View breaks >>
If you head to Helsinki in the middle of the summer you should prepare yourself for some very long days with the sun only setting for a couple of hours on the longest day of the year. Those leaving bars and clubs in the middle of the night can be quite surprised by the bright daylight that greets them.
The nightlife in Helsinki is varied and very much alive, with bars and nightclubs as busy during the week as they are at weekends. There is also a great selection to choose from so there is sure to be a venue that suits whether you are looking for an unassuming quiet café that is open late or a lively dance club where you can party into the early hours. Be aware that minimum age for entering venues can vary between 18 and 24, so check before you try to get in.
Popular areas include the Kamppi and Punavouri districts where the fashionable trendy crowds gather, or head to the main city centre where larger venues attract the tourists and where you can move from one to another with relative ease.
Travel across to the islands, especially in the summer months and you will find that many restaurants double as entertainment venues with live music on most evenings, such as the Restaurant Saaristo on the islet Luoto.
Recommended evening entertainment in Helsinki
Arctic Ice Bar, Yliopistonkatu 5 - Put on the warm cape and gloves provided to enter a world of ice. The bar is kept at 5 degrees all year round with walls made of frozen cubes, the perfect spot to enjoy a cold vodka cocktail.
Club Liberte, Kolmas Linja 34 - With live music nearly every night and big screens showing sport and music events the young crowd are drawn to enjoy their evenings here.
, Annankatu 21 - This popular bar enjoys rock music from the 1960’s through to the modern day. Sit back or take your turn on the pin ball machine.
Grand Casino Helsinki, Mikonkatu 19 - Open throughout the year, if you fancy your chances you can head here to enjoy a number of gaming tables and slot machines, or perhaps you will choose to enjoy one of the shows being performed.
Kaisla, Vilhonkatu 4 - If you want to try some beer then this is the place for you. With over 26 taps to choose from and around 140 bottled varieties there is an impressive selection.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Tivolikuja 1 - Since 1950 this park has been entertaining the whole family and is open late into the night. The main attraction is the wooden rollercoaster but with a whole host of exhilarating rides you are sure to find your own favourite.
Simonkadun Herkku, Yrjönkatu 31 - This is the largest karaoke party pub in Finland.
Sling In, Mikonkatu 8 - This is one of the best cocktail bars in town with the over 900 drinks to choose from and with skilled staff the bartenders may provide a wonderful display as they create your chosen drink.
Storyville, Museokatu - International and local jazz musicians entertain customers with live music up to six nights a week, while piano bar music entertains in the early evening.
Spårakoff Pub Tram - This is a one-off experience, a tram has been converted into a bar and is able to tour around the main sites of Helsinki. Join other customers to enjoy the route that takes about 40 minute to complete.
.gif)
