The temperatures in Helsinki can sometimes be a tad chilly, but when it comes to the pulsating Helsinki nightlife things are hot, hot, hot! With a fantastic selection of cool clubs, live music venues, bars and more, you are guaranteed an exciting night out. Most of the nightlife in Helsinki is focused around Uudenmaankatu and Eerikinkatu, but there’s some superb spots to check out throughout the Finnish capital.
There’s a vibrant club culture in Helsinki and live music can be enjoyed every night of the week. Whether you have both feet firmly on the dance floor or favour stomping out in the mosh pit, the Finnish capital will get your night started with a bang.
From rock bars to rooftop bars and everything in-between, if you are planning a night out in Helsinki, you won’t be disappointed, especially with our handy guide to how to enjoy the very best of Helsinki nightlife!
Best bars in Helsinki
Trillby & Chadwick
Named after a London-based detective agency from the turn of the 19th century, this mysterious bar in the centre of Helsinki can only be found by you turning detective in order to follow the trail to this super-secret bar. Of course there are clues, or at least you require a good sense of direction that doesn’t necessarily involve Google maps.
We’ll let you in on a little secret, if you want to check out one of the coolest parts of Helsinki nightlife, then follow one of the little lanes from Senate Square where you will find a pair of double doors that are painted black. You should find yourself in a little foyer and all you need to do is to knock on the door and a small panel will ease back and voila – you are in one of the coolest bars in Helsinki.
Sivukirjasto
So if you have checked out the National Library of Finland as part of your things to do in Helsinki, then you may want to take the bibliophilia to the next level and do some nocturnal ‘reading’. Sivukirjasto is essentially a beer library and is located in the hip Kallio district (ironically close to the Kallio library!) There are over a 100 different bottles of beers available with a further 20 on tap to choose from.
It has a lovely terrace which makes for a delightful location to spend a summer evening in and you can just sit back and relax or plot your wits at one of the board games available to play.
Best live music venues in Helsinki
Bar Loose
For those that love to rock, the infamous Bar Loose in the Kamppi neighbourhood is THE place to be! An integral part of not just the live music scene, but in all of Helsinki nightlife. From thrash metal and lo-fi to swing and quirky synth duos, rest assured that whatever your ‘thing’ is
you’re catered for at Bar Loose. If you are a nightowl, then this is the ideal music venue for you as it doesn’t close until 4am. It’s also achingly cool if you are a muso or just love a good dive bar, the walls are adorned with photos of bands from all over the world as well as from the current Helsinki music scene.
Tavastia
A thing of legend and a huge part of the Helsinki nightlife scene. Tavastia is one of the oldest rock music clubs in the Finnish capital and just everybody has performed here over the years. This legendary rock venue has seen the likes of The Stone Roses, the Black Crowes, Sonic Youth and the Foo Fighters perform here.
As well as international groups, this club also hosts a number of up-and-coming local acts and you can see live music virtually every night of the week.
If rock music isn’t really your jam, then head over to Tavastia on a Saturday for their renowned ‘Saturday night disco’ which has become a mainstay when it comes to the Helsinki nightlife experience.
Best rooftop bars in Helsinki
Skyroom
Sleek, classy and luxurious, the Sky Room is a rooftop bar, housed in one of Helsinki’s tallest buildings, the Clarion Hotel Helsinki down in the urban harbourside area of Jätkänsaari.
Commanding the most spectacular views, the Skyroom is THE place to hang out to experience the most amazing panoramas in a chic but laid back setting. Sleek and urban, the Sky Room is a cocktail lover’s heaven that’s infused with Finnish and global flavours.
Tastefully decorated in an effortless Nordic style you can also see some fantastic artwork by both Finnish and international artists.
Bar Ateljee
Considered one of the most iconic rooftop bars in Helsinki, Bar Ateljee is located at the city centre in the historic Hotel Torni. The Ateljee is a must-visit when planning your night out in Helsinki.
Not only are the drinks delicious (if you love quirky and innovative cocktails, this is definitely the bar for you) but the views of the port and the Baltic Sea are absolutely spectacular too and are an absolute must for Helsinki nightlife. Ideal for couples, thanks to its elegant romantic vibe which makes the experience even more special.
Whether you are planning the best things to do in Helsinki, enjoying the best of Helsinki nightlife or plotting out which of the best Helsinki restaurants to try, then let Orbzii be your dedicated guide.
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