Kokkola – a city to experience
The charming seaside town of Kokkola, filled with nostalgia, offers plenty to see and experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you want a change of scenery for a weekend or a longer stay, Kokkola is a great place to be and explore. If we could take you on a tour of Kokkola’s services and interesting places, the route could include destinations such as those listed below.
How does an inspiring moment surrounded by Finnish fashion and design sound? Or an atmospheric walk through the old town of Neristan and the museum quarter? During your stroll, you could stop by Isokatu for a coffee or a meal. At Mannerheim Square, filled with beautiful flower plantings, you’ll find the magnificent old Town Hall and the Statue of Liberty. For dessert, you could head to Kokkola Market Square, where you’ll find ice cream kiosks and, on Wednesdays, the evening market with stalls and vendors. In July, the popular Kokkola Cup football tournament weekend also takes place, bringing excitement, activity, and interesting matches throughout the city. Between games, you can stop by our factory outlet!
Kokkola is an excellent holiday destination—whether you are planning a trip alone, with a partner or family, or with a larger group. Read more and save these tips for your upcoming holiday, and plan an experience tailored to your own interests. A warm welcome to Kokkola!
Shopping tips in Kokkola
Design treasures from Paapii’s factory outlet
Paapii’s factory outlet is full of Finnish design, where you can find unique gifts for yourself or others. The selection includes a wide range of Paapii fabrics, clothing for women, children, babies, and men, lifestyle products, pattern books, and sewing supplies. Feel free to ask—our staff will gladly tell you more about the clothing factory and our products. The garments are made under the same roof, as Paapii’s sewing factory is located just a few steps from the store. During your visit, you can also explore the unique selection of Finsket, Paapii’s sibling brand.
The store is open Mon–Fri 10–17 and Sat 10–14.
At the factory outlet you will also find the Kokkola product line created in collaboration with the City of Kokkola, suitable as gifts, souvenirs, and keepsakes. The selection includes a tote bag, notebook, cutting board, tray, laundry vinegar, and apple and ginger candies.
Record Store 33 RPM
Be inspired by the treasures of a real record store! Located on Isokatu, the nostalgic Record Store 33 RPM offers a diverse selection of CDs and vinyl records across many music genres. Both new and used items are available, so you are sure to find something special for yourself and fellow music lovers.
Aikakone, Ykköskirppis and Vintage Makkara
The early bird catches the worm - and someone else's unused item can find a new home and become a treasure for its new owner. Kokkola has a wide range of flea markets where you can make one great find after another. At Aikakone and Ykköskirppis you can often find clothing, fabrics, toys, dishes, furniture and art. A newer addition in the city centre, Vintage Makkara, also offers great second-hand finds. Stop by on your way to market square ice cream or spring rolls!
Culture and cafés Kokkola style
Kulttuurikorjaamo
Let music resonate through body and soul. For live music lovers, we recommend Kulttuurikorjaamo near the city centre and its event offerings. Kulttuurikorjaamo hosts live concerts and club events for smaller audiences. Check Facebook to see what performances may be scheduled during your visit.
Museum Quarter and The Waffle Café
In the atmospheric museum quarter courtyard, you will find buildings from as many as four different centuries. Visit Kieppi, Kokkola’s natural history museum. Check the K.H. Renlund Museum website to see if there are exhibitions or events during your visit. After the museum tour, treat yourself at the nearby Waffle Café and enjoy a lovely summer day surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
Café Kahvipuu, Nera and Roja
All of these delightful places are located on Kokkola’s lovely Isokatu. A cosy atmosphere, good food, and desserts with coffee bring these places together beautifully. Whether you crave baked potatoes, pizza, or steak, you will find it. Check menus on the companies’ own websites.
Café Saha
Hickarö Resort
Meripuisto
Beautiful Meripuisto in Kokkola offers great opportunities for picnics, playground fun, and various activities. Go for a swim, play disc golf, do yoga, or relax with a book - there is plenty of space for activities, and it is easy to reach by bike from the city centre.
Stay comfortably in central Kokkola
Kokkola’s city centre hotels invite you to relax in soft sheets and stay a little longer. Choose stylish Sokos Hotel Kaarle, atmospheric Hotel Seurahuone, or the more compact Hotel Kokkola—and enjoy a carefree stay in Kokkola.
Kuva: Sokos Hotel Kaarle
The unique lighthouse island Tankar
A landscape like a painting—stunning Tankar is an experience worth having! You can reach the lighthouse island easily with M/S Jenny departing from Meripuisto. Capture beautiful photos of the charming red-and-white lighthouse and enjoy snacks on the rocks while admiring the stunning archipelago scenery.
Kuva: Visit Kokkola
