10 bars worth the trip across Finland, editor-ranked by TableJourney. All Finland guides.
Liberty or Death ★ 4.4 · Helsinki
keskusta · Erottajankatu 5, 00130 Helsinki
Liberty or Death on Erottajankatu is one of Helsinki's most ambitious cocktail bars, with a seasonal menu built on fresh and unusual ingredients.
Tip: Sit at the bar and ask the team to steer you. The menu shifts with the seasons, so trust the bartender's pick.
Trillby & Chadwick ★ 4.4 · Helsinki
kruununhaka · Katariinankatu 1 D, 00170 Helsinki
Trillby & Chadwick is a hidden Kruununhaka cocktail bar styled as a 1900s detective agency, with no sign, just a buzzer, and drinks built to order.
Tip: Look for the unmarked door and ring the buzzer. Cocktails run around 17 euros; reserve, as the room is tiny.
Chihuahua Julep ★ 4.4 · Helsinki
keskusta · Erottajankatu 9, 00130 Helsinki
Chihuahua Julep on Erottajankatu drew international notice for its agave-leaning cocktails and a no-phone policy that keeps the room conversational.
Tip: Phones go away at the door by house rule. Come for the mezcal and tequila drinks and stay for the focused atmosphere.
HogoHuene ★ 4.2 · Helsinki
kallio · Viides linja 7, 00530 Helsinki
HogoHuene on Viides linja in Kallio is a rum-focused cocktail bar with a deep back-bar and a tiki-tinged menu that the city's drinks crowd seeks out.
Tip: The rum selection is the reason to come; let the bartenders build something around a bottle you have not tried.
Siltanen ★ 4.1 · Helsinki
kallio · Hämeentie 13 B, 00530 Helsinki
Siltanen on Hämeentie is a Kallio mainstay, a bar and terrace by day and a club by night, with weekend DJs, a big summer terrace and pizza to share.
Tip: The terrace is the summer draw; the back room turns into a dance floor late on weekends. Cash or card, casual dress.
Ambient Bar ★ 4.1 · Helsinki
arabia · Hämeentie 133, 00560 Helsinki
Ambient Bar on Hämeentie in Arabia is a listening bar built around a hi-fi system and records, pairing careful cocktails with a clear, loud soundtrack.
Tip: Come for the sound system as much as the drinks. North of Kallio in Arabia, so plan the tram ride back.
Tislaamo ★ 4.1 · Helsinki
teurastamo · Työpajankatu 2 A, 00580 Helsinki
Tislaamo in the old Teurastamo abattoir district is a distillery bar pouring gin and whisky from its own still, with cocktails built around the house spirits.
Tip: Set in the Teurastamo food-and-drink yard. Order a gin made on the still you can see behind the bar.
Struts ★ 4.1 · Helsinki
kallio · Fleminginkatu 13, 00530 Helsinki
Struts on Fleminginkatu is a Kallio cocktail and queer bar with a welcoming room, a tight cocktail list and weekend DJs, a hub of the area's nightlife.
Tip: A friendly Kallio cocktail bar with a queer crowd and weekend DJs. Drinks are well made without the speakeasy formality.
Haka ★ 4.0 · Helsinki
kallio · Toinen linja 7, 00530 Helsinki
Haka on Toinen linja near Hakaniemi is a craft-beer bar pouring Finnish and guest taps for the Kallio crowd, built around the glass not the decor.
Tip: A no-frills beer bar near the Hakaniemi hall. Check the tap list for small Finnish breweries you will not find downtown.
Harju 8 ★ 4.0 · Helsinki
kallio · Harjutori 8, 00500 Helsinki
Harju 8 on Harjutori is a Kallio corner that works as a cafe by day and a wine-and-beer bar by night, with outdoor tables facing a quiet neighbourhood square.
Tip: Coffee in the morning, natural wine in the evening. The square-facing tables are the spot on a warm Kallio afternoon.