Gay bar helsinki

Finland has strong anti-discrimination laws and a progressive social stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

For a queer night out, start with Hercules Gay Nightclub for dancing and a terrace view, then mix in karaoke at Mann’s Street or Street Pride Bar, which also does trivia and DJ nights. It's generally a good idea to check venue websites for any specific requirements.

It features multiple levels, a large dance floor, and regularly hosts DJs, drag shows, and themed parties. The Pride week features a vibrant parade, numerous parties, cultural events, workshops, and discussions across various venues. This multi-level venue features a spacious dance floor, fantastic sound system, and often hosts drag shows and themed parties.

Arrive early for a good sunset spot and settle in for a while – trust us, you won’t want to leave anytime soon!

Kiila

A trendy gastro-pub served cheap burgers with extremely affordable wine-by-the-bottle specials. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available, though they can be more expensive.

Cute and adorable, gay travelers will feel right at home here.

Yard Hostel Helsinki ☆☆

A newly opened concept hostel in the heart of Helsinki. It is located at the corner of the Kallio park carrying a very suitable name: Karhupuisto (‘Bear Park’).

Internationally renowned art galleries, picturesque nature, creative design stores, plenty of cute coffee shops (frequented by even cuter Finnish guys and girls) and, of course, vibrant club parties.

Quirky, misunderstood and often overlooked – Helsinki is a diamond in the rough with plenty going for it if you know where to look.

For broader information, see our guide to Helsinki nightlife.

Is Helsinki LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely. Sassy, camp, and oh-so-prideful.

DTM Nightclub

One of the most popular gay clubs, Don’t Tell you Mother in Helsinki, draws a younger crowd with great pop music, 5 am close times and DJs on deck every night.

Helsinki is widely regarded as one of Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly cities. It often hosts special evening events, especially during weekends or pride celebrations. Pop by in the morning for a café latte and a croissant, at lunchtime for a traditional Salmon soup, and in the evening for something small washed down with a glass of wine or beer.

And this is without even getting into the pristine natural environments that lay on the city’s doorsteps – the archipelago’s islands, beaches, forests, and parks all tempt you to stay longer.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Finland since 2017, and in this peaceful and open-minded Nordic Capital, queer travelers are welcomed everywhere with small rainbow flags on almost every store, club and restaurant window.

Finns are famously shy and withdrawn, loving to brag about how withdrawn they are – but we have to disagree and found Finns in Helsinki warm, open and sincere…once you start a conversation.

Sauna Vogue is well-known for its modern facilities and cheaper entrance for those under 26’s (only 10€ on Friday), but rather ironically, in Helsinki, gay saunas are not in vogue, with more people preferring nightclubs and hookup apps.

US Video Helsinki

A popular cruising area with clean movie viewing facilities, vending machines, and free internet.

Keltainen Ruusu

Helsinki’s largest sex shop, also doubles as a cruising space with dark rooms, slings, and gloryholes popular until around 7 am for those leaving the Helsinki gay clubs still wanting more.

Gay Map Of Helsinli

Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Gay Helsinki?

It transforms the city into a week-long celebration of diversity, love, and equality.