Nightlife Helsinki: in recent years the nightlife of the Finnish capital has become very dynamic and full of trendy discos and nightclubs. Here is the guide to nightlife in Helsinki!
Helsinki nightlife
Visitors flock to Finland for its natural beauty, Christmas markets, and glimpses of the beautiful Northern Lights. Helsinki is a beautiful city that offers the possibility of interesting trips, such as, for example, to the nearby island of Seurasaari. Even at night, the Finnish capital offers visitors a good variety of options for nightlife , thanks to the numerous nightclubs located in the city center.
In recent years, Helsinki's nightlife has become very lively and dynamic , with a wide choice of cafes and bars, discos and clubs with live music for all tastes, almost all located in the city center, and frequented mainly by young people and students. Here you will find bars and nightclubs with all kinds of music, from seedy cheap pubs to elegant clubs, to rock concerts and student parties, always popular in the Finnish city. Although usually closed and quiet on weekdays, Helsinki locals love to party and hang out late in bars, rock concerts, discos and live music clubs on weekends.
Helsinki's nightlife may not have the international recognition of its Scandinavian cousins, Stockholm and Copenhagen, but the bars are by no means lacking in creativity, style or quality. The city is teeming with trendy bars serving handcrafted cocktails and locally brewed beers, which you can enjoy outdoors on a hot summer's day or inside a heated bar to escape the cold of winter.
There is also no shortage of discos: there are several clubs move outdoors in the summer, where you can dance and drink outdoors under the midnight sun. While in winter, Helsinki's clubs warm you up with hits from the best DJs and artists. Being the cultural center of the whole country, Helsinki attracts musical artists from all over Finland and Northern Europe. In addition to international bands visiting the city while on tour, Helsinki's music scene is also committed to promoting emerging talent. Many of the night clubs include segments with live performances in addition to DJs, while other clubs focus solely on live bands, large or small.
Admission to pubs and bars is free, while entry to Helsinki nightclubs is mostly paid, with a price ranging from 10 to 15 euros. The minimum age to enter is usually 18, but on some evenings it could even be 20 or 24, so always bring your ID with you. Pubs are usually open until 2am, while most clubs in Helsinki don't open until 10pm and the party continues until the early hours. Expect prices for drinks that are more expensive than the European average due to alcohol taxation.
The best nights to go out and party in Helsinki are Fridays and Saturdays , when the nightclubs are packed and there is a buzzing atmosphere. On Friday evenings, students invade the capital's nightclubs and the average age is lower. Especially on Saturdays, the clubs and nightclubs fill up late into the night and the queue to enter can exceed an hour. We therefore advise you to arrive early, around 11pm, to avoid the long queues outside in the cold. During the week, however, Helsinki's nightlife is quite dull , there aren't many people around, but it's still a good opportunity to have a beer and spend a relaxing evening.
Helsinki experiences extreme seasons and the nightlife in the city adapts to the climate and changes according to the time of year . During the summer all the bars set up outdoor terraces, as Finns like to take advantage of their short warm months. The midnight sun is a spectacular phenomenon to experience while enjoying a drink on one of the rooftop bars in Helsinki, when the city is illuminated by 20 hours of light a day.
But the winter nightlife also offers its magic, and Finns don't let the cold stop them from having fun. During the winter months, Helsinki enjoys a couple of very different types of drinking venues: sauna and ice bar. Both can be a pleasant and somewhat surreal way to pass the long dark nights.
The districts of Helsinki and the nightlife
Helsinki's nightlife is mostly concentrated in its center , where the many nightclubs are all located close to each other, making it easy to walk from pubs to clubs. Helsinki's nightclubs embrace the concept of restobar: clubs that start out as restaurants in the evening and turn into bars and nightclubs late into the night.
Other areas of Helsinki characterized by the presence of night clubs are located west of the city center, around Uudenmaankatu and in the vicinity of Eerikinkatu , where you can also find some of the trendiest places in the city. While it may not be as large as that of nearby Stockholm or Copenhagen, the west of Helsinki also has a rapidly expanding gay scene that focuses on Annankatu .
The main area for singles nightlife is the center of Kammpi . Here you will find many of the best nightclubs in the city and if you want to try to make friends with the girls of Helsinki you have to party here.
North of the city, the Kallio is home to several smaller bars and clubs on Helsinginkatu and Fleminginkatu, dominated by an artistic and bohemian crowd. Previously it was a seedy area, but today it is becoming one of the coolest areas in the Finnish capital.
A very unique place is the Spårakoff . Also known as the "train pub", this is undoubtedly one of the most fun ways to visit the city of Helsinki. This bright red tram is similar to the hop-on hop-off buses in other cities, but also serves alcoholic drinks. Sip Finnish beers, ciders or traditional spirits as you take a tour of the entire city center. The tram operates only in the summer months, from the beginning of May to the beginning of September, and reservations are not required. Just show up at the Mikonkatu stop and wait for the red tram to stop.
Festivals and events in Helsinki
The Finnish capital hosts many cultural activities. If you are looking for a quiet and cultural evening in Helsinki, visit the Taka-Töölö , north of the center, where the Finnish Opera House and the Finland-talo , which organize classical music concerts all year round and interesting shows. To stay up to date with all the events of the week in Helsinki, visit the Helsinki This Week .
Finnish festivals occur throughout the year, but most are concentrated in the months of May to September. If you visit Helsinki in the summer, you are sure to see some kind of outdoor event in the city.
Started as a small club event in 2004, the legendary Flow Festival is now one of the largest music and art festivals in Europe. This unique event which takes place in mid-August attracts both big bands and independent musicians, not to mention all the visual and performance artists exhibiting their work. The event, which takes place near Kallio in the Suvilahti power plant, hosted famous artists such as Björk, Iggy Pop and Kanye West.
Also the same neighborhood in August hosts the Kallio Block Party , with music and entertainment for young people until the wee hours.
Helsinki Festival is the largest arts festival in Finland and includes performances of dance, theater, music, film and more. It runs for two weeks starting in late August and one of the highlights is the Night of the Arts where artists occupy public spaces in the city and show their work from early evening to late at night.
Finally, to brighten up the long winter nights, the Lux Festival offers dramatic light shows in Helsinki every year during the first week of January. Huge light displays illuminate the streets and buildings of central Helsinki along a one-kilometer path designed to tell a story.
Helsinki is best known for its heavy metal music scene , with numerous bars hosting live music concerts by local bands. The Finnish capital hosts the Tuska Open Air Festival , which every year attracts many fans of heavy metal music who gather here to drink liters of beer and pog to the rhythm of music.
Clubs and discos in Helsinki
Ravintola Teatteri 
(Pohjoisesplanadi 2, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 10.00 to 17.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 5.00.
Teatteri is one of the most famous clubs in Helsinki . Downstairs there is a restaurant and a lounge-pub, upstairs a night club and a very popular VIP space. Undoubtedly one of the most elegant clubs in Helsinki , preferred by Finnish celebrities and frequented by trendy people. Come dressed well to avoid problems at the entrance. The music is commercial and in the summer there is also an outdoor terrace.
Tavastia Klubi
(Urho Kekkosen katu 4, Helsinki) Open Sunday to Thursday from 20.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 20.00 to 4.00.
Legendary Helsinki rock music club , Tavastia offers live concerts and disco nights on Saturday nights. Active since 1970, this place is in fact one of the oldest surviving rock clubs in Europe, and still hosts live concerts with international artists and great Finnish artists to this day. Every Saturday, after the concerts, the DJs play indie, pop and rock music from the best classics to the latest hits. The best rock club in Helsinki and Finland .
Kaivohuone
(Iso Puistotie 1, Helsinki) Located in Kaivopuisto park, Kaivohuone is a Helsinki summer nightclub frequented by a very young clientele with commercial music. The club is very elegant and consists of three ballrooms and a lounge area with sand, sun beds and sofas. Originally a spa, this club is located in a very classic park that dates back to the days when the Tsar visited the city in the summer months. The Finnish summer, the classic architecture and the location in the middle of the park provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable party experience in Helsinki.
Baarikarpanen
(Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 21.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 21.00 to 4.30.
Opened in 2001, Baarikärpänen is one of the classics of Helsinki nightlife , particularly among young people and students. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, affordable drinks and diverse theme nights always ensure the perfect setting for partying in the Finnish capital. The separate karaoke space is open for singing from 11pm onwards. The uniqueness of this place is that you receive a bracelet if you enter before 11pm, with which you pay for drinks at half price.
Maxine
(Urho Kekkosen katu 1, Helsinki) Open Friday to Sunday from 22.00 to 4.30.
Located in the heart of Kammpi, Maxine is one of the most popular nightclubs in Helsinki , boasting a dance floor and incredible views over the city and wild dance nights among many beautiful Finnish girls. Have a drink on the heated roof terrace and enjoy the summer nights, including drinks, dancing and karaoke.
Kaarle XII
(Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki) Open Thursday to Saturday from 20.00 to 4.00.
This popular Helsinki club is frequented by a more mature clientele : the minimum age to enter is 24 and, therefore, Kaarle XII is the place where adults over the age of 30 have fun and let themselves go. The club has two large dance halls and the music is varied and ranges from international hits to Finnish pop music. Thursday is the most popular night and is the best option in town . Dress smart-casual and arrive early, as the queue for entry can reach the hour. Around 10pm there are some good deals on bottles of white wine.
The Circus
(Salomonkatu 1–3, Helsinki) This popular Helsinki club offers club nights and concerts with live performers. Here you will find commercial and R'n'B music and a huge dance floor where you can party until the morning, capable of hosting hundreds of people. There are also karaoke rooms with windows from which you can see the dance floor below.
Kuudes Linja
(Hämeentie 13, Helsinki) Open Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 5.00.
Located in the Kallio district, Kuudes linja is one of the most famous concert clubs in Helsinki , always full of party people and quality music fans. The high quality concerts cover the full range of alternative and rock music and never disappoint. The underground atmosphere manifests itself in the dark and smoky setting, similar to that of East Berlin clubs. Weekends start with early evening concerts and then continue with club nights with electronic music until morning.
Apollo Live Club
(Mannerheimintie 16, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 15.00 to 22.00, Friday and Saturday from 14.00 to 4.00, Sunday from 14.00 to 22.00.
Located in a former cinema in the heart of Helsinki, Apollo is a Helsinki nightclub that also offers concerts, live entertainment and karaoke in the basement on weekends. The bands almost always play covers of famous bands and the music ranges from rock to commercial pop hits. During the weekdays, there are a variety of events such as theater and cabaret performances.
On the Rocks
(Mikonkatu 15, Helsinki) Open Sunday to Thursday from 4.00pm to 4.00am, Friday and Saturday from 4.00pm to 5.00am.
Helsinki's historic nightclub, On the Rock is another great place to listen to live rock music . In the basement you will find the concert hall, or go to the ground floor for a game of billiards or for a good beer with friends.
Bar Loose
(Annankatu 21, Helsinki) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 18.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 4.30, Sunday from 20.00 to 4.30.
Bar Loose is a legendary live rock music bar and club in the heart of Helsinki. It is a great place to relax early in the evening, while later in the evening it is an exciting place to attend concerts. This rock and roll club offers cheap beer and great music. The evenings begin with local bands performing live and after midnight the DJs continue to play rock music until the early hours of the morning.
Heidi's Bier Bar
(Yrjönkatu 24, Helsinki) This club boasts a large space for more than 1000 people, 3 levels of different music genres and even a rooftop bar! Between homemade cocktails, great Finnish beers and beautiful girls, this is the place for unpretentious fun in Helsinki. Come before 10pm to avoid the queue.
Skohan
(Keskuskatu 8, Helsinki) Open Friday to Sunday from 23.00 to 5.00.
Opened in 2017 and located near the station right in the city center, Skohan is the latest addition to Helsinki's nightlife . This large club, capable of seating more than 1000 people, has a heated terrace which is open all year round. Great location, refined space, delicious drinks and great rhythms - all the ingredients for a good night of partying.
El Patron Club
(Simonkatu 6, Helsinki) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 22.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 4.30.
Located in the heart of the Finnish capital, this Helsinki nightclub offers two dance floors and the best DJs in the city. RNB hits and dance classics on the main floor, EDM and club hits in the Black room. The dress code is smart casual.
Nosturi
(Telakkakatu 8, Helsinki) Established by the Live Music Association of Helsinki, this concert hall hosts more than 120 events every year, from black metal to hip-hop. It attracts both national and international acts for true local fans and music lovers. In addition, the bar and summer terrace serve food and drinks and a lunch menu on weekdays.
DTM
(Mannerheimintie 6, Helsinki) Open Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 5.00.
DTM is one of the main gay clubs in Helsinki and throughout Northern Europe. Frequented by local celebrities, straight and gay couples, this is one of the hottest spots in town for open-minded people. The venue hosts three bars and hosts the best local and international DJs who play electronic, trance and techno music, as well as Finnish folk songs on themed evenings. The nightclub is split over two floors, with a large dance floor on the ground floor and a smaller one upstairs.
Butchers
(Uudenmaankatu 16-20, Helsinki) Butchers is Finland's largest cocktail bar and its mission is to bring high-quality cocktails to Helsinki's nightlife. While many of Helsinki's other bars serving quality cocktails are intimate and small, Butchers is a spacious club that is open until the wee hours of the morning, where DJs play electronic dance music and the dance floor is packed with people.
Club Kaiku
(Kaikukatu 4, Helsinki) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 22.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 5.00.
Often named among the best clubs in Europe , Kaiku is an alternative electronic music club that hosts the best Finnish and international DJs. Located in an industrial estate, the club attracts a young crowd of locals and visitors who love to dance. There is a different guest DJ every night, so while the overall vibe is techno and electronic, the playlists and songs vary every day.
Semifinal
(Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6, Helsinki) Open Sunday to Thursday from 20.00 to 1.00, Friday from 20.00 to 3.00, Saturdays from 20.00 to 4.00.
In the inner courtyard of Tavastia is this small and rough club, which itself is one of the best rock clubs in Helsinki . Many Finnish rock stars started here before moving upstairs to Tavastia and into even bigger arenas. Semifinal is the ideal place to attend concerts by new and as yet unknown bands.
Ääniwalli
(Pälkäneentie 13, Helsinki) Tucked away in an industrial estate in the Vallila district, this hip nightclub blasts house, EDM, and occasionally live concerts as well. It is open all year round, but Ääniwalli is at its best during the summer months when the party moves to the large outdoor terrace.
Hernesaaren Ranta
(Hernesaarenranta 6, Helsinki) Open Thursday to Saturday from 11.00 to 2.00.
Hernesaaren Ranta is a large outdoor club and event space located by the sea. Here you will find live music concerts and interesting events throughout the summer.
Storyville
(Museokatu 8, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 19.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 19.00 to 4.00.
Located next to the Parliament, Storyville is a jazz club that hosts the best Finnish and international musicians who play six nights a week. Cajun-Creole cuisine serves delicacies until midnight. In the summer, the concerts move to the elegant outdoor terrace, a perfect place for an outdoor pre-evening or a romantic date with some beautiful Finnish woman.
Koko Jazz Club
(Hämeentie 3, Helsinki) Founded in 2019 by Finnish jazz musicians, Koko Jazz Club features the best Finnish jazz artists and guest musicians from abroad.
The bars and pubs of the city of Helsinki
Aussie Bar
(Salomonkatu 5, Helsinki) Open Sunday to Tuesday from 14.00 to 2.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 14.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 3.00.
Located opposite the Kamppi shopping center, Aussie Bar is an Australian bar that turns into a very busy disco club in the evening . The place to start the evening with a few drinks to warm up before dancing on the small dance floor and going on the hunt for some beautiful Finnish girls. Free admission and commercial music.
Navy Jerry's
(Hietaniemenkatu 2, Helsinki) Open Sunday through Thursday from 20.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 4.30.
A disco bar decorated in a 1950s naval theme, elegant, but also pure and simple. Great cocktails and good food. The small dance floor is often crowded on weekends, although the place is also suitable for late night cocktails. Come early if you don't want to queue.
Amarillo
(Aleksanterinkatu 46, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 12.00 to 23.00, Friday and 12.00 to 2.00, Saturdays from 11.00 to 2.00, Sunday from 11.00 to 22.00.
Amarillo is a Mexican restaurant that hosts an upstairs dance floor, open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The place is frequented by very young people under 22 and admission is free. On Wednesdays, beer costs only one euro.
Molly Malone's
(Kaisaniemenkatu 1, Helsinki) Open Monday through Thursday from 12.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 4.30.
Molly Malones is an Irish pub with great live rock music. With free admission, this pub is one of the best places to listen to live rock music in Helsinki . On the first floor you will also find a dance hall with a DJ playing commercial music, even if it is not very popular.
Siltanen
(Hämeentie 13, Helsinki) Open Monday through Thursday from 11.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 3.00.
Located in the heart of Kallio, Siltanen is a relaxed bar that turns into a nightclub on weekends. Before dinner, it's a great place for an aperitif or evening cocktail. Admission is free and the cloakroom is free of charge. The ideal place for a pre-evening with friends and to warm up and rhythm of good music.
Mattolaituri
(Ehrenströmintie 3 A, Helsinki) Open Monday and Tuesday from 11.00 to 22.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 11.00 to 23.30, Friday and 11.00 to 2.00, Saturday from 10.00 to 2.00.
Mattolaituri is a terrace overlooking the sea located in the beautiful cove between the islands of Uunisaari and Harakka. Enjoy the spectacular sea view over a glass of wine. The bar is mainly focused on cocktails and small snacks.
Bistro Mascot
(Neljäs linja 2, Helsinki) Open Monday and Tuesday from 15.00 to 2.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 15.00 to 4.30, Friday and Saturday from 15.00 to 4.30.
Mascot is a small pub with a great atmosphere in the Kallio district. The music ranges from rap to rock, with many live shows, from songwriters to stand-up comedians and punks to poets. In addition, there are also pool tables and board games. They organize themed nights, some of which are rap or reggae.
Teerenpeli
(Olavinkatu 2, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 12.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 3.30, Sunday from 12.00 to 24.00.
Located in the Kampii district, Teerenpeli is a microbrewery offering excellent locally produced beers and ciders. There are over twelve specialty lagers on tap to try. With a warm and inviting interior, it is the ideal place for a quiet evening with friends.
Gate A21
(Annankatu 21, Helsinki) Open every day from 17.00 to 4.30.
This typical hipster cocktail bar is more of an experience than a night of partying. They make all of their cocktails by hand, which are prized for their quality rather than quantity.
The Cartel Room
(Malminrinne 1, Helsinki) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 17.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 16.00 to 2.00.
Cartel Room is a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar specializing in Latin drinks. Many of its cocktails are made with tequila and mezcal, but various rums and piscos are also used. All cocktails combine tradition and creativity: Nahua Tepache is the Mexican version of Finnish "sima" (spring mead), while La Bruja Dulce is a syrup made from Ancho reyes chilli liqueur and avocado. The classics are served with a twist, too: the Margarita del Cartel features agave syrup and the Mexican Mule gets its kick from tequila and chipotle pepper. After-work prices between 4pm and 7pm are affordable, as you can order a cocktail for ten euros and a bottle of wine for twenty euros.
Crazy Wine
(Kanavaranta 3, Helsinki) Open Thursdays from 17.00 to 24.00, Friday from 17.00 to 3.00, Saturdays from 15.00 to 3.00.
Crazy Wine is a recently opened wine bar and cocktail bar in Kanavaranta and offers a really cozy atmosphere with its old brick walls and colorful lights. The extensive wine list offers something for everyone, including champagnes, quality wines from small European vineyards and natural wines. The cocktail list is even longer than average: the Pisco Disco with pink grapefruit juice will appeal to fruit cocktail enthusiasts, while those who prefer lighter, healthier cocktails might opt for the Matcha Maddness with Thai basil and syrup. Matcha. Crazy Wine also organizes wine tastings on Thursdays, Latin parties on Saturdays, and champagne and cake brunches on Sundays.
Ludvig Pub
(Ludviginkatu 1, Helsinki) Open Sunday to Tuesday from 17.00 to 1.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 16.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 15.00 to 4.00.
Ludvig is a simple and elegant bar that has a good selection of beers and wines as well as cocktails and distilled drinks. There's a special whiskey section, and the evening menu features specialties like quail legs with aioli and bird liver mousse with bread, which you can order long after other restaurant kitchens have closed for the night.
St. George Winter Garden
(Yrjönkatu 13, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday 11.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 2.00, Sunday from 12.00 to 24.00.
The covered courtyard Winter Garden is an elegant and welcoming cocktail bar with a striking sculpture depicting a bird and bespoke wallpaper by Finnish London-based designer Klaus Haapaniemi. The drink list offers a lot of imagination and each cocktail comes in a specially designed glass.
Panema
(Helsinginkatu 11, Helsinki) Open Monday and Tuesday from 16.00 to 24.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 16.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 14.00 to 3.00, Sunday from 14.00 to 23.00.
Panema is a Helsinki brewery offering a selection of 18 draft beers (both Finnish and imported) and an even wider choice of bottled beers. Many beers come to Panema directly from the breweries, so they can be enjoyed very fresh. Here, visitors can bring their own food or have food delivered as the bar does not have its own kitchen.
O'Malley's Pub
(Yrjönkatu 26, Helsinki) Open Monday and Tuesday from 17.00 to 24.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 16.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 16.00 to 2.00.
O'Malley was Helsinki's first Irish pub. With good beer and great Irish music, this pub always has a cheerful atmosphere. In addition to an excellent selection of beers, the restaurant serves food, such as fish & chips.
The Salty Dog
(Capellan Puistotie 2 A 17, Helsinki) Open Tuesday to Thursday from 16.00 to 24.00, Friday from 16.00 to 2.00, Saturdays from 14.00 to 2.00, Sunday from 14.00 to 24.00.
Salty Dog is a new comfortable living room in the Kalasatama neighborhood. It is a place where classic refined style meets the 21st century, creating a surprising environment to relax, catch up with friends or spend a lively weekend night enjoying some good tunes. The menu includes a selection of local beers, amazing English and French ciders, quality cocktails and some very interesting wines that change every season.
Bier-Bier
(Erottajankatu 13, Helsinki) Open Monday to Thursday from 16.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 14.00 to 2.00.
This Helsinki bar offers a comprehensive beer list focused on craft beers.
