Best Restaurants in Tampere, Finland

Tampere is known as the “Manchester of Finland” because of its centuries-old industrial heritage. With its city centre rapids and old, red brick buildings, nowadays Tampere is also known for its thriving foodie scene. From gastropubs to brunches, here are the best restaurants in Tampere!

Tampere flavours under one roof

To get a grasp of Tampere’s foodie scene, pop into the market hall, Tampereen Kauppahalli. Located in the city centre, Kauppahalli hosts both cafés and restaurants. The most acclaimed one is restaurant 4 Vuodenaikaa (Four Seasons) with Finnish and French cuisines. Other options include Sushibar Umami’s Japanese food and the traditional café Linkosuo. Over a hundred years old, market hall is also food for the aesthetic soul in its light blue paint and cast ironwork.

For carnivoers

Restaurant Huber is a heaven for carnivores – and their vegetarian friends! Huber is essentially a relaxed steak restaurant, with uncomplicated dishes using the finest ingredients. Apart from meat, the menu includes tasty dishes for vegetarians too. Located in the city centre, Huber is a chilled out choice for a meaty dinner washed down with good drinks. P.S. Huber’s sister restaurant Bertha offers meaty feasts on a set menu basis. More Info

Fine dining with a Finnish flair

Ravintola C is for anyone in search of a posh Finnish flair. Located opposite Tampere Railway Station, Ravintola C’s emphasis is on locally produced food and ethical, biodynamic wines. The set menu costs €68 and includes typical Finnish ingredients such as pike, cranberries, and sea-buckthorn – a real treat for any foodie!

A Guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Helsinki

Helsinki doesn’t quite have dozens of tall skyscrapers for high vantage points, but there are some rooftop bars and terraces that offer amazing views of the city lights nonetheless. From tapas bars in the city centre to urban harbourside joints, here are Helsinki’s best bars with a view!

Bar Ateljee

Bar Ateljee is the most iconic rooftop bar in Helsinki. Located at the city centre in Hotel Torni, Bar Ateljee serves tasty drinks against a backdrop of magnificent views of the yellow and pastel-coloured Art Nouveau buildings. You can take the lift or climb the spiral staircase up to the bar, which is located on the 14th floor and is 70 metres high.

Stockmann Roof by Ravintola Teatteri

Located on the roof of the restaurant complex Teatteri, Roof offers visitors the best views over Helsinki’s grand shopping street and the park in the leafy Esplanadi area. The drinks menu includes beers, ciders, wines and champagnes, which can be accompanied by a selection of sushi. This rooftop summer terrace is a perfect spot for pre-dinner or after-shopping drinks!

Jord

Located in the Kamppi shopping centre, organic food restaurant Jord offers a glorious view from its wall-sized windows. Jord’s beverages include a good selection of wines and also craft beer and cider. A three-course lunch menu with a fabulous view costs €30. Kamppi is a modern shopping centre with Finnish and international stores, which makes Jord a perfect spot for a glass of wine after a day of browsing the shops.

Loiste at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna

Retro rooftop bar Loiste has a genuine atmosphere of the 1950s. Part of Hotel Vaakuna, restaurant Loiste boasts views over the city centre and is open all year round. But the rooftop terrace itself is only open during summer months. Amid sunny skies, the terrace offers memorable, panoramic views of the Central Railway Station as well as the Finnish Parliament House.

Ravintola Palace

The legendary Palace was the first Finnish restaurant awarded a Michelin star. It has recently reopened its doors and – luckily for fans of cocktails – it now features a summertime terrace on its 10th floor. The view over the bay and harbour towards the Presidential Residency is spectacular on a sunny summer’s evening.

Top Art Galleries in Helsinki

Helsinki is home to a varied and exciting contemporary arts community and centuries worth of classic art. Both works by international artists and home-grown talents can be found throughout the city. Here are the ten best galleries in Helsinki for both contemporary and classic art.

Kiasma

Kiasma, the contemporary art wing of the Finnish National Gallery, holds over 8,000 works in its collection and showcases the best of Finnish and Nordic artwork in a modern, light-filled building. The Round-Trip exhibit showing during 2018 and 2019 collects works by 26 artists from the Baltic regions to reflect their shared history, culture and arts. Other exhibits, past and present, include the candidates for the Ars Fennica Award, the Aalto Natives showcase, which was shown at the 2017 Venice Biennale and the absurdist paintings of English artist Grayson Perry. On top of this, Kiasma has a dedicated programme for children, and even a ‘colour workshop’ for babies under one year of age. During August 2018, the museum is open until midnight on Fridays.

Korjaamo Galleria

The Korjaamo Galleria was founded in 2004 as part of the Korjaamo Culture Factory, which is one of the largest centres for the arts in the Nordic region. The gallery presents exhibitions that change on a monthly basis and centres around inspiring works of contemporary art by artists from Finland and overseas who work in various fields and disciplines. These artists include the young, talented painter Sami Havia, a graduate of Helsinki’s Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, who works within the disciplines of abstract Expressionism and intuitive painting, and photographer Mikko Rikala.

The Finnish Museum of Photography

Founded in 1969, the Finnish Museum of Photography is the oldest photography museum in Europe and contains a huge archive of over two million photos dating back to the 19th century and provides an exhibition space for contemporary photographers. Exhibits reflect both past and present life in Finland and mark important anniversaries, such as the 2018 exhibit on the centenary of the Finnish Civil War.

Helsinki’s Best Cafés and Coffee Shops

These are just some of the best and most unique cafés you can find in the city.

Café Vanille

Located in the Russian merchant’s quarter of the Suomenlinna island fortress, this café has an old fashioned European aesthetic, which looks like something from a fairy tale or a Jane Austen novel. It serves coffee and some traditional Finnish cakes, such as sweetbuns, as well as offering custom made cakes for parties. If you are visiting Suomenlinna, it is an ideal place to stop and rest your feet after a walk around the town.

Blinit

If you want to try Russian food and drink but can’t afford the visa, Blinit is a great alternative, and reportedly serves some of the best Russian food outside of the country. As well as hot and cold Russian drinks, they also serve Russian meals and snacks. The most popular is blini, a type of pancake that comes with traditional sweet toppings or savoury varieties exclusive to Finland, and makes an ideal snack to go along with your afternoon pick-me-up.

Strindberg Café

This high-class establishment located in the city centre not only includes a café but a restaurant with spectacular views of central Helsinki, and even a library bar. The kitchen serves both international and Nordic foods. Thanks to its location, Strindberg Café is an ideal place to stop and rest, or to buy some of the café’s own coffee blends.

Ekberg

Open since 1852 and still maintaining a classic aesthetic, Ekberg is so popular and famous in the city that it also includes a bakery, pastry shop, and catering service. As one of the more high-class and traditional cafés in Helsinki, it is great for seasonal cakes or deserts for special occasions, a place to try Nordic food, or just dropping in for coffee.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki

Helsinki is a city with a distinct and charming atmosphere and a particular finesse, making it like no other place else on Earth. The architecture stands out with a mixture of Scandinavian, art-nouveau, and modernist styles, and remains at once industrial, utilitarian, and cool. Then there’s the city’s palette of seasonal colours; fluctuating between vivid summer greens, intense Baltic blues, and the crystalline white of Nordic winter. Through it all there are some fantastic things to do in Helsinki. Here are just some of the best.

The Market Square

Probably the first place that travellers will see when arriving in the old town of Helsinki will see – if you’re not too busy savouring a delightful cup of famous Finnish coffee – is the harbour and Market Square. This port area is one of the epicentres of life and commerce in town, and a veritable landmark of Helsinki as a whole. It’s here that locals gather to sell their best products, presenting fresh fish and Finnish specialties like reindeer horns, handmade jewellery, wooden mugs, and reindeer hides. The Baltic Herring Market at the beginning of October is the best time of year to visit the square, and the nearby Market Hall is open all year round for local flavours and unique souvenirs.

The Chapel of Silence

Kamppi Chapel of Silence is a sanctuary of quietude in the midst of Helsinki’s lively city centre. The chapel is tiny yet warm and calm, and the thick wooden walls, made of Nordic spruce, work to enhance the depth of the silence inside. Stepping into the main room reveals wooden benches and a fascinating altar holding a thin, metal cross and a bowl. What’s more, the building is constructed in an amazing circular shape that represents the height of architectural innovation in true Scandinavian style.

Juttutupa

A swell pub and a delicious restaurant with an atmosphere set to bold combinations of rock fusion and contemporary jazz music, Juttutupa’s history goes all the way back to 1884, giving it the distinction of being one of the oldest joints in town. It was once even the host of revolutionary socialist meetings led by Vladimir Lenin, while today it entertains crowds of local patrons and travellers alike, who enjoy dishes such as juicy burgers and pizza at the long, communal dining tables.

Helsinki City Museum

There is arguably no better place to understand how exactly the city of Helsinki became what it is today than the City Museum, which won Finland’s Museum of the Year award in 2017. In five separate buildings on the Cathedral Square, a complexity of exhibitions range from traditional Finnish costumes to displays of 19th-century home décor, complete with early prototypes of refrigerators and irons. The centre also takes a look at the cultural life of the city and the incredible female presence in the political and economic environment of the last century. Virtual reality technology combined with old photographs also allow visitors to feel as if they have literally stepped back in time to Helsinki’s past

The Best Locations in Latin America for Digital Nomads

More people are choosing to live and work remotely in Latin America due to its lower cost of living, higher quality of life, and ever-growing quantity of coworking spaces (400+ in 2016). Over recent years, the appeal of this once politically-fraught region has grown significantly. With that in mind, here are the best spots in Latin America for digital nomads.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the top destinations for modern day digital nomads, since it is easily accessible from the US and works on more or less the same time zones as its northern neighbour. Add to that a reliably solid infrastructure and internet network, a rich cultural heritage that will charm even the worst of cynics, and a far lower cost of living (even in the relatively pricey capital, Mexico City) and it’s easy to see why it’s a digital nomad hotspot.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well-known for being the world’s happiest country, and it’s easy to see why given the wealth of bio-diversity, political stability, and economic security that this petite Central American country boasts—even if the cost of living is higher than the average of Latin American countries. Costa Rica’s sustainability ranking is high, even if its pace of life is slow, and the public health system is second to none. Combine all of these factors with great internet, warm weather, and sloths—Costa Rica becomes the perfect location.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of the Americas,’ is a no-brainer digital nomad destination in Latin America. While pricier than some of its neighbours, it’s still far more affordable than most European or North American countries. The start-up scene is constantly developing, resulting in a wealth of great internet connections and cowering spaces.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, the capital of skinny Chile, is a great digital nomad location in Latin America due to its stable economy (although prices can often be on a par with the US) and its developing startup/entrepreneurial scene. It isn’t as chaotic as other Latin American capitals and it enjoys proximity to tons of natural beauty. It also has a reputation for safety. The internet is great and Santiago also has fantastic wine to wash away the stress after a hard day of nomad-ing.

Most Colourful Buildings in Latin America

It has everything from vibrant street art that brightens up city centres throughout North, Central and South America to colourful neighbourhoods and flamboyantly painted houses. With that in mind, here are the most colourful buildings Latin America has to offer.

MEXICO

Mexico is one of Latin America’s largest countries and arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. It also has some of the most colourful towns in the world, from the yellow pueblo mágico of Izamal in the Yucatán, to the multicoloured hodge-podge of houses in Guanajuato and the deep, saturated oranges of coastal Veracruz, all of which make Mexico a colour-lover’s dream destination.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Moving down to Central America, which covers the Mayan heartland of Guatemala, the diver’s paradise of Belize, plus Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica, and you’re still in for a treat if colourful buildings are what you want. In Nicaragua, Granada’s central church is stunning, while the rich culture of Guatemala is matched only by the vibrant hues that dominate the city of Antigua. The yellow church in Granada.

CUBA AND THE CARIBBEAN

If you prefer a Caribbean vacation, then rest assured that there’s is plenty of colour on offer in Puerto Rico and Cuba too. Everyone knows that Old Havana is literally littered with rundown-yet-impressively-colourful buildings, but many forget about the quaint coastal town of Trinidad. Plus, Puerto Rico’s San Juan is a pastel paradise for Instagram fans and those who love a picture perfect backdrop.

The Top Latin American Cities for Solo Travelers

Traveling is a priceless experience. It is through your adventures and experiences abroad that you will have the opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons, expand your mind, unlock parts of your inner self, learn valuable life lessons, encounter inspiring people, stimulate all of your senses, and just feel blissed out. Traveling alone verses with another person or in a group is a whole different experience. There are a handful of cities in Central and South America that are particularly perfect for the solo traveler.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile was once more commonly considered as just the starting point for more popular destinations in Chile such as Patagonia by solo adventurers. However, many travelers are beginning to realize that Santiago is actually an incredible city to visit and spend some time. It is safe, clean, developed, and bursting with great cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, museums, parks, and other cultural landmarks. The city is relatively easy to navigate and public transportation is accessible. You can find everything from five-star luxury accommodations to friendly hostels. As a solo traveler, Bellavista is a great area to stay around. This bohemian neighborhood is where the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda lived and where you will find the best nightlife.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina is often referred to as the Paris of South America. This culturally fascinating city is full of life, energy, and wonderful experiences to be had. Getting around the city is easy with six subway lines, hundreds of inexpensive buses called collectivos, and plenty of taxis. There are over 3000 restaurants, an impressive theater and music scene, captivating art galleries, great shopping, and a very happening café scene. This is the type of place that you can just wander around all day and every day and not have the same day twice. Buenos Aires has a European vibe with an intoxicating Latin flare. Petty theft is unfortunately common in the city, so just make sure that you don’t wear flashy jewelry, don’t carry around valuables, and lock up your important belongings (passport, credit cards, jewelry, etc.) in your accommodation’s safe.

Ambergis Caye, Belize

Belize is a rapidly up and coming travel destination and expat hotspot in Central America. Amergis Caye is the largest of more than 200 cayes in Belize. As a solo traveler, this is an amazing spot to visit. The tropical paradise is bursting with beautiful beaches, rainforests, an awe-inspiring and expansive barrier reef, fun bars, fabulous restaurants, and even Mayan ruins. Belize is also an English-speaking country, which makes it even more appealing for non-Spanish speaking travelers. The caye is only 40 kilometers/25 miles long and 7 kilometers/4.5 wide. The spectacular barrier reef is only a hundred yards off the coast. No long distance traveling once you are here!

The Best Unique Experiences in Reykjavik

From catching a glimpse of the colourful Northern Lights to visiting the filming locations of Game of Thrones, Iceland offers a wide range of exciting things to do. Get to know this Nordic country and all that is has to offer with list of unique experiences.

With its striking nature and must-visit attractions, Iceland is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Uncover its astonishing beauty by taking part in handpicked tours that give you an insight into Icelandic culture.ClassHands-On Slátur Cooking Class at a Working Farm Near Reykjavik

On a beautiful farm just outside of Reykjavík, we will be preparing, cooking and eating the most authentic food known to Icelanders. The food in question is a called “Slátur” in Icelandic. We will also enjoy a taste platter with other traditional Icelandic food including fermented shark, brawn, dried fish, rye bread and other famous Icelandic foods. Finally we will walk around the farm and interact with the animals, depending on the time of year the farm can contain kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs, chinchillas, common quail,  a pig, chickens, goats, sheep, and horses.ActivitiesDinner with an Icelandic

I invite you to a traditional Icelandic home made dinner prepared my way with the best of our local produce. Cooking food has been my hobby for many years. I have most cooked for family and friends, until recently a woman who works in the gallery where I sell my paintings encouraged me to open my home and invite travelers to eat dinner with me. They have been completely happy with my food, just like my family and friends.

Spend a day exploring some of the incredible locations used in the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ on this 8-hour tour from Reykjavik. With a professional guide leading the way, follow in the footsteps of the White Walkers at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, visit  the breathtaking natural vistas of Lake Thingvallavatn. Then, reimagine one of the most brutal sieges in the show’s history at Thjorsárdalur valley. Round-trip transport on a comfortable, fully heated coach is included.

The Best Diving Spots in Central America

The Central American isthmus has a huge array of diving spots on both coasts. Here are the top ones to visit.

Caye Caulker, Belize

This laidback caye in Belize is picture postcard Caribbean. It also sits on the second largest barrier reef in the world, making it a haven for diving. Stick close to the reef or head out to the iconic Great Blue Hole for one of the world’s most famous dives.

Utila, Honduras

This small island has forged a reputation as a mecca for divers, offering some of the cheapest scuba qualifications in the world. It’s also a top spot for partying, although you might not want to combine the two. Plenty of people do dive on a hangover, but some of the drinking challenges at the island’s bar sound as though they’d keep you far from the water the next day.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

The islands of Boca del Toro offer great diving throughout the year, at spots such as Hospital Point and Coral Cay. Experts say that the area is home of the best-preserved hard and soft coral in the world. You can also go surfing and turtle watching at Bocas del Toro.

Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

You’ll need to book a trip on a liveaboard dive boat to visit this island, which sits 550 kilometres from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Jurassic Park was set here, and Isla del Coco has been lauded as a great place to spot rays, dolphins and hammerhead sharks.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

This beautiful lake ringed by volcanoes draws visitors for a variety of reasons, but it’s also an intriguing dive spot. Guatemala isn’t as famous for diving as its Central American neighbours but if you’re in the country and want to spend some time underwater, Lake Atitlan is a good shout. There are submerged buildings and volcanic formations to explore, and you can even cook an egg over an underwater vent.

Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Get a flight from the Nicaraguan capital of Managua to these remote Caribbean islands. Land at Big Corn before setting off for Little Corn, where you will find reefs teeming with marine life. The most famous spot is called Blowing Rock, a favourite hangout for barracuda.

Epic Reasons to Visit Nicaragua At Least Once in Your Lifetime

Nicaragua is a wonderful place to visit thanks to its amazing combination of Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volcanoes, and varied ecosystems. Here are some of the best reasons why you should visit the Central American nation.

The surfing is incredible

Explore the Pacific coast and you’ll find countless surf spots suited for beginners as well as experienced waveriders. San Juan del Sur makes a good base if you want to surf and party, while the isolated Aseradores has big waves in an isolated setting.

It’s less crowded than other Latin American countries

For years Nicaragua has been touted as the new Costa Rica due to the similarity of its attractions. It’s less developed than its southern neighbour, so you won’t have to share your experience with thousands of other visitors.

Diving is a big thing

Most of the diving in Nicaragua is found on the Caribbean coast, especially around the Corn Islands. Take a short flight from the capital city of Managua and you will be in tropical paradise in no time. Get below the waves to see some of the amazing marine life, and relax under the palm trees in the evening. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua.

The people are friendly

Nicaraguans are known for welcoming visitors, and the country also has lower crime rates in certain categories than its Central American neighbours. While petty crime can be an issue in some areas, violent crime rates are markedly lower than in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

It’s teeming with wildlife

Whether you are into birdwatching, marine life, or larger mammals, there is something for everyone in Nicaragua. Watch sea turtles hatch on the Pacific coast, watch the birds around Lake Nicaragua, or head off into the jungle to spot monkeys, jaguars and cougars.

It’s cheap

Nicaragua is incredibly affordable as a destination. You can get around on a minimal budget and still experience the best of the country. Eating street food and staying in hostels is the best way to stretch your money.

Things to Know Before Travelling to Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a fascinating country, and a firm favourite on the backpacker circuit through Central America. Here are things you should know before you go.

There are volcanoes everywhere

As with other Central American nations, the Ring of Fire runs through Nicaragua. Down the Pacific side of the country, you can see volcanoes everywhere you go. From the active volcano at Masaya to the crater lake at Apoyo, there are lots of opportunities for visitors to appreciate these natural wonders.Volcano views

Certain parts of the country are inaccessible except by plane

If you’re planning on visiting the Corn Islands or other parts of the Caribbean coast, be aware that the area is only really accessible by plane. While it’s not too expensive to get there, the extra cost can be too much for many budget travelers.

It’s an affordable destination

Central America is known as a generally affordable place to spend time, and Nicaragua is the cheapest country in the region. The cost of living is very low, and if you eat street food you can get by on $20 per day. The great green macaw can be seen in Nicaragua.

The Caribbean coast is an isolated paradise

If you manage to get over to Bluefields and the Corn Islands, you’ll find an unspoilt paradise waiting to be discovered. With interesting history and amazing nature, it’s worth the flight from Managua.

Security is generally not a problem

While neighbouring countries have a big problem with crime and there are frequent travel warnings, Nicaragua is relatively safe. Crime rates are lower, and if you take normal precautions, you should be fine.

Don’t miss the street food

Main meals in Nicaragua can get a bit monotonous, with black beans, rice, and fried plantains an almost constant feature, so you should make sure to try as much street food as possible. There are loads of different snacks at bargain prices, and you’ll get to spend time with the locals, too. Sandino graffiti in Nicaragua.