Top Bars in Helsinki – Most Viewed (2025)

Spårakoff (sometimes stylized Spårakoff or SpåraKOFF) is Helsinki’s iconic pub tram — a vintage HM V tram converted into a mobile bar and restaurant. Launched in 1995 (in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the brewery Sinebrychoff), the tram is painted bright red (instead of the usual green/cream tram colors) and branded with Koff beer signage. With a compact 20 m² interior, Spårakoff seats 24 people and allows about 6 standing guests. There’s a small bar counter, a restroom (toilet), and a layout meant for casual socializing while in motion. Its usual public route is a circular tour through central Helsinki (departing from Railway Square / Mikonkatu tram stop), passing landmarks such as the Market Square (Kauppatori), Opera House, Kallio, Töölö, and more. Tours last about 40 minutes and run hourly in afternoons and evenings during the summer months. Spårakoff also offers private charter possibilities, where you can define starting points, destination, and route. Pricing for private use is published. For example, a 2-hour private ride on weekdays costs about €970, and there are surcharges/hour for extra time. With S-Etukortti (loyalty card) there’s a discounted rate (≈ €815). Spårakoff is currently under renovation (as of autumn 2025) because Helsinki’s tram network voltage is changing. It is expected to return to service when modifications are complete.

Trillby & Chadwick is a clandestine cocktail bar in central Helsinki, designed to transport guests back to the Prohibition era. Concealed behind an unmarked wooden door on Katariinankatu, patrons must locate the entrance and use a vintage telephone to request access, enhancing the bar's secretive allure. Upon entry, visitors find themselves in a meticulously crafted setting reminiscent of a 1920s private investigator's office, complete with leather armchairs and dim lighting, evoking the ambiance of an old English gentleman's club. The bar's menu is thematically structured around fictional case files, offering a selection of inventive cocktails that pay homage to classic mixology while incorporating modern twists. Trillby & Chadwick operates under a strict no-photography policy to maintain its enigmatic atmosphere, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The establishment is part of the Son of a Punch Collective, known for creating unique and immersive bar experiences in Helsinki. Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more, while smaller parties are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. The bar's popularity peaks around 11 PM on Saturdays, with guests typically staying for approximately 2.5 hours.

Hidden in Helsinki’s vibrant Design District on Erottajankatu, Liberty or Death has been setting the standard for inventive cocktails since its opening in March 2012. Created by the Son of a Punch team, it channels modern Brooklyn charm—think plush details, moody interiors, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Each time you visit, the cocktail menu changes monthly, offering both reimagined classics and fresh, creative creations using seasonal ingredients and in-house-made components, part of the bar’s commitment to craft and reducing waste. Patrons often praise the creative, surprising cocktails and friendly service. Many highlight a vibrant but relaxing vibe, paired with hip-hop or mellow music that enhances the mood. Situated right in the heart of Helsinki, Liberty or Death is accessible yet feels like a special escape from the city streets.

Kyrö Sauna Bar, situated in the heart of Helsinki, reimagines the quintessential Finnish sauna experience by combining it with a contemporary cocktail bar. This innovative venue is a creation of the Kyrö Distillery Company, renowned for its rye-based spirits, and reflects their commitment to authenticity and community. The bar operates in two central locations: Keskuskatu 6 and the Superterassi at Kasarmitori. Each site offers a modern mixed sauna where guests can relax and socialize. The design, crafted by Studio Puisto Architects, incorporates reclaimed materials and Ostrobothnian heritage elements, creating a warm, rustic ambiance that honors Finnish traditions. Visitors can book one-hour sauna sessions, which include amenities like towels, bathrobes, seat covers, and shampoo. Swimwear is mandatory, and the minimum age for entry is 18. While enjoying the sauna, guests can savor a selection of Kyrö's signature cocktails, bringing a spirited twist to the relaxation experience. Kyrö Sauna Bar is not just about relaxation; it's a cultural experience that encapsulates the Finnish way of life. Whether you're a local or a traveler, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with Finnish sauna culture in a contemporary setting.

Set in a repurposed two-storey power plant in the vibrant Teurastamo district, Tislaamo Distillery Bar is the public facing bar & restaurant of The Helsinki Distilling Company. Walking in, you feel the history in the walls, the industrial bones softened by warm lighting, wooden accents, and the hum of distillation just downstairs. They distill their spirits in-house — gin, whiskey among them — which gives both the drinks and the atmosphere a sense of place and authenticity. The drink menu is built around those house spirits, with creative cocktails that lean fresh and seasonal, plus a solid lineup of long drinks, gin & tonics, and alcohol-free distillates. On the food side, expect honest bar food using seasonal Finnish ingredients — burgers, small plates, veggie and meat options. The Grill Room pop-up serves burgers from summer 2025 on the terrace. There’s also a journey to be had: distillery tours and tastings are offered, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, which add another layer to the experience. Evenings at Tislaamo feel relaxed but deliberate: conversation, craftsmanship, good drinks. The crowd tends to be locals, food-lovers and drink-enthusiasts who appreciate quality and atmosphere rather than just spectacle. Weekends are livelier and later; mid-week evenings are calmer. The setting in Teurastamo means you’re just a short walk from other food & culture offerings, which makes it great for pairing with a dinner-out vibe or exploring the wider area.