Tampere has a distinctive and diverse drinking culture. Visitors should not miss out on the many great local craft beer halls, natural wine spots and cocktail bars. Falstaff recommends five characteristic watering holes in Finland's largest inland city.
As the name suggests, you won't find the usual everyday beers at this brewery. Like cooking, beer can be seasonal, and that's exactly what Mad Finn specializes in: Their brews follow the seasons, both in terms of flavor and color. In some cases, their unusual flavors may make you wonder if you're drinking beer at all. It is certainly an eye-opening experience, particularly for craft beer novices.
Mad Finn Brewing Co.
Pyynikintie 29 (inner courtyard), Tampere, Finland
madfinn.fi
Villit ja Viinit is the wine bar of Tampere's best restaurant, Kajo (91 Falstaff points). The name is a little misleading, as the cocktails here are at least as good as the wines served. Somewhat unusually, the food is prepared behind the bar counter where the drinks are mixed – a very cramped environment, but their dishes are no less delicious for it. In addition, there is no wine list at all: The sommelier discusses personal preferences with each guest and, on the basis of these, selects an appropriate bottle.
Villit ja Viinit
Rautatienkatu 12, Tampere, Finland
villitjaviinit.fi
If you'e into organic wines, the best place in Tampere is undoubtedly the Airo Wine Bar, where the vast and varied selection changes every week – and the sommelier has a special fondness for Austrian wines. The interior design is reminiscent of a living room and creates a homey atmosphere, while a stunning view of Tampere Cathedral can be seen from their windows.
Airo
Huhtimäenkatu 5, Tampere, Finland
viinibaariairo.fi
The Tiima cocktail bar is located in a former watch shop, where a small collection of vintage timepieces serve as a reminder of days gone by. In contrast, ultra-modern cocktails are prepared in the small bar, which is always busy. All the ingredients – aside from the booze itself – are made on site. The bartenders are passionate about their craft, and the cocktail chatter at the bar is endless – a testament to Tiima's popularity.
Tiima
Satakunnankatu 10, Tampere, Finland
facebook.com/kellokauppatiima/
The Periscope's roof terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tampere, seemingly placing whole city at your fingertips. It's worth coming here just to get your bearings – either when you arrive or just before you leave. The sofas here are a great place to pass the time, and the 1,000-square-meter terrace often serves as a venue for performances and concerts. In keeping with Tampere's claim to fame, there is also a sauna on the premises. The bar on the roof is open all year round.
Periscope
Vuolteenkatu 1, Tampere, Finland
ravintolaperiscope.fi
