Things to do in Vaasa
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Pohjanmaan Museo
Pohjanmaan Museo is a dynamic modern museum with plenty of opportunity for interaction. Downstairs in the Terranova section there’s a brilliant evocation of natural history including information on the nearby Kvarken area. Upstairs there are exhibitions about daily life in yesteryear Vaasa and the Hedman collection (named for the museum’s great patron who donated much of this collection), which includes a Tintoretto, a pair of Luca Giordanos, and a round Botticelli Madonna. There are also coins and ceramics.
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MS Tiira Cruises
The MS Tiira Cruises cruises the Vaasa archipelago from Midsummer to mid-August. It departs from the Kalaranta passenger quay at midday and 16:00, picking up passengers at the Top Camping Vaasa camp site shortly thereafter. The cruise lasts about 3½ hours, about half of which seems to be taken up by a lunch stop (food not included) at a restaurant owned by the same outfit.
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Superstereo
One of the best bars in town, this university student hang-out has a pop culture–pastiche interior (check out their mural of the Vaasa skyline) and a summer-popular terrace. But wait there’s more! The clubby Munkhaus bar opens later with a pumping sound system playing electronica and danceable indie. Or chillax by ringing ahead to book the sauna for a sound-drenched soak.
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Kuntsi
For a modern take, Kuntsi covers pop art, kinetic art, surrealism and postmodernism. The collection opened in the former customs house during 2007, and was based on the collection of local collector Simo Kuntsi who had over 1000 pieces. It’s especially good on modern Finnish works – don’t miss the burning sauna or the Elovena girl hanging herself.
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Seglis
On Vaskiluoto, and part of the local sailing club, this is a stylish but surprisingly reasonably priced restaurant. It has a terrace overlooking the marina and features dishes such as whitefish fillet in lobster sauce, and chicken in cola sauce. There's plenty of value in the steaks, and there's also a decent lunch buffet and plenty of children's choices.
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Gustav Wasa
This underground restaurant is one of Finland’s best with a concise gourmet menu that blends classic Finnish with modern cuisine such as reindeer on tangy risotto. Once a coal cellar, the transformation to suave restaurant is achieved through low lighting and attentive service. For business meetings there’s a sauna to put the heat on clients.
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Bacchus
This golden wooden building not far from the water has a well-chosen menu that could include slow-baked hare with potato terrine. The rustic brickwork interior is warmed by animal skins, though the Wineroom section is minimalism chic. As you’d expect from a place named for the Greek god of boozing, the wine cellar is exceptional.
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Loftet
This cafe-cum-craft shop does great cakes and coffee. It’s a relaxed lunch spot that does good vegetarian-friendly soups and salads, which makes a change from heaving plates of meat. Aim to snag a room in the wood-panelled room out back then browse the adjoining craft shop that has good jewellery and linen.
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Konditoria Kotileipomo
This place, on the kauppatori (market square) in the city centre, is a pleasant café with a light, quiet, interior and a small terrace in summer. It serves tasty pastries in particular, and if you're planning a picnic, you can't beat one of the many types of loaves they bake fresh.
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Faros
This boat restaurant is moored in Kalaranta Harbour south of the bridge and makes for an atmospheric bite, especially its salmon soup with a dollop of mousse. They also do great steak and reindeer tournedos. Don’t miss the bathrooms with portholes (making them ‘portaloos’).
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Kaffehuset August
This wonderfully central spot attracts an older crowd with Swedish pastries and sandwiches for lunch then more substantial dinners such as plank-grilled salmon on a bed of horseradish and mussels. It’s ideal if you like your coffee served with a side of people-watching.
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O'Malley's
This is an Irish bar popular with visiting business people since it's part of the Radisson Hotel. With international beers and stout on tap, booth seating and a cosy atmosphere, it's a good place to be in winter. They pour a good Guinness when it's not too busy.
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Doo-bop Club
This joint swings with live jazz, funk and soul in a suitably dark bar that attracts a 30-plus crowd. Periodic jam sessions are not unheard of – if you’ve packed your clarinet – or can just click your fingers to the beats to look like a jazz-cat.
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Strampen
This waterfront favourite manages to do top-end meals inside and affordable burgers and pastas for drinkers on its harbourside terrace. Somehow both clientele are happy and the unassailably perky staff keep the outdoor bar pumping until late.
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Sky
Great views of the city are a big part of this popular bar’s appeal. Friday and Saturday feature DJs (€7 to €10) and the terraces are always relaxing. Don’t drink too much though as the zippy lift could leave your stomach on the 9th floor.
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Don Abbe Deli
This likeable little Mediterranean lunch spot does good paella, salads and lasagne. Look out for their panini and salad deal (€6.50), a healthy alternative to the grillis and pizzerias.
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Köpmanshuset Wasasferne
Köpmanshuset Wasasferne is a museum of local history with reconstructions of a 19th-century post office and some furniture salvaged from the Great Fire of 1852.
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Pizzeria Marco Polo
A traditional little Italian place serving cheap pizzas and pastas. There's a good range, and they'll even whip up a gluten-free pizza for those with dietary requirements.
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Yesterday Once More
If you’re looking for fashion, wander Kauppapuistikko for boutiques like Yesterday Once More, which recycles vintage styles into new takes.
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Tikanoja Art Gallery
Tikanoja Art Gallery features a strong international collection, including work by artists such as Degas, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso.
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Fondis
This restaurant-bar does a meaty menu that runs from burgers to liver in a lingonberry sauce. It’s a large joint with an always popular bar.
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Papin Nenä
This large brick building holds both this popular disco that has regular and diverse live acts, and the more sedate Munkhaus bar.
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Korsholm Church
Built in 1776, this grand structure was once the Court of Appeal, but began serving as a church after the Great Fire of 1852.
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Tropiclandia
Tropiclandia has plenty of water slides, Jacuzzis and health spas to keep both kids and adults happy.
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Bertel's Panorama
This is a great place for lunch with a view over the kauppatori. The daily buffet is not gourmet but is very generous.
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