Rooftop bars in Helsinki: 7 times drinks with a view, no matter the weather
From skyscapers to more tolerable hights, Helsinki offers a great number of rooftop bars and terraces overlooking the city in all directions. The city’s low build infrastructure allows gazing all the way to the horizon, while the scenic landscape surprises curious sight spotters in varied colours from season to season.
Drinks
with a view
Ateljee Bar
When talking about rooftop bars in Helsinki, Ateljee Bar is a clear starter. With a 360 degree lookout over the city, the views from the restaurant have become a trademark that is easy to identify, and one that visitors never get tired of praising. This rooftop bar, which has been operating since 1951, is located on the top floors of Hotel Torni, and it’s also possible to experience a unique breakfast or an afternoon tea with a view. To keep oneself busy, how many sights between the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Kallio’s Church Tower can you find? Up for a challenge – how about in a minute? Needless to say, for anyone looking to grasp an idea of Helsinki’s size and landmarks at a one-go, Ateljee Bar is here to deliver.
Where? Yrjönkatu 26, Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, 00100 Helsinki
Loi Loi Rooftop
Looking for more laid-back vibes? Loi Loi Rooftop Restaurant & Distillery is located in the picturesque Konepaja area, on the 6th floor rooftop. Loi Loi serves as the home for Finland’s smallest commercial distillery, where artisanal gin varieties are made by hand daily. Next to great views over the old machinery grounds – and all the way to Pasila radio tower and neighbourhood, the rooftop restaurant serves Asian American fusion cuisine with flavours inspired by a playful mix of South Asian flavours and American style BBQ. Great vibes and cool drinks guaranteed.
Where? Konepajankuja 5, 00510 Helsinki
Monkey Rooftop Bar
Right in the beating heart of Helsinki, Monkey Rooftop bar and terrace in the 8th floor offers views in three directions. Here you can enjoy refreshing drinks and amazing views over Helsinki all year round, more so – the bar has a telescope and binoculars, so it’s easy to take a closer look at the city. Popular sights include the Central railway station, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Lasipalatsi square directly below the rooftop terrace. The rooftop bar is accessible via hotel Scandic Simonkenttä lifts.
Where? Simonkatu 9, Scandic Simonkenttä, 00100 Helsinki
Skyroom Helsinki
Skyroom at Clarion Hotel Helsinki is certainly one of the city’s coolest meeting places, offering spectacular views across western Helsinki. For someone looking for trendy rooftop bars in Helsinki, this is a spot where to enjoy fabulous drinks created by the experienced bartenders, modern art, new music and luxurious design with lots of cool details. Here you can observe the city’s water front and coastal areas all the way from Kamppi’s Hietaniemi to Lauttasaari neighbourhood, as well as the western Terminal popular among visitors heading to, and arriving from Estonia.
Where? Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Clarion Hotel Helsinki, 00220 Helsinki
Kupoli bar
Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? Or maybe it’s the spring flowers blooming? Either way, Kupoli bar is a magical sight to visit throughout all Helsinki seasons. Situated in the historic ‘new’ student house (Uusi Ylioppilastalo), part of the Grand Hansa Hotel by NH Collection, the beautiful building dome now serves as a high-class cocktail bar above the rooftops of Helsinki. Here you can feel Helsinki’s history whispering, in a classy and relaxing atmosphere. Spot the iconic ‘stone men’ of the Helsinki central railway station, follow the flow of people around department store Stockmann, or admire the statue of the Three blacksmiths. To secure your spot at the dome, it’s good to make a reservation in advance.
Where? Mannerheimintie 5, Grand Hansa by NH Collection, 00100 Helsinki
Toppa’s rooftop coctail bar
Toppa’s rooftop cocktail bar is on the top floor of the historic and outstanding Sugar Cube designed by famous Alvar Aalto. Next to being situated on an architectural landmark itself, Toppa is watching over many popular visitor sights, such as Allas Pool, SkyWheel Helsinki, Presidential Palace, and Helsinki Cathedral. On weekends, the bar hosts DJ’s and good vibes, with a wide range of premium spirits, cocktails and non alcoholic cocktails to endulge in. It’s good to note that the terrace is not covered, hence it’s a great spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or an evening under the Nordic sun – just remember the sun lotion!
Where? Kanavaranta 1, 00160 Helsinki
Bistro O mat
In Hakaniemi, sit back and enjoy a view over the beautiful water front (Kaisaniemi). Bistro O Mat is a restaurant located on the 9th floor of Lyyra kortteli, directly above the Hakaniemi metro station. Here visitors can also enjoy a delicious lunch or a French-Scandinavian dinner from seasonal local meats, fish and vegetables. Great architectural sights to spot include the Arena building and theatre (Arenan talo), Helsinki City Theatre, and Ympyrätalo.
Where? Toinen Linja 7, 00530 Helsinki
(+1) BISOUBISOU
The newest edition to the Helsinki spots at scenic hights, is brasserie and bar BISOUBISOU. Situated at the top floor of shopping center REDI in Kalasatama area, this restaurant is accessible directly by metro (you still need to take a the lift to the 24th floor). At 100 meters from the ground level, this Helsinki rooftop restaurant mixes French tradition with New York attitude. Managed by the serial restauranteurs Teemu Aura and Maiju Åstedt, you can be assured to have your breath taken away by not only one but both, the food and the scenery. Gaze over to East-Helsinki or get curious over the industrial landmarks from the old Helsinki power plant to the historical gas holder (Kaasukello) and the former boiler hall (Kattilahalli) in nearby Suvilahti.
Where? Hermannin rantatie 9, 24th floor, 00580 Helsinki
