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Originally known for its rock and heavy metal clubs, Helsinki has recently developed a suave bar-lounge scene. What began as a love of mojitos is flourishing into a number of carpeted, couch-lined venues combining loungy tunes with magnificent cocktails, some as a separate part of chic restaurants. While the city is generally quiet Sunday–Tuesday nights, a well-dressed, mostly suit-clad clientele begins boozing and schmoozing in earnest on "little Saturday" (aka Wednesday), and you can expect lines at the most popular places starting at 11 on weekends. The compact size of the city center makes it easy to barhop. Almost any place with a terrace or courtyard is sure to be busy in summer, and cover charges, when required, average €5–€10.
Perched atop the historic and newly renovated Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, the Ateljee Bar is a modest space, accessed by an elevator and then a narrow spiral straircase, but it's big enough to serve its purpose: serving cocktails and other drinks. Though the drinks are expensive, the views of the city from its balconies—and famously, from its bathrooms—are second to none. Art exhibitions are an added attraction. A very pricey "Breakfast with a View" is a new offering.
The windows of this ornate, classic 19th-century Esplanade venue—containing a café, bar, and restaurant as well as offering one of Helsinki's most popular summer terraces—provide an excellent view of the Havis Amanda statue and the western edge of the Market Square. The terrace is a great place to sip a drink while enjoying afternoon performances on the bandstand on the other side of the Esplanade.
