A night out in Helsinki
Though the Finns aren't statistically the biggest drinkers in the world, you wouldn't think so when you're out on the town in Helsinki on a Saturday night. The legacy of the once-restrictive laws around the sale of alcohol seems to be a "more is more" attitude towards it. Combine that with 22 hours of daylight in summer (or hardly any at all in winter) and it's easy to see why getting tipsy is something of a national sport.
As a visitor, there are plenty of opportunities to join in, and since most of Helsinki speaks English you won't have any problems finding your way around, getting recommendations and making yourself understood at the bar. As well as the usual European-style bars and clubs serving up a mix of local tunes and chart hits, Helsinki offers several unusual places in which to imbibe. Be sure to try one or two of these...
Drink on the move
Helsinki is the only Finnish city to have a tram and they certainly make the most of it. During the summer, you can combine your sightseeing with a nice cold beer by taking a round trip on the red Pub Tram or Spårakoff. The tram passes most of the city's landmark sights including the Pitkäsilta Bridge, Hakaniemi Square, Töölö bay, the Finlandia Hall, National Museum, Mannerheim statue and the Presidential palace. Hop on at the Opera House, the Market Square or Mikonkatu.
Drinks with a view
For those who don't suffer from vertigo, the Ateljee bar on top of 14-story Torni hotel (Helsinki's first-ever skyscraper) is the place to go to get the best bird's-eye view of the city. You may need to queue awhile to take the tiny elevator and climb the narrow spiral staircase to the cosy bar, but it's well worth it. During the 1950s, artists were charged one painting to display their work here and the bar still hosts monthly exhibitions. Be sure to visit the loos, which boast floor-to-ceiling one-way mirrors and a panoramic view.
Drinks in the countryside (sort of)
If you won't be in Finland long enough to experience the countryside, do the next best thing and visit the famous Zetor tractor bar. Situated in a courtyard behind Vanha, the old university house, Zetor has a crazy farmstyle interior complete with tractors built from tables, stuffed cows and a traditional menu including herring and reindeer. The brainchild of Leningrad Cowboy Sakke Järvenpää, it's a good, albeit silly, place for a bite and a beer.
Drinks in a sauna
Possibly the most popular Finnish social and recreational activity, the sauna has been brought bang up-to-date with the introduction of Helsinki's totally unique sauna bars. If you fancy getting all hot 'n' sweaty with six of your closest (same sex) mates before a nice cold pint of Lapin Kulta, these are just the ticket. Book the sauna at Café Tin Tin Tango, and while you're about it, why not do your washing? The Café has a Laundromat, weekend DJs and serves an all-day breakfast.
For the most up-to-date information on parties, club nights, cinema, gigs and concerts in Helsinki, pick up the weekly free leaflet Helsinki Clubland & Elokuvat which is available in cafés, bars, restaurants and cinemas all over town.
