Generally considered the definitive live venue in Helsinki, Tavastia is conveniently located, right by the main bus station in Kamppi. Live artists, local and foreign, are featured on many nights every week. The club is open on other nights as well, and since the place is owned by a university student organisation, special events are frequent. Short music festivals focusing on certain genres are also common, and twice a year record fairs draw in a crowd. In terms of acoustics, Tavastia is one of the best live venues in town, though it is relatively small. Its maximum capacity is less than a thousand people, only just over half of whom can fit into the actual live side of the club. Therefore, many artists playing there sell out, even when they play for two or more nights in a row.
Located in Etu-Töölö behind the National Museum and next to Parliament, St. Urho's Pub was opened over 20 years ago, making it one of the most popular of traditions with locals. A wide selection of bottled ale and beers on tap are available and the menu has everything from small to huge meals. There is never a cover charge, even during live music performances.
Salve is one of Helsinki's oldest pubs. Located next to the Hietalahdentori summer flea market, with views to the shipyards where luxury cruise ships are built, Salve was originally a pub where the sailors came to dine and drink. Nowadays it is in high favor with the local inhabitants and workers, show-business artists and (especially in the summer) tourists. Many come here to have a beer, whether on the sunny summer terrace, or inside, where the marine, timeless interior creates a nice atmosphere. Salve also has much more to offer, including traditional and excellent basic Finnish food at moderate prices.
The best-known jazz club in Helsinki, Storyville resides in a basement where the red brick walls scream New Orleans. This is a place for those who like to sit down, enjoy drinks and listen to a band playing light, easy jazz; you can always pop in and expect a live performance. Guest musicians are often from abroad. Storyville is especially popular on weekends, but you can wait in the upstairs pub if the club is full.
Located right opposite to the central train station, lady Moon is one popular nightclub. Flocked by a crowd of youngsters everyday, this nightclub simply provides a reason to party for many. The club features a DJ after 10p who causes a mass dance revolution on the floor. Come here for a great night out when in Helsinki, Lady Moon is sure to please!
Warning: all 24-year-olds are a no-no in Hesperia, but if you're over 24, the skies the limit here! Check out the long bar or the parallel dance floor or chat up your neighbor or just hang out - no charges for bird watching. Live jazz, blues, soul and pretty Helsinki head turners will definitely make your night an owl's delight!
The Club YK is not for the faint hearted, for when they say they are an underground club, they mean it-everything from the music, location to the crowd is underground. Since its inception in the late 80's when it played host to illegal rave parties, the club today hosts parties which are more toned down without affecting the ambiance or the reputation. For those who love trance, dub-step, drum and bass, you would not want to miss out on Club YK, for they have the best DJs onboard. To get to know more about the place, do visit their website and do not forget to wear your dancing shoes when you do visit the Club YK.
Maukan Messi Pub is the local favorite in Espoo. This is the place where people head for a pint and some snacks after work. The pub isn't very elegant but it's a great way get to know some local people. The atmosphere and the people are friendly so good time is guaranteed.
Kämp Club is elegant, exclusive, expensive-and much more. It's propably the most upscale club in Helsinki, located within the luxurious Hotel Kämp. Over a century ago, the elite and intelligenzia drank their champagne at Kämp, and nothing much has changed. At Kämp you can see businessmen, professors and world-class artists together with students and ministers. The service is excellent, and at Kämp Club you can come as you are-as long as you don't ask for an autograph of the movie star sitting next to you. -Tuuli Tammenkoski
Tucked away cozily within Hotel Lilla Roberts, Lilla e., also called Lilla Elephant, is a chic cocktail bar. They believe in mixing a hint of creativity in their inventively crafted Nordic cocktails. The ingredients used to create these drinks include some unconventional spices and herbs. The artfully prepared cocktails, served in exquisitely carved glassware feature some striking presentations and some of them are garnished with vibrant Morning Glories and Poppy flowers. This classy bar believes in being discreet about their menu and keeping the element of surprise alive, it invites you to experience rather than imagine.