The best hotels in Tampere

Who could resist this burnt-orange beauty standing out in Tampere’s parkland like a jewel? We certainly can’t – and we’re glad of it, because a stay at the Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer is nothing short of an experience. A true city landmark, Tammer opened in 1929 and has operated as a hotel ever since. Its history lingers in charming details like the pull-chain toilets (don’t worry, there are modern ones too for those who prefer them).

The hotel has 87 rooms, each one unique – as you’d expect in a historic building – but all share the same elegant décor, thoughtful design and sense of old-world charm. Depending on your room, the view may open onto the park or the fire station (a favourite among the curious), so allow time to linger and soak it all in.

Then there’s the breakfast – a feast in every sense. Served in a grand green dining hall with archways and heavy red drapes, the generous Radisson Blu spread is delicious, but it’s the setting that makes it truly memorable. A combination of atmosphere and flavour that’s worth experiencing at least once.

Time Out tip: Stop by Vihtorin Veranta, the hotel’s lobby café, even if you’re not staying the night. It’s tucked away in a cosy corner with a wintergarden-like feel – the perfect place to escape the rain.

Address: Satakunnankatu 13

Price: Rooms from €100 per night.

Boutique hotels always have a touch of magic, and Lillan Hotel & Kök, set in the Tammela district, is no exception. Housed in a two-storey yellow wooden villa amid an idyllic cluster of timber houses, it radiates charm inside and out. The moment you step through the door, the friendly staff greet you like an old friend – staying here feels more like visiting someone’s home than checking into a hotel.

The building dates back to 1927 and has been lovingly restored. With only 11 rooms, each one unique, Lillan feels intimate and peaceful. Creaking wooden stairs, soft tones, natural materials and carefully chosen textiles create a warm, homely atmosphere.

You won’t find all the usual hotel amenities here, but you won’t miss them either. What you do get is Lillan Kök, a beautiful on-site restaurant that matches the hotel’s understated elegance. It serves Nordic bistro dishes and excellent wine, and breakfast is generous and delightful.

Though it’s a short walk from the city centre, we think it’s absolutely worth the detour. Outside, tranquillity replaces the bustle, and strolling down the street lined with colourful wooden houses, you might just wish you lived in one yourself.

Time Out tip: Book a table for Lillan Kök’s brunch – it’s a local favourite and the perfect, unhurried way to start your Saturday.

Address: Kurjentaival 35

Price: Double rooms from €140 per night, singles from €110.

Lapland Hotels Arena brings a surprising contrast to Tampere’s skyline: a serene, Lapland-inspired retreat tucked right next to the city’s most high-energy events venue. Despite sharing a wall with the Nokia Arena – home to ice hockey games and mega concerts – the hotel itself radiates calm. Step into the lobby, and you’re met with quiet harmony, no matter what’s happening next door.

Occupying floors six to eleven of the arena complex, the hotel has 273 rooms, some complete with private saunas. In true Lapland Hotels style, the décor is warm and cocooning, with wood, wool and stone throughout, and every detail – from the hides to the woven textiles – reflects northern craftsmanship and atmosphere.

The hotel’s most unique feature? The arena rooms. On the surface they look like any other hotel room, but when events kick off (and with a ticket in hand), their balconies transform into private five-person boxes that open directly into the 15,000-seat arena. It’s the ultimate way to watch a show without worrying about queues or the journey home.

Don’t skip the rooftop either. The top-floor Laawu Rooftop Terrace offers sweeping views over Tampere, with three saunas, bars and an outdoor hot tub. Between sauna sessions, you can cool off with a drink while taking in the city from above.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss breakfast! Served at the Saivo restaurant, it’s one of the best in town – a culinary journey through Lapland’s finest flavours. Try the traditional leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese) with cloudberry jam and the loved oat porridge.

Address: Ratapihankatu 54

Price: Double rooms from €150 per night.

Want to see Tampere from a new angle? Then look up. Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere is impossible to miss – its dark, striking tower looms over the railway tracks to greet every visitor arriving by train (locals affectionately call it the Eye of Mordor).

True to its name, the Torni rises 25 floors and 88 metres high, making it Finland’s tallest hotel. When it opened in 2014, it brought a dose of big-city glamour to Tampere, complete with jaw-dropping views that even lifelong locals pause to admire.

For many, those views are reason enough to stay: on a clear day, you can see all the way to Lake Näsijärvi, and they’re spectacular even under grey skies. Inside, the rooms exude urban attitude, with industrial-inspired décor, exposed surfaces and nods to Tampere’s factory heritage. The textiles, meanwhile, evoke the forests, lakes and rapids that define the city’s character.

At the very top, on the 25th floor, you’ll find Moro Sky Bar – the most famous rooftop bar in Tampere. The drinks are excellent, but it’s the panorama that keeps people coming back.

Time Out tip: Moro Sky Bar is open to non-guests, and in summer it sometimes hosts morning yoga sessions. Don’t miss the annual Moro Marathon either – a stair-climbing challenge that takes participants up all 442 steps to the rooftop.

Address: Ratapihankatu 43

Price: Double rooms from €180 per night.

Right in the heart of Tampere, Original Sokos Hotel Ilves is a true classic that’s been part of the cityscape for 40 years. Don’t be fooled by its age, though – the hotel was fully renovated in 2022, and the rooms are now in pristine condition. Standing proudly beside the Tammerkoski rapids, Ilves’s biggest selling point can be summed up in three words: location, location, location. Everything a traveller could need is just a short walk away.

The renovation has made the rooms another reason to stay here. They’re spotless, stylish and thoughtfully designed – spacious without being showy. Every practical detail has been considered, from well-placed sockets and roomy bathroom counters to sensible furniture layouts. After a week’s stay, nothing felt overdesigned or inconvenient – quite an achievement.

Breakfast is a generous buffet served on the first floor. In line with Sokos Hotels’ Original concept, it offers a broad selection with a local twist – here, that means Tampere’s famous black pudding. There’s also a playroom next to the restaurant, a lifesaver for families.

Time Out tip: Just across the Tammerkoski, a short stroll away, you’ll find Kuuma – a sauna restaurant where you can take a steamy break right in the middle of the city.

Address: Hatanpään Valtatie 1

Price: Double rooms from €130 per night.

Right by the Tammerkoski rapids, stands Courtyard Tampere City – Finland’s first Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The location couldn’t be better: it’s connected directly to Tampere Hall, so you can walk straight from the lobby to a concert or event. The city’s restaurants, museums and theatres are all within easy walking distance too.

The first impression is exactly what you’d expect from Courtyard – stylish, spacious and full of natural light. The lobby and restaurant combine warmth with sleek Scandinavian minimalism, and the large windows frame views of the city centre. There are also plenty of comfortable workstations for those who need to open a laptop for a while.

The hotel has 229 rooms designed for comfort and calm. Expect soft beds, a practical workspace, a coffee machine and a modern bathroom. Rising 11 floors high, the upper rooms offer views over the rapids or across the rooftops of the city. There’s also a well-equipped gym for a proper workout. Breakfast isn’t included by default, but it’s excellent and varied – worth booking for at least your first morning.

Time Out tip: Tampere Hall is home to the world’s only Moomin Museum, a delightful visit for both adults and children – and you can reach it directly from the hotel without stepping outside.

Address: Yliopistonkatu 57

Price: Double rooms without breakfast from €74 per night.

Opened in spring 2025, Uumen is a peaceful budget hotel located in the historic Finlayson district, just a short walk from Tampere’s main attractions. Its location alone makes it tempting, but what really stands out is the value: prices are hostel-level, while comfort and service match a proper hotel. The compact rooms come with excellent beds, efficient air conditioning and top-notch soundproofing, making Uumen ideal for business travellers or anyone who values a good night’s sleep.

Bathrooms are shared, but the shower cubicles can be locked, and the spa-like décor gives the space a relaxing feel. The hotel also has a welcoming lounge with pool tables, a TV area, a play corner for children and two rooftop terraces. Check-in and check-out are handled via a self-service kiosk in the lobby, but staff are always on hand to help and answer questions.

Breakfast isn’t included, but for a small extra fee you can enjoy one – featuring the famously buttery croissant from local favourite Boulangerie Marco.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the surroundings. Uumen sits within the Finlayson complex, home to a cinema, Lidl, fashion shops, cafés and restaurants – and Särkänniemi amusement park is just a kilometre’s walk away.

Address: Finlaysoninkatu 5

Price: Single rooms from €39 per night.

Hotel H28 offers a variety of accommodation options, from standard hotel rooms to apartments and suites with private saunas, kitchens and washing machines. It’s a great choice for families and groups, with even the regular rooms equipped with a fridge, microwave and kettle.

Check-in and check-out are self-service, and while there’s no traditional reception desk, staff are always on site to assist. The central location couldn’t be more convenient – everything in the city centre is within walking distance, and there’s a grocery shop across the street open until 23.00.

The rooms are bright, spotless and elegantly simple. Alongside doubles and triples, there are also single rooms available. Breakfast, served in the ninth-floor panorama lounge, is among the best in Tampere, with a gluten-free spread worth celebrating – even the waffle station toppings are gluten-free.

Time Out tip: Want to treat yourself? Book a sauna suite with a terrace. They’re available not only for couples but also for solo travellers – a rare luxury.

Address: Hämeenkatu 28

Price: 1–2 person rooms €97–109 per night; 2-person apartment with kitchen around €129 per night. Breakfast included.