About Oulu
Oulu is one of Finland's major cities, home to around 216,066 people.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Oulu
1
Oulu Museum of Art
2
Oulu Castle
3
Oulu Cathedral
4
Oulu Automobile Museum
5
Hupisaaret park, Fountains and salmon stairs
6
Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
7
Cinema Finnkino Plaza
Budget travel
Free things to do in Oulu
Oulu Cathedral
Hupisaaret park, Fountains and salmon stairs
Cinema Finnkino Plaza
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Oulu Museum of Art
- Visit Oulu Castle
- Visit Oulu Cathedral
- Eat at Pizzeria Old Lemoon
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Oulu Automobile Museum
- Visit Hupisaaret park, Fountains and salmon stairs
- Visit Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
- Eat at RAX Pizzabuffet
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Cinema Finnkino Plaza
- Eat at Katri Antell-lounasravintolat
Where to eat
Local favourites
Pizzeria Old Lemoon
A cheap pizzeria but with good reviews
- $
RAX Pizzabuffet
The pizza buffet chain has two restaurants in Oulu, of which the Ideapark one is more popular
- $
Katri Antell-lounasravintolat
The local bakery operates several lunch eateries both in central Oulu and the suburbs.
Café Provence
Simple café serving lunch.
Koivurannan kahvila
A café right at the Oulu river. Also has rowing boats for rent.
Villa Hannala
A summer restaurant-café in a historic villa 3 km from the city centre.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Lasaretti
One of the cheapest, yet most historical hotels in Oulu. It's in Hupisaaret, the recreational area of Oulu, 1 km from centre.
- $
Best Western Hotel Apollo
Good value for money, a clean and modern hotel in the city centre. There are 70 rooms, some are tiny.
- $
Finlandia Hotel Airport
A decent hotel 5 minutes drive from the airport. With Spanish restaurant El Sabor.
Radisson Blu
Splurge hotel built in the 2000s. Probably the most expensive hotel room in Oulu is found here, with the presidential suite costing around €
- $
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Slick modern hotel.
Shopping
- Verkkokauppa.com
- Zeppelin
- Ideapark Oulu
- Shopping Centre Valkea
- Power Limingantulli
- Raksila hypermarkets
Nightlife
- 1bar
- 45 Special
- Amarillo
- Caio
- Graali
- Hevimesta
Museums & culture
- Oulu Museum of Art
- Oulu Castle
- Oulu Cathedral
- Oulu Automobile Museum
- Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
In pictures
Oulu gallery
Keep exploring
