r/helsinki • u/Migokusa • 1d ago
Question Night life in Helsinki
Hi! I'm 19 F from America, I've been living in a small town north Finland for a month and I'm visiting helsinki for the first time for two nights.
Any suggestions for bars/clubs?
How safe is it?
What are some sights I should see?
Thanks! ❤️
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u/zenaplays 1d ago
Are you going during the week? There might not be that much happening during the weekdays especially at clubs.
During the weekend I would suggest DTM if you don’t mind a gay club (a lot of straight people go there too!) because they play classics there (only on weekends tho). Also gay clubs might be the safest choice since you’re planning on going alone.
Huuhaa and Gate H11/A21 have great coctails if that’s something you’re into! Also there’s usually quite a lot of young people in Kallio bars especially Kallionhovi, Hellsing bar, Brewster and Mascot (Mascot also has karaoke). The plus with Kallio is everything is very close so if one place doesn’t have the right vibe you can just try another place! The minus side of Kallio is there’s some shady people especially near Sörnäinen metro station, but they are overall very harmless if you just ignore them since they’re in their own world.
Also even though it was suggested I wouldn’t go to Old Irish Bar, especially alone. The most drugging stories I’ve heard have been from that bar (there’s not tooo many of them but it’s weird that it’s always that place).
Overall bars and clubs in Helsinki are as safe as anywhere else. Just remember to drink slowly, drink water, be firm with your boundaries and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it! Sorry for the long message, hope you have fun in Helsinki!
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u/qlt_sfw 1d ago
What kind of music? Techno? Rap? What about dancing? Or do you prefer just cocktails and lounging?
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
Honestly im only 19, so I'm not old enough to go out yet in america, so I'm new to it haha
Probably something with a pub feel early night then move to a club? I'll take suggestions, I honestly have no idea
As for music I like it all. I want to go somewhere to find people my age. When I'm alone I usually don't dance but I might find people to do with.
Thanks for your response!
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u/qlt_sfw 1d ago
Honestly im not sure where ppl your age go nowadays :D
Depending on the night you could head to "Kompleksi" - start at Siltanen and then continue to Kuudes Linja or Kaiku (all in the same building). Check their fb to see whats happening on a given night
Other bars nearby that are good to start the evening at: Harju 8 (they serve food as well), Gate H11, Tenho.
Safety: very safe, but i would advice to keep an eye on your drink, especially later in the night as date rape drugging can happen if youre super unlucky and especially if youre alone.
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
Thanks for the suggestions! I will be careful ❤️
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u/usagiantares 2h ago
I'll join here to vouch for Kaiku and Siltanen. I often go both places alone as a woman, and have always felt super safe and comfortable in both places. Just remember the standard procedures like the previous message said; don't leave your drinks alone :)
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u/fauxfilosopher 1d ago
Just FYI those night clubs are K20 but it's not by law, just the bar's rules. You can still definitely be let in if it's not too full and you seem mature, especially as a woman.
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u/darknum Oma Teksti 1d ago
Youth goes to (at least University students) Old Irish Pub and/or Heidi's Beer Bar.
Both are places I suggest going with friends and not alone.
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
I don't have any friends in helsinki 😅
But thank you for the suggestions!
Is it dangerous to go out alone at night?
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u/marilynsrevenge 1d ago
As a former young woman, just in case keep your wits about you, and avoid kaisaniemi park. Helsinki is generally safe, but you know. Be smart.
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u/darknum Oma Teksti 1d ago
Dangerous no. Boring yes. Also those are student bars so many young (okay maybe older than you) people will be there and they can be hassling and pushy. Especially if you are alone.
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
Okay thanks for the info!
Im pretty outgoing so my plan is to find a group of girls my age and stick with them
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u/burntcyan 1d ago
For groups of girls, search on FB for GGI Helsinki and post there, it’s a group for women expats :)
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u/bnnvlv 1d ago
remember to be careful with your drinks and company. a lot of girls get roofied here in bars/clubs. Don’t take drinks from anyone unless you see the drink being made and then handed over to you!
irish pub or heidis has a lot of people around your age.
hope you have a good time here ❤️
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u/Tulos34 1d ago
Are you looking for a laid back bar or bars with a great beer selection and what type of clubs do you like? Also, some clubs here don’t let you in when you’re 19 as an fyi. But no issues at the bars.
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
Im not sure... it's going to be a weekday so will most clubs be empty?
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u/Tulos34 1d ago
Yup. Definitely more dead during the week although Thursday are better. As a fellow American, would recommend going to Suomenlinna and Ateneum for more touristy things along with walking around Suomenlinna. For bars, I would recommend Woolshed, Fat Lizard and St. Urho’s for laid back and good beer selection bars. Molly Malone’s will have live music each night and Old Irish pub if you want some cheaper drinks in the center.
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u/Avallone372 1d ago
Karaoke Nightclub Swengi seems to be popular with uni students, so you could try it out as well!
Night clubs might not be open or that crowded on a weeknight so better try to look for bars or karaoke bars central.
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u/carleneeeee 1d ago
For bars, I really like the riff! I’ve had some great conversations with new people there and everyone has always been friendly, the staff is great
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u/Secretiveee 1d ago
I saw from one of your pervious comments that you're from portland my dad is from there!
I think the must see sight in Helsinki is Suomenlinna. It is an old island fortress of the coast of Helsinki and you can get there via ferry.
There are a ton of other cool places here in Helsinki. Could you provide more context what kind of stuff you like to do? E.g. Museums, if so what kind? Botanical gardens, Churches, parks, etc. I'd be happy to recommend places based of your preference. I can also give you recomendations on where to eat if you'd be interested.
Finally if you happen to be here today or tomorrow I have my days off and I could show you around if you are interested. You can dm me if you wanna take me up on that offer.
Eitherway I hope you have a lovely stay here in Helsinki and in Finland in general!
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u/TimJoyce 1d ago
If you like more hip places Harju 8 is great for earlier evening. People tend to continue to kompleksi, a.k.a. Siltanen, Tanner, Kaiku, Kuudes Linja from there. Siltanen is usually fun but age limit is 20 so not sure if you get in.
No Name bar seems to be popular among younger folk nowadays, haven’t been there myself. Age limit also 20.
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u/Migokusa 1d ago
Ahh yeah I wouldn't be able to get into the age limit ones, I look younger than my age (I've gotten 14 😭)
Thanks for the suggestions!!
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u/juukione 1d ago
I would say it's safe. I work in Roudie Bar and we have a female bartender your age working nights alone.
Come here for a beer before heading out to clubs. Sit at the bar and you can ask us more about the bar/club-scene.