Oulu in a day: see and experience the best of the city!

Stopping off in Oulu for a quick visit or on your way even further north on your way to the city? Oulu is worth a day trip - you can experience many of the city's highlights in a short time! The city's compact centre and easy accessibility make it an ideal destination for even a short visit. Read our tips on how to make the most of your day in Oulu in this article.

Add to favourites

The atmosphere of Kauppatori and the hustle and bustle of Rotuaari

Start your day in the heart of downtown Oulu, At Oulu market. In summer, you can enjoy coffee and local delicacies in the market cafés, while you visit the historic Toripolliisi statue. The market is surrounded by red fences selling handicrafts and local products. Stop by and get a feel of the atmosphere Oulu Market Hall in a beautiful historic building. The café is open all year round, and the old building also offers a special atmosphere at Christmas time. Traditional Oulu dishes rye pots you can get a taste at the café in the Kauppahall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also find Oulu Tourist Information.

A short walk from the market To the Rotuaarie, on a lively pedestrian street in the centre of Oulu. The best shopping areas of the city are located near Rotuaari, such as Shopping Centre Valkea and many restaurants and cafés where you can stop for a delicious lunch. For example, stop off at the charming Restaurant in Puistola or in an atmospheric little Paris Restaurant at Alfred.

Oulu Art Museum and the lush Hupisaarten City Park

Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026, and even a quick visit to Oulu is worth exploring the city's cultural offerings! Visit Oulu Art Museum, where you can explore fascinating exhibitions and be inspired by the work of local and international artists. With changing exhibitions, there's always something new to see. The Oulu Art Museum is a short walk from the market square and Rotuaari: along the way you can admire Oulu City Hall and the one behind it The passage of time sculpture, which provides an overview of the history of the city of Oulu.

Right next to the art museum, you will find a beautiful all-season Ainola Park and The islands of Hupisaari, where are located the picturesque, gigantic The letters OULU. The lush park is like a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with small streams and canals flowing through the area, creating a charming atmosphere. The park offers stunning views of the Oulujoki estuary. In summer, you can also visit the park's Botanical Garden.

The idyllic old town of Pikisaari

Continue your journey from Ainola Park towards the historic Pikisaari. You can stop along the way Linnansaaressa to admire the pink the Star Tower of the old nautical school. Built in 1875 from drawings by Wolmar Westling, the Star Tower has served as a summer café since 1912, and in its early years served as a school for maritime students and an observation tower. Castle cellar invites you to visit an exhibition on the history of the castle every summer.

Continue your journey to the idyllic Piccadilly to the wooden old town! In the old industrial landscape of Oulu's shipbuilding and tar culture history, ships were built as early as the 17th century. Later, the island was used to manufacture the tar products of the tar-head city. Surrounded by a beautiful estuary, you will find, among other things, original wooden houses, Seamen's Home Museum and an art trail that circles the island in summer. Stop off at one of the island's excellent restaurants, such as the legendary Sugar-Jussiin or Hailuoto Brewery Restaurant To the malt sauna, where you can also enjoy the warmth of the sauna.

Nallikari: Oulu's maritime pearl

At the end of the day, head to Nallikari, where you can experience Oulu's seascape at its best. Nallikari is known for its stunning sandy beach, its iconic lighthouse and the city's most beautiful sunsets. Nallikari is surrounded by pleasant nature trails with birdwatching towers and campfire sites. If you have time, rent a Nallikari from Safaris fatbike, SUP board or kayak, or in winter, sliding shoes and fishing gear. Enjoy a quality dinner with a sea view Restaurant in Nallikari or taste some of the best artisan pizzas in town Bistoria with patio.

Will you stay in Oulu for longer?

There's enough to do in and around the city to keep you busy for days or even weeks! See also our tips articles on Oulu in three and seven days!

The best of Oulu in three days - read here >>

The best of Oulu in a week - read here >>