Entertainment in South Coast
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Panimoravintola Koulu
This is the town’s greatest brewery pub in the town centre if not all of Finland. Set in a former school, the pub’s owners have done their homework on good brews with more than nine of their own beers plus a cheeky cider. As well as inkwells and school desks, there’s a row boat on the roof, which is disorientating after a few drinks. The restaurant upstairs is solid, but you won’t be able to leave the downstairs pub.
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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.
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Klubi
This massive complex has several speeds from the casual drinking of Kolo (‘cave’) to the DJ-fuelled nightclub of Ilta, plus regular big Finnish bands at Live. It’s part-owned by a local record label, which means it snares its fair share of local Finnish bands and visiting international acts.
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Alvar
In this building that Aalto designed on a deadline, the low-key pub has a towering beer list that’s a magnet for local students and ale-fetishists alike. Artek-esque furniture is a nod to the designer of the building and free wi-fi makes it a lounge rather than a party.
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Blue
The blue neon light might not be flattering for the 30-plus crowd, but this great little bar feels more comfy than cool. There are regular bands, and DJs usually with bluesy, R ’n’ B beats, but it also just makes for a good place to shoot the breeze over a few wines.
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Park Café
Opposite the Casino in Spa Park, this converted rotunda makes for a brilliant evening’s boozing where they’ll bring you a rug when it gets too chilly. There’s a good range of international beers including stout and it makes a good warm-up or come-down for the Casino.
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CaféArt
In a noble old waterfront building on one of Turku's most pleasant stretches, this hospitable café has tables out along the river, weather permitting, as well as two elegant interior salons. There's good espresso, as well as art exhibitions on the walls.
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Panimoravintola Herman
A brewery pub-restaurant with river frontage that would be a star attraction were it not for Koulu. Its stained glass and large dockside terrace makes for an excellent watering hole, and the food is worth visiting for, especially the lunch buffet.
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Cow
If you were going to hold a hen’s night in Turku, the Cow would be the place. They keep the cocktails flowing and have a good wine selection, but the atmosphere never gets too barnyard, with friendly staff and relaxed couches.
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Galax
This monster venue holds the Kooma nightclub, known for its disco ambience, and Taivas Music Bar, which attracts some of the biggest bands and the occasional stand-up. Galax itself has regular DJs who spin danceable grooves.
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Old Bank
This former bank remains a grand monument, with the trappings of an Irish pub and a formidable roster of beers. The crowd is usually male and older, often enjoying a post-work drink or watching the hockey.
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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.
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Opus K
You can wet your whistle at Opus K, which is one of Finland’s best pubs, lined floor to ceiling with books and always with a new discovery from an obscure Finnish microbrewery.
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Kompassi
In Old Hamina, in the historic Hotel Seurahuone, is a brooding basement pub once used by visiting seafarers. There's regular live music, karaoke and a summer terrace at the side of the hotel.
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Galaxy Nightclub
When it gets late, the sophisticated youth of Hanko head here. The DJs are as close to cutting edge as it gets in a Finnish beach resort, with dance music usually prevailing over Europop.
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Park Café
This place is an excellent Belgian café-bar with a casual atmosphere and free Internet access. The terrace, shaded by lofty pines, is a great place to relax.
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Casino
The imposing green-and-white casino has long been a celebrated nightspot in Hanko and has regular live music, dancing, roulette and terrace drinking.
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Svenska Teater
Next to the Hansa Shopping Arcade, this is one of the oldest theatres in Finland and it hosts well-known musicals with performances in Swedish.
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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.
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Yellowstone
This popular pub has a good outdoor terrace in the centre of town. Attached is the fairly tacky disco/nightclub, Livinstone.
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Kairo
A legendary old sailors boozer right down to the ships’ flags and saucy paintings, with live music and a great terrace.
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Hangon Tivoli
This hip new spot has drinking and dancing in a deep-red building with a massive terrace and a party crowd in summer.
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Roxx
This excellent summertime beer terrace in East Harbour is a hang-out for Hanko’s youth and has a good sauna.
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Concert Hall
Founded in the 1790s, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest in Europe; it performs here.
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Monk
Turku’s best (OK only) jazz club in town plays live jazz, funk and Latin, with DJs on weekends.
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