6 Best Bars in Helsinki, Finland

Steeped in history, this bar was first opened in 1906 by the Helsinki Workers' Association. If that gives a staid impression, don't be deterred: Juttutupa hosts great jazz, blues, and other music nights (admission is free) and has a convivial, authentically Helsinki atmosphere, making it one of the city's best live music venues. At the bar's "revolutionary table," Vladimir Lenin met with fellow conspirators and plotted Russia's revolution, just one element of a fascinating and eventful history. The bar is inside the so-called "granite castle," a magnificent National Romantic–style stone fortress behind the Scandic Paasi hotel, overlooking an inlet from the sea. The menu includes good pizzas and salads, and there is an outdoor terrace that catches the evening sun.

Helsinki's most popular jazz club comprises a street-level Piano Bar and Music Club with a Creole-themed restaurant in the basement; on Friday and Saturday you'll find live jazz, blues, rock and roll, and dancing. There's also a pleasant outdoor summer-only terrace in the small park across the street.

G Livelab is a cool live music venue with an intimate club atmosphere that allows the performers to shine. Mainly jazz acts from Finland and farther afield perform here. 

The first-floor restaurant in this lively three-floor complex is open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday (until 1 am on Fridays), but the main attraction (in addition to the late-night pizza) is the entertainment: live music acts, Sunday lounge music, after-work jazz on Thursdays, and occasional stand-up comedy. It's a popular last stop on the weekend bar crawl for the younger set.

Helsinki's liveliest, most authentic and popular Irish pub, voted one of Europe's best in the genre, consists of three distinct bar areas, with live music in the upstairs bar. 

Tavastia Club is one of the best and most atmospheric rock clubs for top Finnish talent and some solid imports. Be prepared for some good-natured rowdiness and late starts for bands.