Things to do in Joensuu
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Taitokortteli
Taitokortteli is a pocket of local craftsfolk making clothing, toys and homewares. It’s a chance to see weavers at work, browse contemporary art or secondhand books, and purchase local designers’ work, plus there’s a sweet cafe and gallery space. If you’re coming from the park, look out for the monkey-baby sculpture perched on the balcony.
reviewed
-
Carelicum
If you want to know more about Karelian history or culture, the Carelicum should be your first stop. It’s a conceptual museum with one main floor of photographic exhibits and static displays, an interactive area for kids modelled on part of old Joensuu, and a miniature model of the Karelian town of Sortavala (now in Russia), upstairs.
reviewed
-
Teatteri
You’ll have trouble keeping an eye on your plate amid the swanky surroundings of the town hall art deco building, which is decked out in Karelian maroons and blacks. The menu is representative of the region, with muikku (small whitefish) from nearby lakes and border-crossing borscht.
reviewed
-
Ravintola Astoria
Set in a former girls’ school, this restaurant is a stylish affair with a Hungarian influence. Expect a menu with plenty of paprika and garlic in goulashes and hefty steaks. Hungarian wines complement the food and chilled slivovitz (plum brandy) makes a strong finisher.
reviewed
-
Jetset Bar
This bar is the latest and trendiest spot in Joensuu, on a corner at the end of the pedestrian section of Kauppakatu. It would be easy to be snide about the name, but it's a cheery spot where people like to be seen, although it gets impossibly crowded at weekends.
reviewed
-
M/S Vinkeri II
In summer there are scenic cruises on the Pielisjoki, a centuries-old trading route. The M/S Vinkeri II has day and evening cruises on Mondays to Fridays from early June to early August, departing from the passenger harbour south of Suvantosilta bridge.
reviewed
-
Town Hall
The art deco town hall dominates the town centre, between the kauppatori and river. It was designed by Eliel Saarinen, most famous for Helsinki’s train station, and was built in 1914. It now houses the local theatre and Teatteri.
reviewed
-
Orthodox Church of St Nicholas
Joensuu’s most intriguing church is the wooden Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, built in 1887 with icons painted in St Petersburg during the late 1880s. There are services at 6pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
reviewed
-
Joensuu Taidemuseo
Near the kauppatori, JoensuuTaidemuseo boasts an impressive collection including Chinese pieces, examples of Finnish modernism and an intriguing selection of Orthodox icons swiped from the Soviets.
reviewed
-
Deli China
Done out in bold reds and black this Chinese restaurant is a stylish spot with reliable noodle and rice dishes. Their takeaway prices are even more affordable if you want to eat in your hotel room.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Tuulaaki
This summer terrace is sweetly placed right near the passenger quay and regularly features live rock. At other times it’s often quieter, as it’s away from the city centre.
reviewed
-
Saimaa Ferries
In summer there are scenic cruises on the Pielisjoki, a centuries-old trading route. You can book and check timetables with Saimaa Ferries or the city tourist office.
reviewed
-
Rosso
While this chain is never going to hit any culinary heights, this is a branch worth considering for its excellent terrace in the centre of town.
reviewed
-
Jetset Bar
This bar draws a blokey crowd with a good beer range and live rock on the weekends. It’s very much a locals’ hang-out.
reviewed
-
M/S Satumaa
The M/S Satumaa also runs regular cruises on the Pielisjoki and nearby lakes from June to mid-August.
reviewed
-
Kahvila & Konditoria Houkutus
A smart bakery that does morning coffee with excellent cakes; the mint blackcurrant cake is a treat.
reviewed
-
Giggling Marlin
This large club plays very dance-friendly disco and Suomipop for Joensuu’s younger crowd.
reviewed
-
Restaurant Schooner Elina
A popular boat restaurant on the water that attracts a drinking crowd later.
reviewed
-
