Is this really a quality of life thing? Are you going to make your decisions about where your live because you have to run your errands before a certain time?

That said, there's no issue in Helsinki. Big shops and malls are open until 8-10, some smaller shops might close around 18 but they have to go home to feed their families.

The 24/7 lifestyle might be convenient, but I've never thought I might need it.

As I mentioned I've been a night hawk for life and tried many times to switch to waking up early and failed.

So yes it would be infinitely boring for someone like me to live in a city like that, it's a deal-breaker.

Well it's night half the year so you'll enjoy it :D

It used to be like this but this image is bit outdated. During recent decade laws got changed and grocery stores can be open now 24/7. Some of the stores do this. It’s not limited to convenience store sized stores so even some of the largest ones are open if you enjoy strolling alone food isles at 4am.

Other stores close 9pm. Bars are open till 2am, night clubs 4 or 5am. Some places stay open but they can’t serve alcohol in the morning hours. Getting food after 12am is trickier but there are restaurants that are open until 4am.

And it’s dark. And people on average go to work early and clock out early. And definitely not new york or berlin nightlife wise.

Talking about helsinki here pre covid regulations.

Edit: reading other comment, it’s true most speciality stores which only have one set of employees close 6-8pm. Larger chains are open till 9pm

Specialty stores usually close around 6-7 PM, larger ones at 8 PM. Grocery stores are usually open to between 8-10 PM. If you move here you want to be up early. At least if you like seeing the sun once every 6 months.