One of the things I learned is to always bring my own cigars. I did bring a few sticks with me this time as well; however, you cannot smoke inside unless you belong to one of like 4 clubs in town that were started specifically for smoking cigars and limited to members ONLY! When I researched the possibility of becoming a temporary member I found it would be easier to locate a camel dealer at the north pole.
I’m a tough guy and figured I could simply go outside, find a seat, and light up one of my well cared for 6×60 sticks (for you who aren’t into cigars that basically means it a 6″ long and thick cigar that burns for about 1.5 hours). Turns out that was a very stupid and uninformed decision. It was so cold the cigar lost its flavor, and it was a maduro, and my hands were numb despite my gloves. Bottom line… BAD PROGRAM!
Being the clever guy I am I decided to go find a cigar store and buy a smaller cigar so I could smoke it while I walked about. I found this awesome place called Töölön Sikarikauppa just up the street from the city center. OMG what a rare find. The owner was this quirky man that had an eclectic collection of pipes and related paraphernalia. From old ivory pipes carved to look like an elephant to artistic pictures of smokers the place could keep you entertained for hours. They also had two walls full of Cuban cigars…. I was in heaven. I only purchased 3 because like everything in Finland they were hella expensive.
Bottom line, check this place out but give yourself enough time to chat with the owner and explore his collection of “stuff”.