Are you making a quick stop in Oulu, or passing through on your way further? Even with just a day, Oulu is well worth the visit – you’ll be able to enjoy many of the city’s highlights in a short amount of time! The compact city center and its easy accessibility make Oulu an ideal destination for a brief visit. Check out our tips below on how to make the most of your day in Oulu.
Add to favouritesShow all favouritesOulu in One Day: Experience the City’s Highlights!
The Market Square and Rotuaari
Start your day in the heart of Oulu, at the Market Square. In the summer, you can enjoy coffee and local treats at the market cafes while greeting the historic Toripolliisi statue. The square is surrounded by charming red barns where you can find local crafts and products. While you’re there, pop into the beautiful, historic Oulu Market Hall. Open year-round, the Market Hall café offers a cozy atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can try traditional Oulu dish “rössypottu” at the café. You’ll also find Oulu Tourist Information inside the Market Hall.
From the Market Square, it’s a short walk to Rotuaari, the lively pedestrian street in Oulu’s city center. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s best shopping, including the Valkea shopping mall, as well as many restaurants and cafes for a delicious lunch break. You might want to stop by the charming Restaurant Puistola or enjoy the Parisian-style atmosphere at Restaurant Alfred.
Oulu Art Museum and the City Parks
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture for 2026, and even on a brief visit, you should explore the city’s cultural offerings! Head to the Oulu Art Museum to discover captivating exhibitions and works by local and international artists. With regularly changing exhibits, there’s always something new to see. The Oulu Art Museum is just a short walk from the Market Square and Rotuaari. Along the way, you can admire the Oulu City Hall and the Ajan kulku (Flow of Time) sculpture behind it, which tells the story of Oulu’s history.
Right next to the art museum, you’ll find the beautiful Ainola Park and Hupisaaret islands, which are stunning in any season. Here, you’ll see the iconic giant OULU letters, perfect for photos. This lush park feels like a peaceful oasis in the city, with small streams and canals adding to its charm. It’s also a great spot to enjoy the views of the Oulujoki estuary. In the 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, creative island of Pikisaari. Along the way, stop by Linnansaari to admire the pink Observatory of the old maritime school. Built in 1875 and designed by Wolmar Westling, this observatory has served as a summer café since 1912. Originally, it was used by navigation students as a study and observation tower. You can also visit the Castle Cellar in summer to explore its exhibition about the island’s history.
In Pikisaari, you’ll discover the idyllic wooden old town! This area has a rich history connected to Oulu’s shipbuilding and tar industries, with ships being built here as far back as the 1600s. Later, the island became known for its tar products. Surrounded by the beautiful river estuary, Pikisaari is home to original wooden houses, the Sailor’s Home Museum, and an art trail that winds through the island in summer. Stop by one of the island’s excellent restaurants, like the legendary Sokeri-Jussi or the Mallassauna Brewery Restaurant by Hailuoto Brewery, where you can also enjoy a relaxing sauna.
Nallikari: Discover Oulu’s Seaside Beauty
To end your day, head to Nallikari Beach, where you’ll experience the best of Oulu’s coastal charm. Nallikari is known for its stunning sandy beach, iconic lighthouse, and some of the city’s most beautiful sunsets – and even the northern lights in the wintertime! The area is surrounded by pleasant nature trails, complete with a birdwatching tower and campfire spots. If time permits, you can rent a fatbike, SUP board, or kayak from Nallikari Safaris – or in winter, try sliding snowshoes or ice-fishing gear. For dinner, enjoy a quality meal with a sea view at Restaurant Nallikari or try some of the city’s best artisan pizzas at Bistoria Patio.
Staying Longer in Oulu?
There’s plenty to see and do in and around Oulu for several days or even a week! Check out our other guides for more inspiration:
The Best of Oulu in Three Days – Read More >>
The Best of Oulu in a Week – Read More >>