Planning a Finnish city break in 2023? There’s no denying that the nation is most famous for its breath-taking natural beauty, clean air and spectacular landscapes – but it has plenty more to offer besides.
And, if nightlife and entertainment are the name of the game and you’re keen to pack as much of both into your itinerary as possible, then the good news is that Finland is filled with plenty of vibrant and exciting cities that are certain to scratch that itch.
From casinos to clubs, theatres to bars, whatever your favourite way to spend an evening happens to be, with a little bit of forward-planning, you’ll be able to find it. Here, we take a look at Finland’s finest cities when it comes to entertainment and nightlife, hand-picked by the experts at Finnish online casino comparison platform Parhaat Uudet Kasinot.
Helsinki
Capital city Helsinki is an obvious place to start when you’re looking for a night out to remember, and the Casino Helsinki, which can be found in the fashionable centre of the city and is the largest and most popular casino in the capital, promises all the glitz and glamour you’re craving. Exuding a chic and sophisticated atmosphere that attracts high-rollers and affluent gambling hobbyists from across the globe, here, you can enjoy classic games like Roulette and Baccarat as well as a mix of Finnish games to give you a taste of the local culture.
Like many casinos, this one offers nightly live performances from a range of entertainment acts, and the charity is one of only a handful anywhere in the world that donate all of its profits to charity. If that’s not a good reason to play here, then we don’t know what is.
Over recent years, the Finnish capital has become increasingly dynamic and today, it’s filled with trendy nightclubs, bars and discos. Although many are closed during the week, the centre of the city comes alive at the weekends, and whether you’re looking for a live DJ set, rock concert or a civilsed rooftop cocktail bar, there’s something for everyone.
Tampere
The Nokia Arena – widely dubbed Europe’s most modern experience arena, makes the city of Tampere one of the hottest spots in Finland when it comes to nightlife and entertainment, and the Casino Tampere sister establishment to Casino Helsinki – is set right inside. Exuding a similar air of style and sophistication that sees it attract an affluent crowd of gambling enthusiasts throughout the week, its sprawling floor space is filled with classic and novelty table games and slots, with its special ‘Ukonvivi’ area serving up both live and automated Roulette for those who are partial to a spin or two on the so-called ‘wheel of fortune’.
Outside the casino, the arena serves up a wide variety of evening entertainment options, regularly hosting live music concerts and performances – and, with capacity for up to 15,000 spectators, it;s also home to the Finnish Liiga teams and Tappara.
Turku
The beautiful city of Turku is home to an enchanting castle and a string of intriguing museums, so if you’re looking to get your fill of Finnish culture and history, then it’s the perfect place to base yourself. It doesn’t scrimp on nightlife and entertainment either, so if, after a day of exploring you’re still craving an adrenaline-fuelled evening of high-stakes gambling, then you’ll be glad to know that there are several luxurious casinos to choose in and around the city – the most convenient of which being the centrally located Club Turku.
The city is somewhat quieter after dark than Helsinki and Tampere, but this only means it attracts a more refined and sophisticated crowd, and with a host of mouth-watering dining spots to choose from, including the upmarket Eatery Göran, which is named after the renowned travel author Göran Schildt and located close to the city’s iconic castle, foodies will be spoilt for choice.
One of the great things about Turku is that it also plays host to several notable music festivals throughout the year. Taking place mostly during the spring and summer months, there’s something for everyone, spanning everything from jazz and swing to rock, new age and more.
The bottom line
While there’s no denying that Finland has plenty to offer those in search of breath-taking vistas, natural wonders and a rich culture and history, its casino and nightlife scene is often overlooked. But the likes of Helsinki, Tampere and Turku certainly won’t disappoint, whether you’re a high-roller or an amateur gambler, and have plenty more to offer besides – so if you’re dreaming of a unique citybreak in 2023, then look no further.