Jun 9, 2025

Tavastia Helsinki

The #1 live music venue of Finland

""Tavastia" in Helsinki is the most legendary live music venue in Finland. Nobody can compete with them and and they've been around almost 50 years!"

As a music lover, when I’m looking for a good live show in Helsinki, I always first check what Tavastia in the modern city center has to offer. I’m surely not the only one doing this, because it is the most legendary live music venue of Finland. Tavastia was opened already in 1970, but still nobody can compete with them today regarding the atmosphere and facilities. It's been said that when you have had a chance as a musician to play on the Tavastia stage, you have clearly made it. And it’s still true.

Tavastia can hold only around 700 people, but I think it only makes it all much more intimate than what for example Hartwall Arena or other bigger venues are. Musically speaking, you can find all kinds of domestic as well as international artists performing at Tavastia, from rock bands to hip hop groups and groovy funkateers. Budding acts gig in the small Semifinal venue located next door, so basically everyone who is performing on the main stage has done something special to earn it. The long list includes international legends from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jamiroquai and Yusef Lateef to John Mayall as well as from De La Soul and The Roots to Alice In Chains and Nick Cave & Bad Seeds.

Tavastia is very famous of the acoustics and the PA system they provide for the best possible listening experience. There’s also the famous Saturday disco for clubbing, and Restaurant Ilves serves great food, not only for artists!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Urho Kekkosen katu 4

Beer (0.4L):

7.40

977467420

Find your way with 65 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Helsinki guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Helsinki

Oljenkorsi

Cozy craft beer fountain

"Oljenkorsi" in Helsinki is a craft beer heaven. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, I keep returning for the authentic local Toukola spirit...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Jun 12, 2025

Cafe Papu

Neighborhood cafe with Vietnamese touch

"Cafe Papu" is one of my favorite places in Helsinki. The reason? It's one of the few places that serve Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwiches.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 12, 2025

Vanha Kauppahalli

The old market hall

"Vanha Kauppahalli" Helsinki is definitely one of my favorite market halls! My favorite spot inside is Restaurant Story as it is like the heart of Vanha...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 12, 2025

Stockmann Herkku

The go-to grocery store

"Stockmann Herkku" in the Helsinki centre is my go-to grocery store to find a great selection of fresh, quality and local products and amazing service!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 12, 2025

Andante

Flowers, coffee and raw treats

"Andante" combines two trends in Helsinki: raw cakes and a cafe-shop mix. It's also a cool flower shop with more than 20 years of history. Quality coffee too

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 12, 2025

Pompier Albertinkatu

Flash from the past

"Pompier Albertinkatu" is a very popular Helsinki lunch spot and one of my favorites. It's located in a volunteer fire deparment, which goes way back...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 12, 2025

Löyly

World's coolest sauna

"Löyly" in Helsinki has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. It's a very Finnish spot, but at the same time, not! Sauna accompanied by sunshine!? But...!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 9, 2025

Pikkulintu

The best beer & whiskey money can buy

"Pikkulintu" in Helsinki is a keep-it-simple beer & (a 300-sort-strong) whiskey bar! Everything costs the same here, regardless of type and strength.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Jun 9, 2025

Pub Sirdie

The old school Kallio classic

"Pub Sirdie" in Helsinki is the only place for me to feel the Kallio spirit in its original form! This pub has a true cult following, and for good reason!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Jun 9, 2025

Hietalahti Market Hall

Eating and shopping

"Hietalahti Market Hall" Helsinki has been coming back to life! Nowadays I go there for grocery shopping and for one of the best places for lunch in town.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Jun 9, 2025

Leipomo K. E. Avikainen

Traditional bakery

"Leipomo K. E. Avikainen" (est. 1950) is one of the few remaining traditional Helsinki bakeries. They also sell Karelian pies, which makes me happy!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Janiina

Knuutinen

Jun 9, 2025

Ekberg

The oldest cafe in Finland

"Ekberg" is the oldest bakery, patisserie and café not only in Helsinki, but the whole of Findland. My sister and I go there on our birthday mornings.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Janiina

Knuutinen

Jun 9, 2025

Heading to Helsinki?

65 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

65 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Helsinki

Get to know our other Spotters from Helsinki

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7287
Filters