Explore the Hood

Tune into your neighborhood. Here are our local favorites and some good-to-know stuff to keep in mind while visiting Oulu. Let’s get clued-up!

Ride safe

Pick a fair taxi: OTAXI, Menevä and FixuTaxi are all Ok. Or just take an Uber or a Bolt.

Cash is not king

Most places accept both cash and card, but we recommend to bring your credit card just in case.

Freedom to roam

Jokaisenoikeudet (the Right to Public Access) mean you can explore any land (with the exception of private gardens and cultivated land), as long as you don’t disturb and leave no trace.

Public transport

Plan and pay for your trip on the OSL (Oulun seudun liikenne) app.

Liquor limited

Alcohol stronger than beer is sold only in Alko.

Tipping

Not expected but always appreciated.

Emergencies

In an emergency, call 112.

Clubbing

Most bars close by 1 or 2 am, but clubs can stay open even until 5 am. Bring your ID.

For the essentials

Supermarket

  • K-Supermarket Pekuri, Kauppurienkatu 10

Pharmacy

  • Yliopiston apteekki, Isokatu 27

Alcohol

  • Alko Pekuri, Kauppurienkatu 10

Local favorites

  • Rotuaari – Oulu’s pedestrian zone, filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. The zone starts from the market square (Kauppurienkatu).
  • Tarkastamo – an event venue located in the same building as our hotel – take a look at their website in case your favorite band would be playing during your visit: tarkastamo-oulu.fi
  • Nature and day trips Ainola park – located in the Hupisaaret islands. Beautiful walking routes, a greenhouse and the perfect selfie spot with the “Oulu” letters right by the river.
  • Pikisaari island – an island right next to the city center – beautiful, calm, historical and accessible by foot! Take the environmental art path “Pikinen poloku”.
  • Nallikari beach – the perfect place for a relaxing day: a kilometer long sand beach, cafés and even a small amusement park for the smallest of your family.

Coffee & Bakery

  • Koivurannan kahvila, Kasarmintie 51 (sometimes also live music or stand up)
  • Konstantiina, Torikatu 12 (do you dare to test their tar latte?)
  • Huovisen leipomo (a local bakery with many coffee shops – one located right next to the train station)

Restaurant & Bar

  • Boat restaurant “Torin Kippari”, located by the market square
  • Sokeri-Jussin Kievari, Pikisaarentie 2 (try out the local speciality “rössypottu”)
  • Alfred Kitchen & Bar, Pakkahuoneenkatu 24 (good food in a nice atmosphere)
  • And don’t forget the little outdoor restaurants in the market square – try out a Greek gyros!

Bar & Nightclub

  • Karaoke Aitta, Rantakatu 22 (this is your chance to sing inside a 400-year-old market granary!)
  • Yöhuikka, Asemakatu 20 (an LGTBQ friendly bar)
  • Wine bar VOX, Pakkahuoneenkatu 8 (sit down for some wine and tapas)

Shopping

  • Valkea Shopping Centre, Isokatu 25
  • Ideapark, Ritaharjuntie 49