focus on accessibility – the ground floor is wheelchair-friendly and all toilets are unisex. A zero-tolerance policy on harassment makes it an especially pleasant place for a night out. Prices are fair too, and some discos are even free.

Time Out tip: Tavara-asema also runs daytime events with no age limit, like second-hand markets. Fancy some old-school partner dancing? Head to the Päivähypyt sessions on Tuesdays from 14.00 to 15.45.

Address: Ratapihankatu 33

Opening hours: Vary by event. K-40 Discos Sat 20.00–04.00.

Expect to pay: Discos around €0–11, gig tickets around €30.

What is it? A legendary gig venue and indie club

Why we love it? For Tampere locals, Pakkahuone is as iconic a live venue as Tavastia is for Helsinkians – it’s where Apulanta (one of Finland’s most iconic rock/punk bands) have played some of their sweatiest shows. Under the same roof, Klubi hosts smaller, more alternative gigs and electronic club nights, and doubles as a popular lunch restaurant. Both Pakkahuone and Klubi are currently under renovation, with part of their programme temporarily moved across the street to Tavara-asema. The newly refurbished spaces will reopen to the public in 2026.

Time Out tip: Pakkahuone is one of the main venues for the Tampere Film Festival. Films are screened in Pakkahuone, and post-film discussions carry on into the early hours at Klubi. It’s also a great spot to meet filmmakers during the festival.

Address: Tullikamarin aukio 2

Opening hours: Vary by event. Klubi’s Bigpop Discos Sat 23.00–05.00.

Expect to pay: Discos around €8, gig tickets around €35

What is it? Tampere’s most alternative live music venue

Why we love it? True to its name (‘against the current’), Vastavirta-klubi doesn’t follow trends. You won’t find chart-topping pop acts here – instead, it’s all about punk and underground rock. The line-up might include Kaide from Ne Luumäet (a famous Finnish punk band from the 80’s) or newer punk bands like Pystyyn Kuolleet Hipit (Standing Dead Hippies). Between the heavy riffs, you’ll also hear acoustic and indie sets, and occasionally a bigger name whose style suits the bar’s bohemian vibe. Even Vesta (a loved Finnish singer-songwriter) chose Vastavirta for her Rakastut muihin tyttöihin tour because of its intimate, rough-around-the-edges charm.

Time Out tip: For the perfect Pispala night out, hit the Rajaportti sauna before the gig and grab some late-night grub from Vaakon Nakki afterwards – all just a short stroll apart on Pispalan valtatie.

Address: Pispalan valtatie 39 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 16.00–02.00, Fri 16.00–04.00, Sat 14.00–04.00, Sun 14.00–02.00

Expect to pay: Gig tickets around €0–12

What is it? An alternative electronic music club that also serves late-night food

Why we love it? Desibeli is a bright spark in Tampere’s alternative scene, which took a hit when Doris closed. Think of it as a glitzier, more electronic version of Doris – even some of the same familiar faces work behind the bar. The age limit is 18 on Thursdays and Sundays, and 20 on Fridays and Saturdays. The music is danceable yet offbeat: expect a mix of indie electronica, with the occasional surprise like  Leevi and the Leavings’ Tuhannen markan seteli (a cult Finnish pop-rock band from the 1970s) or The Killers’ Mr Brightside. There’s also a late-night street food menu, made in-house by sister restaurant Kumma.

Time Out tip: The space once housed Laterna, a small club night venue. Its former stage is now a VIP lounge you can book for your group – food and drinks can be pre-ordered for the night.

Address: Puutarhakatu 11

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 22.00–05.00

Expect to pay: Entry €10, food around €8–15

What is it? A lively, grown-up party venue

Why we love it: Ilona is one of the few bars in Tampere with a 24+ age limit. No student overalls here – just thirty- and forty-somethings keeping the party going after work events. The drinks menu is a cut above, with quality cocktails alongside the usual taps, and VIP booths available for private groups. Ilona is also a go-to gig venue, hosting everything from Finnish rap to upbeat cover bands and crowd favourites like Teflon Brothers. Gigs are open to 22+ audiences. There’s also a karaoke room if you fancy taking the mic yourself.

Time Out tip: Want to party with the stars? Ilona is the official afterparty venue for many sports events and festivals, so don’t be surprised if you spot hockey players, basketball pros or musicians in the crowd.

Address: Verkatehtaankatu 3 

Opening hours: Wed & Thu 23.00–05.00, Fri & Sat 22.00–05.00

Expect to pay: Entry around €8–12 (free for members), gig tickets around €8–30

What is it? Tampere’s oldest and only gay bar

Why we love it? Founded in 1990, Mixei is a cornerstone of Tampere’s LGBTQ+ scene – and the oldest queer club still running in Finland. What began as a tiny bar has grown into one of the city’s best-known nightclubs, welcoming everyone just as they are. Safe-space principles are taken seriously, and any harassment is handled swiftly. But the vibe here is anything but stiff – the basement dance floor is where wild moves and dazzling outfits come out to play.

Time Out tip: Mixei hosts Tampere’s most exciting alternative theme nights – from drag and burlesque to kink, electronic and emo parties. Even these special events are very reasonably priced.

Address: Itsenäisyydenkatu 7–9

Opening hours: Wed 18.00–00.00, Fri & Sat 21.00–04.00

Expect to pay: Entry around €0–5, themed nights and clubs around €6–15 

What is it? Tampere’s most legendary nightclub

Why we love it? Hotel Ilves’s nightclub has been keeping Tampere dancing for five decades, and the party shows no signs of slowing down. Known for its glossy dance floor, quality cocktails and feel-good playlist, “Ipa” attracts both young adults and an older, business-travel crowd. There are also VIP booths and a karaoke area for a more relaxed vibe. On the ground floor, the adjoining Pub Ukko Nooa is ideal for starting the night with a pint before heading upstairs to the club.

Time Out tip: On December 5, Hotel Ilves hosts its beloved Ilves’s Joyful Independence party – Tampere’s own version of a presidential ball. Expect evening gowns, sparkle and midnight dancing in the nightclub.

Address: Hatanpään valtatie 1

Opening hours: Fri 23.00–04.00, Sat 22.00–04.00

Expect to pay: Entry around €8–15

What is it? A cultural hub packed with events

Why we love it: Telakka is a cultural restaurant founded by actors, complete with a theatre and sauna. The small wooden building buzzes almost around the clock and doubles as a popular lunch spot. In summer, the terrace fills up fast, so get there early. Downstairs you’ll find live music, good beer and hearty pub grub, while upstairs hosts club nights and private events. Prices are wallet-friendly, and on regular nights there’s no entry fee – no wonder it’s a favourite among artists and students alike.

Time Out tip: Part of the Tampere Jazz Happening takes place here in late autumn. With its creaky wooden floors, red-brick walls, low lighting and cheap red wine, this little old house is made for jazz.

Address: Tullikamarin aukio 3

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 11.00–23.00, Wed–Thu 11.00–24.00, Fri 11.00–03.00, Sat 12.00–03.00, Sun 13.00–23.00

Expect to pay: Club nights and gigs around €12–25, food around €7–22.

What is it? A music bar for fans of jazz and blues

Why we love it? Paapan Kapakka keeps Tampere’s live music scene alive, with free jazz, blues and roots performances five nights a week – a rare thing these days. It’s as much about conversation as music; when the younger crowd heads for the clubs, older locals come here to catch up over a beer. Weekend queues can be long, but the mood is always cheerful – many a great love story has started in that line.

Time Out tip: Paapan’s terrace is one of the city’s most popular – and guaranteed to be sunny. When it’s time to head home, the bus, tram and taxi stops are right next door.

Address: Koskikatu 9 

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 14.00–02.00, Fri 14.00–03.00, Sat 13.00–03.00

Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? A sports bar whose backyard terrace feels like an endless summer festival

Why we love it: Henkka truly has something for everyone. Upstairs, the sports bar shows live games and serves a solid selection of craft beers in a living-room atmosphere. Downstairs, karaoke lovers take the stage, while the heated backyard terrace delivers full-on festival vibes – even in the depths of winter. When the cold night air meets the coloured lights and rising steam, it feels like nowhere else in Tampere.

Time Out tip: Henkka’s Halloween parties are legendary. Expect fancy dress, eerie corners lit by glowing terrace lights and hot chocolate (with or without a boozy twist) to warm you up between cold drinks.

Address: Hämeenkatu 13

Opening hours: Upstairs Fri–Sat 17.00–05.00, downstairs Mon–Sun 22.00–05.00, terrace Wed–Sat 22.00–05.00

Expect to pay: Entry €12