Tampere, Finland

Capital City

Don't let Tampere's reputation as the "Manchester of the North" fool you - this inland city of 255,050 is no industrial utopia. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, though the city's cultural offerings and scenic lakeside location provide a respite from the grind. For those who can stomach the harsh winters and occasional Soviet-era inefficiency, Tampere offers an authentic Finnish experience away from the tourist hordes of Helsinki.