Where to Stay in Helsinki in 2024 (Best Areas & Hotels!)

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Helsinki is a safe and beautiful Nordic city, and you can find plenty of diverse options when deciding where to stay in Helsinki.

Planning your trip to Helsinki last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Donʻt forget to plan ahead when visiting Helsinki and the nearby area!

🛌  Top Places to Stay in Helsinki:

  1. Hotel U14 Autograph Collection (my favorite place to stay in Helsinki!)
  2. Hotel Helka (cool boutique hotel with Finnish design)
  3. Hotel Kamp (luxury living in a historic building)
  4. Lapland Hotel Bulevardi (Lappish-style luxury in Helsinki)

🇫🇮  Top Experiences and Tours in Helsinki:

  1. Helsinki and Suomenlinna 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour (likely to sell out!)
  2. Helsinki to Tallinn day trip ferry tickets (must purchase early!)
  3. Private Tour of Helsinki with a Local Guide
  4. Architecture Walking Tour of Helsinki with Expert

🚗  Looking to travel around Helsinki independently? Click here to check Finland rental car rates!

You’ll find that each neighborhood has its own perks and benefits and this guide is here to highlight them so that you pick the right Helsinki neighborhood to call ‘home’ during your trip!

In this guide, you will find a breakdown of what each neighborhood has to offer visitors and some of the best accommodations (for any budget!) within each area of the Finnish capital.

Hotel U14 Autograph Collection (my favorite place to stay in Helsinki!)
Hotel U14 Autograph Collection (my favorite Helsinki hotel!)

Did we miss any of the best hotels in Helsinki? Let us know in the comments… or keep reading to find your perfect place!

Best Places to Stay in Helsinki (Overview)

If you are pressed for time or are booking your trip to Helsinki last minute, here is a quick glance at our favorite Helsinki accommodation options that we include in this guide:

These are some of our favorite options to consider when booking a hotel in Helsinki, or a place to stay for the duration of your trip.

If you’re looking at an overview of places based on where they are on a map, you can check Helsinki hotels and accommodation here:



Booking.com

Best Helsinki Neighborhoods (& Where to Stay in Each)

The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is divided into 34 districts (8 major ones) and 60 neighborhoods with each area offering a unique experience.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Helsinki are Kluuvi, Kamppi, Katajanokka, Kaartinkaupunki, Töölö, Kallio, Kulosaari, and Punavuori. 

  • Kluuvi: best for first-time visitors who want to be close to the city center
  • Kampii: a perfect area if you enjoy going out at night
  • Töölö: where to stay if you enjoy nature and laid back experience
  • Kallio: best for visitors on a budget 
  • Katajanokka: where to stay if you travel with family
  • Punavuori/Design District: where to stay if you seek a community and family-friendly experience OR a solo experience where you can shop, drink, and dine amongst some of the coolest places in Helsinki
Beautiful green spaces in Helsinki are ubiquitous
Green spaces in Helsinki are ubiquitous (unless covered in snow!)

Keep reading as we break down each Helsinki neighborhood, including its pros/cons and some of the main attractions and things to do in each area!

1. Kluuvi

Kluuvi is an ideal neighborhood for first-time visitors to Helsinki because of its convenient location and close proximity to the train station (which is where you’ll start your journey overland or from the airport)!

This area is in the center of Helsinki, and one of the things that make it a great place to stay is that it gives visitors access to the major attractions of the capital.

Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland
Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland (Kluuvi)

The neighborhood of Kluuvi boasts many great landmarks including museums, gardens, restaurants, bars, and historical buildings that you can add to your itinerary.

Some top museums in Kluuvi include the Helsinki Music Center, the Ateneum Art Museum, and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. These are great places to visit if you are a history buff or want to learn more about Finnish culture. 

If you happen to be an art and literature lover, you will find a variety of libraries, with the most popular being the Helsinki Central Library Oodi and Kaisa House on the University of Helsinki’s main campus.

Shopping in Helsinki
Shopping in Helsinki
Oodi Library in Helsinki
Oodi Library

Kluuvi is also home to Aleksanterinkatu shopping street, where you will find a lot of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. 

You will also find the Helsinki Central Station here with its stunning architecture and gigantic statues built more than 100 years ago; the Helsinki Cathedral built in the 19th century and the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden with the most beautiful flower and orchid collections. 

If you are visiting Helsinki in winter, you will find a lot of ice skating rings, including inside cafes where you can skate and relax with a cup of coffee. 

Best Places to Stay in Kluuvi (All Budgets!)

Luxury Hotels in Kluuvi

  • Hotel Kamp: 9.1/10 on Booking.com, historic hotel dating back to 1887 with 15 luxury suites, the afternoon tea at Brasserie Kämp is renowned in Finland

Affordable Luxury in Kluuvi

  • Hotel U14 (Autograph Collection): 9.2/10 on Booking.com, this is my favorite hotel in Helsinki by a long shot, large rooms, modern bathrooms, best breakfast in Helsinki, sauna and fitness center for guests… all around fantastic!
  • Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki: 8.9/10 on Booking.com, located on the corner of Aleksanterinkatu (shopping street), breakfast buffet served daily, some rooms have a private sauna 
Breakfast area at Hotel U14 (and Aram in backdrop)
Breakfast area at Hotel U14 (and Aram in backdrop)

Mid-range Hotels in Kluuvi

Apartment Accommodation in Kluuvi

Budget Hostel in Kluuvi

✅  Pros of staying in Kluuvi: many Helsinki attractions are located here, Helsinki Central Station is in Kluuvi, museums/cultural centers galore
❌  Cons of staying in Kluuvi: lots of tourist prices, can be louder in the evenings

2. Kamppi

Are you a lover of entertainment, pubs, and nightlife? Then Kamppi will make a great neighborhood for you as it is the liveliest in the city (in our opinion!).

You will find a lot of bars, restaurants, shopping complexes, and cultural centers in this area.

One of the best places for a fun night out is Tavastia Club, which hosts some of the best Finnish singers and rock bands.

HAM Helsinki Art Museum - Julia Kuznetsova - Shutterstock
HAM Helsinki Art Museum – Julia Kuznetsova – Shutterstock

Another place you should visit for a great time is the Kamppi Centre Complex, the largest shopping center in the region. The complex also has metro stations, great restaurants, and lively bars you can unwind after a day of shopping.

If you are hanging out in Helsinki in summer, you shouldn’t miss out on the outdoor flea market at Hietalahti Market Square. We also highly recommend the food and beer at Bruuveri. 

Kamppi Chapel
Kamppi Chapel

There are a lot of options for sightseeing, including the HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace), and Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace).

You will also find important cultural sites like the Kamppi Chapel, Helsinki Cathedral, the Chapel of Silence, and the Old Church.

Kamppi is also a great place to stay if you don’t plan to drive around because you can quickly get around the area through public trains and buses.

Best Places to Stay in Kamppi (All Budgets!)

Luxury Hotels in Kamppi

  • Hotel Mestari: 8.9/10 on Booking.com, fitness center, on-site restaurant (with a bar!), and a 24-hour reception
  • Hotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard: 8.9/10 on Booking.com, on the Kamppi/Punavuori border, 24-hour gym, electric-car charging stations, in-house bistro (with seasonal, local dishes), modern decor

Mid-range Hotels in Kamppi

  • Hotel Bastian: 9.1/10 on Booking.com, offers a buffet breakfast, has family rooms, air-conditioned rooms with desks
  • Scandic Helsinki Hub: 9.0/10 on Booking.com, free bikes for guests, private parking, fitness center, on-site restaurant

Unique Accommodation in Kamppi

  • Lapland Hotels Bulevardi: 9.4/10 on Booking.com, Lapland-style hotel with a bar and on-site restaurant, some rooms have city views and saunas, Lappish breakfast

Budget Hostel in Kamppi

  • The Yard Hostel: 8.8/10 on Booking.com, only 5 minutes on foot from the Central Station, offers private rooms and dorm options
✅  Pros of staying in Kamppi: many Helsinki attractions are located here, Design District is nearby, close to train and bus stations
❌  Cons of staying in Kamppi: lots of tourist prices, many late-night venues and parties on weekends

3. Kallio

Kallio is perfect for laid-back travelers and boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

Located to the east of downtown Helsinki, this is a great place to stay if you are on a budget, enjoy a hip lifestyle, or want to be close to diverse boutiques and restaurants.

Agricolankatu Street in Kallio
Agricolankatu Street in Kallio

This neighborhood used to be a working-class district but is now a vibrant neighborhood kept alive by students, artists, and young people who enjoy themed venues, delicious flavors, and parties. 

Kallio is home to two popular public saunas where you can sweat it out and markets, like Hakaniemi Market Hall, where you can enjoy traditional dishes and shop for fine Finnish products! 

In this Helsinki neighborhood, you can also enjoy tea and coffee at the coffee shops, sit in the sun in Karhupuisto, and visit the market square, where you can get anything from food to unique jewelry.

Try to book a place with a sauna!
Try to book a place with a sauna!

If you are staying in Kallio, you will also have easy access to tour historical sites and buildings like the Kallio Church with its romantic, Art-Nouveau design. 

Kallio also hosts many music and art festivals, including the Kallio Block Party which is held in August, and the Flow Festival, which is held at nearby Suvilahti. 

Best Places to Stay in Kallio (All Budgets!)

Luxury Hotels in Kallio

  • Hilton Helsinki Strand: 8.5/10 on Booking.com, hotel with indoor swimming pool and sauna and sea views, a 5-minute walk from Hakaniemi Market Hall

Mid-range Accommodation in Kallio

  • Noli Sornainen: 8.9/10 on Booking.com, condo hotel with in-house sauna and spa and some rooms with sea views, has private parking
✅  Pros of staying in Kallio: removed from city center so quieter and prices are cheaper, cool bars and cafes
❌  Cons of staying in Kallio: little bit more challenging to get there from the train and bus stations, fewer accommodation options

4. Punavuori (& Helsinki Design District)

Punavuori is one of the friendliest and coolest neighborhoods in Helsinki, making it a popular choice of a place to stay in Helsinki for families and solo travelers alike!

It gives off a community vibe thanks to the serene atmosphere, bustling cafes, and artsy shops.

The peaceful atmosphere is embodied by Kaiwopuisto, an old garden with beautiful nature, and the Iso Roobertinkatu, a 500-meter-long pedestrian street with artistic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Historical building in the neighborhood
Historical building in the neighborhood

You will also love Sinebrychoff Park, a beautiful garden that serves as a hangout spot for families, travelers, and young people. 

Some major highlights in this friendly district include the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, where you will find the best artworks of the Old Masters in Finland; Mikael Agricola Church, built by famous designer Lars Sonck; and the Helsinki Contemporary Museum, which features some of the most famous artwork by contemporary Finnish artists. 

In addition, you will find the renowned Helsinki Design District with talented designers, museums, galleries, artworks, and avant-garde products you won’t find anywhere else.

Armenian House Restaurant is one of the best places to eat
Armenian House Restaurant is one of the best places to eat

For evening fun, you can visit one of the bars for live music performances and poetry readings. This is actually my favorite area to stay in Helsinki!

Be sure to check out the Armenian House Restaurant there (to get a sample of Aram’s homeland’s delicious cuisine!).

Best Places to Stay in Punavuori & the Design District (All Budgets!)

Luxury Hotels in Punavuori

  • Hotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard: 8.9/10 on Booking.com, on the Kamppi/Punavuori border, 24-hour gym, electric-car charging stations, in-house bistro (with seasonal, local dishes), modern decor

Mid-range Accommodation in Punavuori

Unique Accommodation in Punavuori

  • Lapland Hotels Bulevardi: 9.4/10 on Booking.com, Lapland-style hotel with a bar and on-site restaurant, some rooms have city views and saunas, Lappish breakfast
✅  Pros of staying in Punavuori (and the Design District): around some of the coolest cafes, restaurant, and shops in Helsinki, also a quick walk to other places
❌  Cons of staying in Punavuori (and the Design District): none – this is my favorite neighborhood in Helsinki

5. Töölö

Located northwest of Helsinki, Töölö is one of the calmest areas in Helsinki, packed with beautiful green spaces and a lot to do.

It’s an excellent spot for travelers looking forward to escaping the crowds and urban buzz of major areas in Helsinki. This neighborhood also has wide streets, gorgeous old buildings, and accommodations close to several tourist sites.

One of the best things about Töölö is that it has a handful of beaches where locals and visitors can enjoy a splash in summer. Töölö is also close to one of the best spots in Helsinki to enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine (Ravintola Lehtovaara), international fare, and five-star dining. 

Töölö Bay in autumn
Töölö Bay in autumn

Some things to see in the neighborhood include the parliament building, Finlandia Hall on Töölönlahti Bay, Helsinki Kunsthalle, and Temppeliaukio Church.

You will also find other Helsinki attractions like the Sibelius Monument, Opera House, and Olympic Stadium, where you can learn more about Helsinki culture. 

Be sure to also check out Cafe Regatta, a famous ‘Instagrammable’ seaside cafe nearby!

Best Places to Stay in Töölö (All Budgets!)

Luxury Hotels in Töölö

Mid-range Accommodation in Töölö

Unique Accommodation in Töölö

  • Hotel Helka: 8.8/10 on Booking.com, a stylish boutique hotel that is located in a refurbished 1920s building, each room has Finnish designer furniture, access to a sauna (for free!)
✅  Pros of staying in Töölö: a lot of Helsinki cultural landmarks and attractions, quieter and more ‘local’ feeling
❌  Cons of staying in Töölö: a bit of a walk from center so must take public transportation, limited accommodation options

Tips for Booking a Hotel in Helsinki

Helsinki is pretty easy to plan considering the city is modern and well-organized. Here are a few tips to help you plan the best trip to the city!

Best Time to Visit Helsinki

The best time to visit Helsinki depends on YOU! I, personally, love Helsinki in winter but know that most people would scoff at the idea.

But, if you’re looking to enjoy the Finnish winter and take advantage of the saunas and ice swimming holes, this is a great time to travel there.

Loyly Sauna in winter
Loyly Sauna in winter

AND… accommodation in Helsinki is cheaper during the winter and shoulder seasons than it is in summer. 

Summer weather in Helsinki is desirable, but you will also run into a lot of concerts and events happening, sending the prices through the roof compared to other times of the year. 

How to Get Around Helsinki

Helsinki is easy to get around. You can walk many of the aforementioned neighborhoods on foot, but you can also get a fairly affordable taxi from one place in the city to another (I mean, cheaper than you’d think for it being Helsinki).

Getting from the airport to the city center
Getting from the airport to the city center

If you’re arriving at the Helsinki Vantaa Airport, the best way to reach the city is by train. They go regularly and are extremely affordable. From there, you can take the metro, buses, or trams around Helsinki.

If you are looking to take a taxi, Bolt and Uber work just fine in the city.

Tallinn vs. Helsinki Accommodation

Are you traveling to both Helsinki and Tallinn on this trip? If you are visiting both cities in one trip and taking the ferry across the Baltic, you will notice that accommodation is significantly cheaper in Tallinn.

Best things to do in Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia is a cheaper accommodation alternative

This is pretty common… so if you’re on a budget, it is probably best to plan your trip to Tallinn with a side trip to Helsinki (or even a day trip). 

Did we miss any of the best places to stay in Helsinki?

Let us know where to stay in Helsinki if you have any top options to recommend! Thanks!

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