Bar entertainment in Finland
-
A
Corona & Café Mokba
These two quirky bars are owned by filmmakers Aki and Mika Kaurismäki and attract a savvy, grungy crowd. Corona has cool bar staff and about 20 pool tables, so it's popular with drinkers and sharks. Mokba is a tiny Russian-influenced bar with ironic Soviet-era décor, flock wallpaper and almost comically gruff service.
reviewed
-
Kaljaasi
This bar doesn't have an address, because it's on a floating platform way out in the middle of the lake and only reachable by boat! It's a stupendous spot to sit and drink . You can hire or charter boats in Lohja (ask the tourist office), or they'll pick you up from Virkkala, a village 7km southwest of town for a price.
reviewed
-
B
Café Europa
This is easily Tampere’s coolest bar. Furnished with 1930s-style horsehair couches and chairs, it is a romantic old-world European type of place complete with Belgian and German beers, board games, ornate mirrors and chandeliers, and an excellent summer terrace. Upstairs is a small weekend dance club.
reviewed
-
C
Ateljee Bar
It’s worth the climb up to this tiny perch on the roof of the Sokos Hotel Torni for the city panorama. Taking the lift to the 12th floor is the best option, then there’s a narrow winding staircase to the top. Downstairs, the courtyard Tornin Piha is a cute little terrace with good wines by the glass.
reviewed
-
D
Arctic Icebar
Not cold enough outside? Then try this bar that’s literally carved out of ice including tables and bar. It’s minus 5°C so you’ll need the furry cape they loan you on entry and the complimentary warming drink included in the price. There’s an age minimum of 24, and it’s located above La Bodega.
reviewed
-
Jetset Bar
This bar is the latest and trendiest spot in Joensuu, on a corner at the end of the pedestrian section of Kauppakatu. It would be easy to be snide about the name, but it's a cheery spot where people like to be seen, although it gets impossibly crowded at weekends.
reviewed
-
E
Maffi
The best spot in town for a few sociable beers, this is actually a hotel bar, but doesn't feel like one. It's warmly decorated in wood and stone, has a couple of levels and a terrace. Out the back are several pool tables; there's also Internet access.
reviewed
-
F
Oluthuone Leskinen
This bar on the central pedestrian zone has a popular terrace that complements the dark, cosy interior with its wide range of Finnish and international beers, as well as malt whiskies. There’s notably friendly service and a good atmosphere.
reviewed
-
G
Wanha Satama
Down by the harbour, Wanha Satama is a noble light blue colour with an immense terrace, definitely the place to be on a sunny day if you’re not on the water itself. They also serve up fairly pricey meals.
reviewed
-
H
S/S Suvi Saimaa
In summer, the S/S Suvi Saimaa , at the harbour, is a cheerful place to hang out. It has a terrace on shore and on the boat, and serves snacks and larger meals from noon to 20:00. Occasionally it disappears on cruises.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Uusi Apteekki
South of the river, this bar is a converted old pharmacy where medication has been dispensed from over a hundred spent beer bottles. It attracts an older local crowd and is ideal for the quiet drink.
reviewed
-
Krunni
The best spot for a drink in town is the deck of this old Danish fishing boat around and dominating the market square. There’s also a terrace and indoor seating where snacks are served.
reviewed
-
Rantakahvila
In summer, a number of terraces line the riverfront south of Mannerheimintie. One of the best is Rantakahvila, with cheap drink, a range of fast food and a strangely diverse crowd.
reviewed
-
Tuulaaki
This summer terrace is sweetly placed right near the passenger quay and regularly features live rock. At other times it’s often quieter, as it’s away from the city centre.
reviewed
-
J
Prinsessa Armaada
In summer, the Prinsessa Armaada, at the harbour, is a cheerful place to hang out. It has a terrace on shore and on the boat, and serves snacks and larger meals.
reviewed
-
K
Birra
This is one of the swankier bars in town with a shaded terrace and a great beer selection. On weekends it gets frantic but you can usually cosy up in a booth.
reviewed
-
L
Oluthuone
In summer, it's hard to resist sitting out under the midnight sun in the open beer terrace of this place set up on the pedestrian part of Koskikatu.
reviewed
-
Pub Monttu
A little further along from Hotel Ilomantsi, where the nightclub action is, this is a local bar that gets busy on weekends and also serves food.
reviewed
-
M
Puutorin Vessa
This bar is unusually set in what was formerly a public loo! There's toilet humour and paraphernalia on the walls and a sunny terrace.
reviewed
-
N
Tervahovi
A more typically Finnish place than St Michaels, with leopard-skin and a vaguely French theme; they also do tasty food.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Glory Days
Glory Days, in the Seurahovi Hotel on the east side of the market square, is another bar popular with young locals.
reviewed
-
O
Alvas Bar
The most popular late-night bar and disco with the younger crowd, particularly on weekends.
reviewed
-
P
Parnell's Irish Bar
This Irish chain pub, also on the pedestrian strip, is the pick of the pubs along here.
reviewed
-
HSF
This excellent summertime beer terrace on the 2nd floor is in East Harbour.
reviewed
-
Q
