Drink
Whilst the attitude to drinking can seem austere Finland has a truly staggering problem with alcoholism and in some of the smaller towns bars can be quite depressing places. In Helsinki and the bigger towns, however, the drinking culture is more sophisticated and you'll be able to find numerous appealing places to have a jar or two. Beer ( olut ) falls into three categories: "light beer" (I-Olut), like a soft drink; "medium strength beer" ( Keskiolut , III-Olut), perceptibly alcoholic, sold in shops and cafes; and "strong beer" (A-Olut or IV-Olut), on a par with the stronger European beers, and only available at fully licensed restaurants, clubs and ALKO shops. Even the smallest town will have one, and prices don't vary. Strong beers, like Lapin Kulta Export, Karjala, Lahden A, Olvi Export and Koff porter, cost about ?1.35 for a 300ml bottle. Imported beers go for ?1.50-2 a bottle. As for spirits , Finlandia vodka is ?27 and Koskenkorva, a popular rough form of vodka, ?25 per litre. Most restaurants have a full licence, and some are actually frequented more for drinking than eating. To add to the confusion, some so-called "pubs" are not licensed. Bars are usually open until midnight or 1am and service stops half an hour before closing. You have to be 18 to buy beer and wine, and 20 for spirits. Expect to queue for entry into popular bars as you'll only be allowed in if there's a seat free - no standing allowed. There's always either a doorman ( portsari ) - whom some tip (usually ?1) on leaving - or an obligatory cloakroom (again usually ?1). The main - and cheapest - outlet for alcohol of any kind is the government-run ALKO shops (Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm; closed Sat May-Sept). Even the smallest town will have one and prices don't vary.
Traveler, USAFrank says "If you are visiting Helsinki but want to get out of the city to find out what country is really like, check out rudolfcity.com. I tried them on a day tour to Turku and visited out of the way places that I would never have found myself. It was the best experience of my Finland trip!"
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