Finland Guide
Helsinki and the south
Clubs and music venues
1 Helmi Eerikinkatu 14 
www.helmi.net Very crowded and loud resto-bar with padded beige sitting spaces and a well-stocked bar. A favourite among investment bankers, ad execs and lawyers.
2 Kaivohuone Kaivopuisto Park www.helsinginkaivohuone.fi One of the city's longest established late-night party spots and still an excellent choice for a Fri or Sat night, when those in the know come to Kaivopuisto's leafy environs to dance, drink and join the very long taxi queues for home.
3 Lux Urho Kekkosenkatu 1A www.luxnightclub.fi This extremely popular sprawling nightclub consists of several levels, multiple black-marble dancefloors, large terrace lounges and a couple of VIP rooms you won't ever set foot in. Set in the penthouse of the Kamppi shopping centre.
4 
Redrum Kluuvikatu 3 www.redrum.fi This downstairs dance club has a group of DJs who hypnotize the crowd from their central throne. Younger clientele often able to slip their way in despite the over-21 stipulation.
5 Rose Garden Iso Roobertinkatu 10 www.clubrosegarden.com Large, labyrinthine lounge bar-cum-club with DJs playing in various themed rooms. It can get pretty hot in here when it packs in the weekend crowds after midnight; enter below the neon "Swengi" sign and head towards the silver door in the back.
6 Storyville Museokatu 8 www.storyville.fi Buzzing jazz joint, with live Dixieland, swing or bebop on stage every night. In the summer there's music outside on the idyllic garden terrace until 9pm. You can eat a pricey and filling Finnish dinner at your table. Opening time: Kitchen open until 3.30amPrice: Cover under €10
7 Studio 51 Frederikinkatu 51–53 www.studio51.fi Built in the image of New York's Studio 54 and with a deliberately decadent 1970s decor of sequined walls, red mood lighting and large disco balls, this is Helsinki's largest club, and it's recently been through a comprehensive renovation. A good place to visit after you've exhausted yourself everywhere else and are on the hunt for a second wind.
8 Tavastia Urho Kekkosenkatu 4–6 www.tavastiaklubi.fi The country's premier rock club, and a major showcase for Finnish and Swedish bands. Downstairs holds the stage and self-service bar; the balcony is waitress service.
9 Vanha Ylioppilastalo Mannerheimintie 3 www.vanha.fi The main venue for leading indie bands from around the world, just next to Stockmann's department store.
10 DTM (Don't Tell Mamma) Iso Roobertinkatu 28 www.dtm.fi Known to regulars as mama or mummola, this legendary gay and lesbian nightclub is among the best known in Europe. The disco was completely renovated in 2007, and it is still the place to go, with great house music most nights and regular drag shows and special events. During the day, the downstairs café offers breakfasts, pastries, snacks, coffee and free wi-fi.
11 Hercules Lönnrotinkatu 4b www.herculesgayclub.com Not quite as trendy as DTM, this club is quite popular with young, leather-clad men and plays a variety of music.
12 Mann's Street Mannerheimintie 12 (upstairs) www.mannsstreet.com If you're looking for karaoke, Finnish music and older gay men, you'll find generous helpings here.