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Tapiola district with central pool, Espoo Cultural Centre and original architecture.

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Things to do in Tapiola district

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Tapiola district, also known as Garden City, is one of Espoo's vibrant urban centers and a part of the Finnish national landscape. Since the 1950s, the area has been designed and built in connection with and as part of local nature. Nowadays, it is full of arts, culture, sports, services, events, and a combination of original and new architecture, and plenty to experience for everybody.

This article provides information on Tapiola's sights and attractions, activities in the area, shopping opportunities, and cafés and restaurants.

Statue from Espoo Museum of Modern Art - EMMA in the Tapiola metro station.
Photo: Visit Espoo / Omar El Mrabt

First of all, How do you get there?

The easiest way to reach Tapiola district when arriving from Helsinki is by metro (underground) to Tapiola station, which is located under the Ainoa Shopping Centre, as well as bus stations. The best way to figure out your journey is to download the Helsinki Transportation HSL app. The app will show your journey from your current location to your final destination and recommend the best means of transportation, whether it is metro (underground), bus, or bike.

Metro station: Tapiola

Bus: Check getting around information

Cultural Sights & Attractions

Exhibition Centre WeeGee = A museum, exhibition, and event hub located in a house designed by Finnish architect Professor Aarno Ruusuvuori (1925-1992). You can explore the unique Futuro House, the building's architecture and history, and famous Finnish fairytales from Mauri Kunnas. EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art and KAMU - Espoo City Museum are also located in the same building. 

Learn about Espoo's history at KAMU – Espoo City Museum = If you ever wonder what makes Espoo a little different as a city, at KAMU – Espoo City Museum located on the entry floor of the Exhibition Centre WeeGee, you will find the answers through changing exhibitions, events, guided tours, and virtual technology.

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art = In EMMA, you can dive into the world of contemporary art and changing exhibitions on your own, explore more through guided tours, or attend one of EMMA's events, workshops, and talks. The museum is located on the second floor of the WeeGee Exhibition Centre.

The Museum of Play – Leikki = An interactive museum that will transfer you into your childhood and support the joy of playing. Whether you are a grownup or a family traveling with children, you can let your creativity and curiosity play here.

The Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu = Here, you can explore the world of time and jewelry explained via temporary exhibitions – from history to current trends and future predictions. Museum Kruunu is the only museum of horology and jewellery in Nordic countries.

Espoo Cultural Centre = Espoo's main events venue with up to 600 annual events - from theatre, dance, and films to events for children. It is also home to Tapiola Sinfonietta, & Espoo Theater and annual festivals such as April Jazz Festival, Espoo Ciné International Film Festival, PianoEspoo, and ChoralEspoo.

& Espoo Theater = Is the International Theatre of Finland where you can experience diverse, surprising, and explorational forms of arts. The theater has shows in many different languages, including English, and most of the performances are supported by subtitles options, making it easy for international visitors to enjoy the performing art.

Kino Tapiola = A cinema that was designed by Aarne Ervi and completed in 1955, making it the oldest part of the original Tapiola Garden City. In Kino Tapiola, you can enjoy watching some of the best movies in renovated but still original settings or enjoy some of their opera and ballet shows. 

People admiring exhibition insight WeeGee Exhibition Cenre and EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art.
Photo: EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art / Collection Kakkonen, / Paula Virta

Activities

Tapiola Garden / Tapiola Ice Garden = is a free-of-charge swimming pool during summer and a 330-m-long skating track during winter located in the heart of the Tapiola district's cultural center. Equipment such as rowing boats (summer season) and ice skates (winter season) are available for rent right in the area.

Tapiola Bowling Center = a modern bowling center with traditional twists. Here, you can enjoy outings with friends or get to know locals while bowling,  playing billiards, or darts.

Tapiola Garden City Walking Tour with Metroretket guides = is a perfect way to learn about Tapiola's architecture and history from the 1960s to today. The tour takes you through old and new, including beautiful parks, forests, and gardens, and after the tour, you will understand the meaning of Tapiola Garden City.

Tapiola Golf and Tapiola Minigolf (summer season) = Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Tapiola Golf's good-quality greens and golf club, which is located a few kilometers outside Tapiola Center. Minigolf by Tapiolan Minigolf is available during the summer season (May - September) just outside the Tapiola Centre.

Walk around Otsolahden Harbour and Otsolahti Park, a picture-worthy bay area just a short distance from Tapiola Center. It is a wonderful place to walk, stop for coffee in the harbour area, or even go jogging. Along the way, you can find outdoor gyms, viewpoints, and a playground for children. The trail is part of the 40 km long Espoo Waterfront Walkway (Google Maps location for the Otsolahti area)

Espoo Culture & Seaside cycling route = Active visitors are welcome to enjoy a 10 km long cycling trip (or part of it) that introduces local culture, sightseeing, and nearby nature. This cycling tour can be done by renting a gravel or fat bike or even with HSL City Bikes (just keep in mind that you may need to change your city bike a couple of times during the trip - there are plenty of city bike stations along the route.

Cafés & Restaurants in Tapiola disctrict

Cafés

Café Tarina (Shopping Mall Ainoa) = serves seasonally inspired pastries, customized breakfasts, and light lunches. Besides that, you can enjoy a cup of filtered coffee from Paulig Roastery's Tarina Blend.

Fazer Café Ainoa (Shopping Mall Ainoa) = located on the second floor of Shopping Mall Ainoa, the famous Fazer Café offers delightful cakes and pastries. Here, you will also find popular Fazers chocolates and the newest flavors to taste before they become available in stores.

Kaisan Café (Shopping Mall Ainoa) = is a popular Café with two locations in Espoo (Shopping Mall Ainoa and Shopping Mall Iso Omena). Fresh-made bakery products are always on offer, and the Café is known for its Cinnamon buns, which are baked using a traditional home bakery approach and Kaisan's own recipe. 

Delicatessen Weegee (WeeGee Exhibition Centre) = is located conveniently on the first floor of the WeeGee Exhibition Centre. Here, you can stop for a cup of coffee, lunch on weekdays, or brunch on weekends.

Café Hyrrä (The Museum of Play – Leikki) = In Café Hyrrä, you can taste some of the cakes and pastries inspired by customers' wishes and the owners' dream fulfillment of baking delicacies. Since the Café is located in the same building as The Museum of Play – Leikki and The Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu, you may seasonally find cakes and pastries inspired by current exhibitions. 

 

Restaurants

Restaurant Grill It! Tapiola Garden (Original Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden) = is a Scandinavian restaurant that combines traditional barbecue and first-class raw materials in a fresh and exciting way.

Restaurant G.O.A.T. = offers delicious and relaxed food at the AINOA Shopping Centre with the contribution of three different popular and trendy restaurants.

Bistro O Mat Tapiola = serves lunch and dinner, which combines Scandinavian and French cuisine.

Restaurant Kylä = offers natural ingredients, seasonal flavors, a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and long dinners in a great company.

Anne's Vege = (vegetarian) offers healthy and delicious vegetarian food that is completely vegan and gluten-free.

Deliberi Tapiola = here you can choose snacks, tapas or bigger meals - or a glass of sparkling wine in a relaxed setting.

Dish in a plate from Bistro O mat restaurant.
Photo: Visit Espoo / Bella Table

Shopping & Second-Hand stores

If you are looking for souvenirs from your Espoo trip or just in the mood for shopping, the Tapiola district has plenty of options, from original Finnish brand stores to second-hand selections and vintage stores.

Ainoa Shopping Center is a unique shopping center with over 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and cafés. You can find there famous Finnish brand stores such as Marimekko, second-hand and vintage stores, and local favorite restaurants and cafés such as Kaisan Café, Fazer Café, Bistro O mat, Anne's Vege, Deliberi Tapiola, Restaurant G.O.A.T., and others. 

Stockmann Tapiola = is a famous department store with everything you may need, including the latest fashion, trendy cosmetics, world-famous Finnish design, souvenirs, and much more. The store is divided conveniently into several floors based on the product category, and it has been in different locations in the Tapiola district since 1981. Nowadays, Stockmann Tapiola is located inside the Ainoa Shopping Center. 

Second-Hands & Vintage Stores

  • Kidia second hand (Address: Shopping Mall Ainoa, 1. floor, Länsituuli 5) = Easy recycling for the whole family. The selection includes good-condition children's clothes and accessories, toys and children's accessories, and neat clothes and accessories for adults. The products are neatly organized by size and theme in the stores, so it's easy to make second-hand finds. The seller is pleased with the easy, full service.
  • Toinen Kierros (Address: Länsituuli 1) = A large self-service flea market in the center of Tapiola district, right next to the metro station. A wide selection of clothes, dishes and various accessories and objects. A full service is also available for sellers in addition to weekly rented tables.
  • Fida Heikintori (Address: Kauppamiehentie 1) = Fida Second-hand is a domestic charity store chain that sells clothes, furniture, hobby supplies, and interior decoration items. Fida is a Finnish aid, mission, and development cooperation organization.

Explore more Flea Markets and Second-Hands in Espoo

Here Image: Visit Espoo / Omar El Mrabt