Best City Centre in Finland 2025

Uusikaupunki has won Finland’s 2025 national city centre competition, receiving the Best City Centre award from the association Elävät Kaupunkikeskustat (EKK) ry. The competition was held for the 26th time.

This award is a significant recognition of long-term work to develop a vibrant, maritime and distinctive city centre.

Uusikaupunki is the smallest city centre ever to be selected.

Why was Uusikaupunki awarded?

According to the jury, Uusikaupunki was selected for its fresh and forward-looking urban transformation, where history and future meet in a unique way. The development of the city centre has been consistent and exemplary, highlighted by the new Wintteri multipurpose building, which brings together culture, sports, education and community under one roof.

The jury also noted that the centre has maintained a stable level of commercial vitality (vitality index: 3.25). The renewal efforts have successfully preserved the historical environment while creating a modern and attractive urban experience in this coastal town.

The city’s innovative approach was also praised. Together with neighbouring municipalities in the Vakka-Suomi region, Uusikaupunki is developing a local version of the internationally known Business Improvement District (BID) model. The goal is to unite commerce, tourism, events and municipalities to strengthen the vitality of service centres and regional tourism. The project is the first of its kind at this scale in Finland.

"This renewed wooden town idyll was born through vision, persistence and community," summarized Aulis Tynkkynen, chair of the jury.

How the city centre has developed

"In Uusikaupunki, the development of the city centre has been systematic, participatory and knowledge-based for more than a decade," says City Architect Leena Arvela-Hellén.

Over that time, the shoreline of Kaupunginlahti (City Bay) has been transformed from parking and storage areas into a vibrant public space. At the bay’s end, you'll now find a popular skate park and recreational areas for all ages. The beloved seaside restaurants operate in historic salt warehouses.

The connection between the waterfront and shopping streets has been strengthened through seasonal lighting in Rauhanpuisto Park, public events, and the flexible urban design of Alinenkatu.

Flexibility and multifunctionality have been central to the development vision. The waterfront boulevard serves as both a scenic promenade and an open-air museum showcasing maritime history. The Merikortteli quarters along Alinenkatu transform into pedestrian streets and event areas, with additional parking added in winter as needed.

Opened in February 2025, the Wintteri multipurpose building is now a natural part of the living city centre. Its indoor and outdoor spaces are open to all residents, supporting a wide range of uses and user groups. Wintteri represents a shared investment of nearly €70 million in inclusive public space.

Planning a visit to Uusikaupunki?

Yours to Enjoy

Uusikaupunki is made for enjoyment. Unique local boutiques offer expert service. Cosy cafés and charming restaurants serve drinks and menus for every taste. In this walkable small town, everything is close by. The popular Uki Outlet reopens on May 16, 2025, bringing together a wide range of fashion and home décor – from local favourites to visiting brands.

Full of things to do

The summer events in Uusikaupunki's city centre are lively and welcoming. Family-friendly Minifarmi (May 17–18, 2025) and the returning Merefesti (June 6–8, 2025) are just the beginning. As summer progresses, the tempo picks up! Even outside event weekends, there’s always something to do: live music on summer terraces, galleries and museums by day, or more energetic activities at the skate park and waterfront playgrounds.

At your service

Pleasant surroundings, free parking and a compact scale make the city centre easy to explore. Uusikaupunki is also known for its lush greenery and beautiful seasonal lighting. The brand new swimming hall at Wintteri invites visitors from near and far.

Don’t miss the event calendar and Visit Uusikaupunki page:

Explore the transformation with before-and-after images

• Alinenkatu has been significantly improved in recent years
• The waterfront of Kaupunginlahti has undergone major changes
• The waterfront now serves as an open-air museum with storyboards and signage
• Finland’s Best City Centre 2025 – Uusikaupunki’s city centre in images (PDF)