Bars and Cafes in City Center (Helsinki)

Atelier Bar

Located in the heart of Helsinki and housed within the Sokos Hotel Torni, the chic Atelier Bar is famous, yet hard to find! Locals from the creative fraternities flock here, and many of them even have their paintings adorning the walls. You have no option but to mingle with the crowd, as the bar is relatively low on space. But visitors need not fear-the lack of room is more than made up for by the ambience and the panoramic view of the city.

The Stage Rock Bar

The Stage Rock Bar is one of those nightclubs that simply rock your evenings. The drinks on offer include a fine collection of beers and ciders, but it is the music that actually draws you to this place. Be it hard metal or simply gothic rock, The Stage will never disappoint the ardent music lover.

O'Malley's Irish Pub

Tucked away in the Sokos Hotel Torni, this 1980s country pub is a hangout for the Irish at heart. Not too big on the décor-rather dull walls bear a few frames, while minimalist modern furniture claims a few spaces-the pub is nonetheless a big attraction for those who enjoy their pint of Guinness amid a like-minded crowd. The bar is a sight to behold, with a range of colorful spirits lining the racks. Tall French windows and a long balcony reveal a panoramic view of the city to those who are lucky to grab a well-placed table. A few bar snacks, mainly fish n chips, provide the necessary roadblocks in your drinking session. An Irish-sounding rock band revs up Wednesdays and Thursdays evenings, while Tuesdays feature a jam session, with hearty participation from patrons. Come, sit back and enjoy!

dtm

If you are wondering what dtm stands for, you'd be surprised to know that it's an acronym for the most common thing people are careful about - "don't tell mama." The acronym was probably necessary, considering this is a gay nightclub! With a fully licensed café and bar, it is one of the most happening nightspots in Scandinavia. A wide range of pastries, snacks, cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is on offer, and you can carry along your laptop, because you can avail of wi-fi here too!

Uniq

This unique nightclub is famous for its Artic Icebar, where the temperature is maintained at -5°C (23°F) throughout the year. The interiors of this bar are made from 20-centimeter (8-inch) thick ice blocks transported all the way from Lapland! Do not worry about the cold-you will be given gloves and a cape for keeping warm, along with a complimentary glass of vodka. Apart from the bar, there is also an amphitheater which hosts dancers and has a high-end sound and lighting system. The establishment hosts the hottest parties in the city, featuring DJs who keep your feet on the dance floor. For upcoming events check the website.

Fishmarket

Fishmarket provides an exquisitely lovely, white-linen locale for the upscale set. Tucked into an underground cellar just across from Helsinki's main marketplace, the white-walled, well-lit Fishmarket maintains a carefree, summery atmosphere year-round. With consistently delicious and aesthetically inventive seafood specialties, an extensive wine list, and mouth-watering desserts, this one deserves a place of priority on the itinerary of any gourmet traveler. Be sure to check out the upstairs deck in the summer months. -Liesl Yamaguchi

AHJO

Sleek and very Scandinavian, Ahjo Bar and Nightclub serves the Nordic jet-set with stiff drinks and electronic music in the darkly sparkling underground of Ilmatar Restaurant. Catering primarily to a young, European business clientele, Ahjo gets going later in the evening, particularly when Helsinki s hotter DJs are passing through (typically Wednesday through Saturday nights; check website for details and schedule). The cocktail, beer, and wine offerings are extensive and expensive, but the digs are delightful. For the adventurous traveler: a few shots of the local specialty-lakritsi (liquorice)- are a must.

Bulevardin Kahvisalonki

Newly opened yet somehow classic, Bulevardin Kahvisalonki epitomizes the Old-World, Scandinavian café. Spotlessly white, spare, and sparkling with tiny chandeliers, this café offers coffees, teas, pastries, and chocolates all day, as well as Nordic salads, sandwiches, and quiches at lunchtime. With its central location at the end of Esplanad Park, it s a great place to pause and warm up over a steaming glass of coffee after a hectic day. The dark, bentwood furniture is comfy and classic, as is the general ambiance reigning at this elegant corner café. Coffees and pastries from EUR2, lunch EUR5-8.

Kitty O' Shea's Irish Pub

It won't take time to realize that Kitty O' Shea's Irish Pub is unlike the other Irish pubs in Helsinki. The interiors are all green with various wall hangings adorning the area. The ebony colored table and couch are set in compartments and have a small lamp burning on the table. The pub features delicious concoctions-the cider and beer are the favorites here. The pub also plays contemporary Irish music as one sits and enjoys a drink here.

Friday

If you're looking forward to a fun night out...then look no further than Friday Music Bar. Get ready to be entertained with loads of music and dance all through the evening. Lively atmosphere, friendly and young staff, vibrant crowd, good music and live entertainment-whatever you want, it's at Friday Music Bar! Some of the popular gigs taken place are Red Hot Chilli Peppers, TAP, Underwear and Iris. Weekends are the best nights to visit here as you can catch the local DJs and rock bands performing the latest hits for you.

Vltava

Right in the heart of Helsinki downtown, next to the main train and bus stations, in an old jugend-style-building, restaurant Vltava has made Czech food and beer trendy again. With its four floors of bars and dining Vltava is a heaven for those who love good beer, merry atmosphere, and generous foods. Vltava has a very impressive selection of beers both bottled and draught, dark and light, from Czech, Germany and Belgium. And for those who aren't that fond of beer, there's also a good list of wines and English ciders. Besides the restaurant menu, they also serve small plates of different finger foods to accompany the beer at all of its three bars. -Tuuli Tammenkoski

Lady Moon

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!