Helsinki is a city on a human scale and full of wonderful attractions. It offers several ideal areas to stay, some perfect for those looking for excitement, others suitable for families and couples seeking peace and quiet. Unfortunately, it is a very expensive destination, like most Northern European cities, but some neighbourhoods allow you to save a little. Here's everything you need to know about where to stay in Helsinki!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If it's your first time visiting the city or you're only staying for a few days, the best option is to stay in Kluuvi, the old town, which stretches from the station to the harbour area, where the city market is located, and also includes the capital's central square. It is possible to find good deals here, as there are numerous hostels, especially towards the station. It is also one of the centres of nightlife.
If you are looking for nightlife and fun, also consider Kampii, which is full of pubs and nightclubs, and Kallio, Helsinki's hipster district in the northern part of the city. The latter is also a great neighbourhood for saving money.
Finally, if you're travelling with your family, you have several options: the best neighbourhoods are Töölö, Punavuori Katajanokka and Kaartinkaupunki, all of which are well located and have a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Suggested areas tosave money: Kallio
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Töölö, Punavuori, Katajanokka, Kaartinkaupunki
Recommended areas foryoung people: Kluuvi, Kampii, Kallio
Bestaccommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Helsinki. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Helsinki on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best accommodation options and selected hotels on booking.com
Helsinki Area Guide
Helsinki can be divided mainly into 3 large districts: Helsinki Downtown(Helsingin kantakaupunki), North Helsinki(Pohjois-Helsinki) and East Helsinki(Itä-Helsinki). Each district, in turn, is divided into neighbourhoods, totalling about 60 districts.
The district to stay in is the Downtown district. The most central districts are located here, including those in which we recommend staying: Kluuvi, Kampii, Kallio, Töölö, Punavuori and Katajanokka.
Areas to avoid: it is not recommended to stay in the northernmost districts such as Malminkartano and Kannelmäki, as they are far from the centre and a little less safe (Helsinki is however one of the safest cities in the world).
Kluuvi
Kluuvi is definitely the best neighbourhood to stay in in Helsinki, especially if you're visiting the Finnish capital for the first time. This district stretches from the central station to the area of Kauppatori, the famous harbour market, and also includes Senaatintori, the central square where the large Helsinki Cathedral is located, the Ateneum museum and the famous KIASMA museum (on the border with the Kluvi district).
This is also an ideal district for young people, as the nightlife is concentrated here thanks to the numerous nightclubs and pubs. But you can also find competitively priced accommodation here: there are numerous hostels, especially in the station area. The hostels in Northern Europe are clean, modern and equipped with all facilities and are an excellent alternative for a cheap stay.
Finally, by staying here you can get around easily on foot. The main attractions are close to each other, even those in neighbouring districts. Alternatively, the area is well served by bus.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €90.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel 350 m from Helsinki Central Station. Restaurant, parking, room service, sauna. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with 11 rooms with access to shared bathroom. Private rooms for up to 6 people. Reception open 24h/24h. Ideal for young people | |
Residence of flats for 4 to 6 people. Flats with one or more bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, lounge area with TV and bathroom. Ideal for young people and families | |
5-star hotel in the heart of the centre, opposite the Esplanade. Spa and wellness centre, room service, bar, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
Flats with fully equipped kitchens, good location and excellent facilities. Ideal for couples or groups |
Kampii
Kampii is the district that stretches west of Kluuvi and is one of the capital's most charming areas. Here you can find attractions such as the Chapel of Silence and not forgetting the HAM Helsingin art museum. In addition, it is a very lively district, thanks to the presence of large shopping centres, boutiques and the famous Hietalahti flea market.
It is a district that is mainly suitable for young people. Besides being very active during the day, it is also very lively at night! In addition to bistros and fast food outlets, there are above all numerous nightclubs of all kinds here: from trendy bars and LGBT clubs to rock music venues, one of the city's must-see experiences.
Finally, even if you stay here, you can get around on foot. Alternatively, the area is well served by trams and the M1 and M2 metro line, reference station Kampii.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star Aparthotel with studios or one-bedroom flats, all with kitchenettes. Ideal for couples, families and small groups | |
Hostel with dorms and private rooms, shared bathrooms, free WiFi, TV lounge and relaxation room, pets allowed. Ideal for young people | |
Hostel with in-room sinks and shared bathrooms. 24-hour reception and security lockers | |
Apartment with 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom and free WiFi access | |
Simple and functional accommodation with free WiFi and keyless access. |
Kallio
We now move north to Kluuvi, where we find the design district of Kallio! Helsinki is considered the capital of design and this area, with its bohemian spirit, is full of craft shops, artists' boutiques and design shops. Don't miss the Kallion Kirkko, the district's church, but also the wonderful green areas present, especially around the river.
Kallio, given its vibrant soul, is a district suitable for young people, especially since this is also one of the hearts of Helsinki's nightlife. Here you will find venues of all kinds, from pubs and beer gardens to live music and karaoke clubs. But it is also a great area to save money: there are plenty of hostels and accommodation at very competitive rates.
Finally, if you stay here, we recommend that you use transport. The neighbourhood is served by the M1 and M2 metro lines, the reference stop being Hakaniemi (4 min from the central station). The area is also served by several tram lines.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 50 m from the metro. Air-conditioned rooms, some with minibar and private balcony. Bar and free bikes. Ideal for couples | |
59 sqm flat with bedroom, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave and bathroom with shower. Up to 4 people. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel 5 min from the metro. Lobby bar, gym, 2 saunas, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel 250 m from the metro. Restaurant, gym, swimming pool, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
One-bedroom flat, living room with sofa bed and fully equipped kitchen |
Töölö
Töölö is a wonderful residential district north of the centre. It borders Kampii and expands northwards to include Sibelius Park, the city's most famous green area, as well as attractions such as the Church in the Rock, the Natural History Museum and Eduskunta, the House of Parliament.
This quiet and largely tree-lined district is ideal for families. There is no shortage of green areas, small beaches, pastry shops and popular clubs. It is certainly one of the most elegant districts and, consequently, also one of the most expensive.
Staying here you will have to get around mainly by transport. The area is served by several tram lines, but is not served by the metro. If you stay in the southernmost part of the district, you can also get around on foot.
Average prices in the district range from around €100.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel overlooking Töölö Bay. Swimming pool, gym, bar and restaurant. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
Flats 500 m from the Olympic stadium. WiFi connection, equipped kitchen, bedroom. Ideal for couples | |
Residence with studios and one- and two-bedroom flats for up to 5 people. All with full kitchen facilities. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel with spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and 24-hour convenience store. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Flats with kitchen facilities and garden views. Free public parking. | |
Flats with private bathroom, flat-screen TV and fully equipped kitchen. Free WiFi and private parking |
Punavuori
Photo by Ximonic (Simo Räsänen). South of the old town is the trendy and artistic district of Punavuori. Here there are numerous gourmet restaurants, elegant cafés and restaurants with international cuisine. In the evenings, bars offer live music and there are numerous breweries with craft beer. There is no shortage of attractions, such as art galleries and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum.
Compared to Kallio, however, this district has a much more relaxed and elegant nightlife. The area is especially recommended for families and those looking for a quiet area. There is no shortage of services and various types of accommodation.
Finally, staying here you can get around on foot or by public transport. The main attractions are about a 20-minute walk away, but the area is also served by several tram lines.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with en-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel with 24-hour reception, bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Flat with 1 bedroom, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, a washing machine and 1 bathroom with bidet. Free WiFi | |
Flat with free WiFi, TV, washing machine and kitchen with dishwasher and refrigerator. |
Katajanokka
We also recommend the district of Katajanokka, the quiet harbour area of Helsinki. This district is characterised by Art Nouveau buildings and the beautiful Uspenski Cathedral, one of the city's main attractions. But that's not all: here you will also find the SkyWheel Helsinki Ferris wheel and the Allas Sea Pool, the pool complex with a wonderful view of the city.
Given all these features, this district is ideal for family travellers seeking peace and quiet, but without sacrificing centrality and beautiful views. There is no shortage of elegant and luxurious hotels, but at the same time one can find smaller, quieter and more affordable accommodations.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around both on foot and by transport. The historical centre is about a 15-minute walk away, while the area is served by numerous tram lines. One of the city's cruise terminals is also located here.
Average prices in the district range from around €65.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Central hotel. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, desk, minibar and kettle, free WiFi, 24-hour gym | |
Hostel near the ferry terminal and bus stop. Private rooms or dormitory beds, shared bathrooms, shared lounges and kitchen, 24-hour reception. Ideal for young people | |
Residence with accommodation equipped with a lounge area, dining area and fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Free WiFi and various wellness facilities | |
4-star hotel overlooking the harbour. Free WiFi, sauna and gym, 24-hour shop. Bar and restaurant, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
Flat with dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and TV. Free WiFi |
Kaartinkaupunki
Photos by Oula Lehtinen. Finally, we would like to recommend the small neighbourhood of Kaartinkaupunki, a quiet residential area located between the waterfront and the Kauppatori market and the Punavuori district. To the north it is bordered by Esplanadi, the city's famous park. Here you won't find any special activities to do, but you will be within walking distance of the main attractions of the Finnish capital!
Due to its tranquillity and green areas, the district of Kaartinkaupunki is mainly recommended for families, who can have fun with the little ones near the waterfront or in the Esplanadi park. Here, you will mainly find hotels with all the necessary facilities for a peaceful stay.
Finally, by staying here, you will be able to get around easily on foot. The neighbourhood is very conveniently located: Senate Square is only a 5 min walk away, Kamppi Chapel about 15 min.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with accommodation equipped with flat-screen TV, minibar, electric kettle, wooden floor and bathroom. 24-hour reception, laundry service and free bicycles. Ideal for families | |
Apartment complex with TV and private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and toiletries. Flats with equipped kitchen, studios with kitchenette. Ideal for couples and families | |
Elegant 4-star hotel with gym, business centre, sauna, free WiFi. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
Rooms with a modern and comfortable design. Some have a kitchenette with refrigerator, tea/coffee maker and microwave. Free WiFi and soundproof, air-conditioned rooms | |
4-star hotel with sauna and fitness centre. All rooms are equipped with a work desk, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. International breakfast until 14:00 and free WiFi | |
1-bedroom flat, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, flat-screen TV, seating area and bathroom with bidet. Free WiFi and washing machine |
Places to stay near Helsinki
Staying in the city is the best and most comfortable option. Despite being a Northern European capital, you can find great deals here and the hostels are really clean and wonderful. There are also numerous alternatives depending on what you need most. Also, staying outside the city you have to take into account the cost of transport, which is not exactly cheap.
An alternative would be to stay on Suomenlinna(compare accommodation on booking), a UNESCO World Heritage island that can be reached by ferry and can also be visited with tours departing from Helsinki. However, this is not an entirely comfortable solution, as you will always have to travel by ferry to reach the centre of the capital, and also quite expensive: accommodation is few and exclusive.
