The streets around the market square hold several bars and pubs that serve both the Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking communities, sometimes in the same premises. The bilingual character of the city means you often hear conversations switching language mid-sentence. Vaasa's pub culture is more relaxed than Helsinki's — later nights, friendlier crowds, and prices that feel like a different country from the capital.
In summer the terraces on the market square are the place to be. In winter, look for the warmer side-street bars where locals settle in for long evenings.