The Best Bar in Helsinki, Finland

Background Illustration for Nightlife

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.

Karaoke Bar Pataässä

Keskusta

Considering the Finns' reputation for reserve and reticence, it might come as a surprise to discover their passion for a decidedly extroverted pursuit: karaoke. A gutsy, tear-jerking bellow of a Finnish pop classic after a few tuopit, or large beers, seems to proffer emotional therapy on a weekend evening for many a Finn. If you are seeking an archetypal, down-to-earth Helsinki nightlife experience, top of the list is Pataässä (Ace of Spades), a Helsinki institution where sessions, picked from a list of 100,000 songs, continue every morning until 5 am (and on weekends get going again four hours later). It's tucked away behind the Lutheran Cathedral.