Practical information : Going out Finland
Timetable
Finns go out mainly on weekend nights, and it is not uncommon for cities to set up big screens to watch outdoor sporting events.
In Helsinki, discos usually close at 4am on Friday and Saturday nights. Shows usually start and end early. For example, shows at the Opera House often start around 7pm and end at 9pm-9:30pm.
Budget & Tips
Alcohol is very expensive in Finland, so we shouldn't be surprised to see that Finns come to parties with their own bottle, or start drinking at home before going to the disco! From Helsinki, many spend the weekend in the Estonian capital (Tallinn), a few hours' ferry ride away for its much better value for money.
To be booked
For big events, festivities and the like, it's best to book in advance. For the rest, no worries, except for the Helsinki Opera or other shows, where it's best to book a little in advance if you want to be well placed.
Night transport
Helsinki is well served by night buses. The good news is that you can use the night bus to get home in the evening. The website www.hsl.fi/en provides routes and timetables. The other option is to take a cab or Uber, or scooters.
In other cities, don't hesitate to ask your tourist office about night-time transport, and if necessary, take the number of a cab with you.
Age restrictions
Alcohol consumption is reserved for adults (over 18), as is entry to discotheques. However, some do not accept under-24s.
What's very local
Dancing is as popular in nightclubs as it is in top hotels and restaurants. For the latter, dinner dances were, until recently, the main attraction. But here, as elsewhere, disco culture has taken its toll... Another typically Finnish feature: naistentanssit. What's naistentanssit? Quite simply, it's a tradition still alive and well among the over-40s. After leaving the office, the women sometimes head off to the ball... It's they who lead the dance, choosing their partners. Refusal is out of the question - it's extremely frowned upon. Don't be fooled into thinking that the lady has a crush on you! Finns just love to dance, that's all.
Karaoke. The country's crazy about it. At weekends, with the help of alcohol, Sunday singers sing at the top of their voices. You can even order a Karaoketaxi in advance - an unforgettable experience, especially for the driver.
When it comes to dress code, the Finns aren't strict, and even at the Opera, you don't have to put on your best dress. Casual or chic, do as you please!
Smokers
As in the rest of public establishments, bars and restaurants, smoking is strictly prohibited in discotheques and other clubs. But they often have a smoking area or terrace.
