Gay Helsinki City Guide

Welcome to Helsinki - A Nordic Gem Awaits

Greetings, Explorers and Dreamers! Welcome to Helsinki, a city where the excitement of urban life meets natural serenity, crafting vibrant neighbourhoods filled with politics, culture, and business. Helsinki isn't just the heart of Finland - it's the soul, pulsing with a one-of-a-kind mix. This is a place where history, tradition, and innovation meet at every corner.

Picture a living canvas of awe-inspiring architecture, from neoclassical gems to progressive modern structures. Crowned World Design Capital in 2012, Helsinki wears its honours gracefully. Cobblestone streets whisper tales of the past, while creative districts breathe new life.

But it's not all surface appeal. Helsinki has heart and soul, with a voice that blends urban energy and natural calm. Over 130 kilometres of coastal paths share maritime stories, while 40% green space provides an escape. Helsinki strikes that ideal balance.

Discover Helsinki: Sights, Events, Shopping, Activities, Day Trips, Nature, Neighbourhoods, and Accommodation

Gay Scene in Helsinki

Helsinki's LGBTQ+ Nightlife 

Helsinki's LGBTQ+ nightlife reflects the city's progressive spirit, with a vibrant array of bars and clubs where the community and allies gather. With options ranging from lively nights out to more relaxed hangouts, discover some of Helsinki's top gay-friendly venues. Check out our guides to Helsinki's best Bars & Clubs, Gay Saunas and Cruise Clubs.

Popular Gay Bars and Clubs 

DTM (Don't Tell Mama): This legendary club in the iconic Teurastamo district has long been a foundation of Helsinki's inclusive nightlife. With an array of dazzling performances, DJ sets, and events that celebrate individuality and self-expression, DTM ensures every night is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind experience.

Hercules Gay Nightclub: As the Nordic Countries' biggest gay dance club, Hercules promises an epic night out in central Helsinki with room to groove across two dance floors and refuel at two bars. It's a top destination for high-energy clubbing.

Street Pride Bar: Decorated with LGBTQ pride, this welcoming Kamppi district bar hosts diverse entertainment like drag performances, live music nights, and karaoke. It's a great place to hang out and celebrate queer culture.

Getting to Helsinki  

By Air: 

The newly renewed Helsinki Airport, the largest airport in Finland both in size and passenger volume, has undergone significant transformations. Its departures and arrivals halls, security control, shopping areas, restaurants, and other services have been completely revamped. This extensive renovation has led to Helsinki Airport being awarded as one of the most beautiful airports in the world at the Prix Versailles 2023 architecture and design competition.

Helsinki Airport serves as a major hub with a wide range of international connections. The journey from the airport to the city centre remains convenient, taking about 30 minutes.

Getting from the airport to the city centre: 

By Train: Commuter trains I and P provide a fast and convenient route, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. The train station at Helsinki Airport allows direct access to the terminals. Purchase an ABC ticket via the HSL mobile app or from various city sales points – tickets are not available on the trains.

By Bus: The bus route 600 now operates as the primary link between Helsinki Airport and Helsinki City Centre. The travel time is approximately 40 minutes, offering a convenient option for travellers. Tickets for this route can be purchased in several ways for ease and convenience: online via the HSL mobile app, or directly at the ticket machines located at the bus station. For more detailed information about tickets and fares, visit the official HSL website at https://www.hsl.fi/.

By Taxi: A taxi ride to the city centre takes about 20 minutes and costs around €40-45.

By Boat: 

Daily ferry services connect Helsinki with Tallinn, Estonia (Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line, Eckerö Line), Stockholm, Sweden (Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line), and Germany (Finnlines). These ferries also accommodate cars.

Helsinki ports, suitable for international cruise ships, are easily accessible by foot, public transport, taxi, shuttle buses, or sightseeing buses.

Trams to ferry terminals: Tram 7 and Tram 9 provide services to West Terminal 2. For those traveling to Katajanokka Terminal, Trams 4 and 5 are the designated routes.

By Train:

Excellent train connections link Helsinki with major Finnish towns and Lapland.

The Central Railway Station, a city landmark, is centrally located.

By Bus: 

Buses from around Finland, including hourly services from major cities, arrive at the central bus station in Kamppi, accessible by metro and other public transport. 

Getting around Helsinki  

Public Transport 

Helsinki's excellent public transport system (HSL) includes buses, trams, the metro, commuter trains, and even ferry services. With a single ticket, you can hop on trams, buses, the metro, and the municipal ferry to Suomenlinna, and switch between them seamlessly.

Day Tickets: Ideal for multiple journeys in a day or over several days. Available for 1–13 days, they can be purchased via the HSL mobile app, from HSL ticket machines, and at various sales points including R-kiosks.

Zones: The public transport region is divided into zones A, B, C, and D, starting from the city centre. Purchase a ticket covering all zones you plan to travel in. The online Journey Planner indicates the required ticket based on your travel plans.

Helsinki Card: Holders can travel for free on public transportation within selected zones.

Walking: 

Helsinki, a compact city, is ideal for exploring on foot, with most sights within walking distance. The city offers a selection of thematic maps for planning your walks.

By Bike: 

Cycling is a fast, easy way to get around, with a 1200-kilometre network of bike paths.

City Bikes: Available in Helsinki and Espoo, these are a convenient option during the summer, with the season extending until the end of October.

By Tram: 

Trams are perfect for city centre exploration. Tram 2 is a traditional sightseeing route, while trams 3, 4, and 6 are great for exploring architectural gems and design hotspots.

By Metro: 

Helsinki’s metro network connects the city centre to Espoo and East Helsinki. An ABC ticket is required for the full line, with the journey taking about 49 minutes.

By Train: 

HSL operates commuter trains across the metropolitan area, departing from and arriving at Helsinki Central Station. These trains offer easy access to various city parts, including Pasila and the Haaga district.

By Bus: 

Buses operated by HSL cover the entire metropolitan area, with schedules available online.