Wondering Where to Stay in Helsinki? [December 2024!]
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Helsinki, one of the smallest European capitals, is often underrated by those who have not taken the time to visit it. In reality, Finland’s capital offers a laid-back environment that is still bustling with culture and life. Its prime location on the seaside has also given Helsinki a beautiful archipelago of around 330 islands.
Even though Helsinki is a pretty compact city, the large hotel choice available can make it hard to pick one place specifically.
This is exactly why we have made choosing where to stay in Helsinki a breeze with this comprehensive guide!
Specially put together by our team of travel experts, it will make picking a hotel in the best neighbourhoods of Helsinki look like the easiest task in the world.
After going through this list, YOU will be an expert on Helsinki and its neighbourhoods so that you can enjoy your Finnish adventure to the fullest!
You can check our our favourite hotels in Helsinki, our top rated things to do in Helsinki, and our ultimate guide to the top rated things to do in Europe!
These are our best picks for where to stay in Helsinki.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay in Helsinki
- Helsinki’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In
- Neighbourhood #1 - Helsinki City Centre
- (Where to stay in Helsinki your first time)
- Things to see and do in Helsinki City Centre
- Where To Stay In Helsinki City Centre
- Neighbourhood #2 - Kallio
- (Where to stay in Helsinki on a budget)
- Things to see and do in Kallio
- Where To Stay In Kallio
- Neighbourhood #3 - Kamppi
- (Best area to stay in Helsinki for nightlife)
- Things to see and do in Kamppi
- Where To Stay in Kamppi
- Neighbourhood #4 - Punavuori
- (Coolest place to stay in Helsinki)
- Things to see and do in Punavuori
- Where To Stay In Punavuori
- Neighbourhood #5 - Kaartinkaupunki
- (Best neighbourhood in Helsinki for families)
- Things to see and do in Kaartinkaupunki
- Where To Stay In Kaartinkaupunki
- Our Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Helsinki
Quick Tips – Where To Stay In Helsinki
At A Glance: Where To Stay In HELSINKI
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Helsinki.
| WHERE TO STAY IN HELSINKI | |||
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BEST Air BnBBEST Air BnBPetri’s Air BnB |
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Book on Air BnB → |
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BEST Budget HotelBEST Budget Hotel Hellsten Helsinki Parliament |
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Book on Booking.com → |
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BEST Mid-RangeBEST Mid-RangeHotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard |
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Book on Booking.com → |
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BEST Luxury HotelBEST Luxury HotelHotel Lilla Roberts |
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Book on Booking.com → |
Best Air BNB in Helsinki – Petri’s Air BnB
Petri’s Air BnB is the best Air BNB in Helsinki
Located in Helsinki’s famous wooden house district, this charming apartment exudes a laid-back atmosphere and Scandinavian elegance. What’s more, it has a convenient location, surrounded by cozy cafes and is just a short ride away from the Central Railway Station.
On top of it all, this genuine Finnish villa has a sauna, making it the perfect place to crash after a day of nonstop sightseeing in Helsinki.
Best Budget Hotel in Helsinki – Hellsten Helsinki Parliament
Hellsten Helsinki Parliament is the best budget hotel in Helsinki
Hellsten Helsinki Parliament offers affordable accommodation close to the central train station. The rooms are comfortable and feature a private bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette and a refrigerator.
Guests can enjoy a free access to the sauna. In the lobby, a TV and laundry facilities are available for use.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Helsinki – Hotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard
Hotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard is the best mid-range hotel in Helsinki
The Hotel Indigo Helsinki Boulevard is centrally located and a great choice in Helsinki.
This boutique hotel offers rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning, heating, and a city view. The hotel provides a free WiFi connection, a 24-hour fitness centre and electric car charging stations.
Best Luxury Hotel in Helsinki – Hotel Lilla Roberts
Hotel Lilla Roberts is the best luxury hotel in Helsinki
This Art-Deco themed boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms featuring a private bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing and a flat screen TV. The hotel features a fitness centre, a bar and bicycle rental service.
A tasty buffet breakfast is served for Hotel Lilla Roberts guests every morning. Family rooms can accommodate up to four people.
Helsinki’s Neighbourhood Guide
Helsinki’s Neighbourhood Guide
Helsinki is compact yet lively- you’ll need an epic guide (like this one!) to find YOUR perfect place to stay!
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a compact city that looks more like a second tier town for most of its European neighbours. Despite that fact, Helsinki still has a lot to offer to its visitors and is bustling with culture, quaint restaurants and lively nightlife.
Hotel Jules Insider Tip
Most of the city can be seen walking or using the efficient public transport network. The city centre is quite small and assembles all the major museums and parks. Great shopping options are also available in the centre, but it still lacks dining and nightlife options.
For the latter, you will need to head to the adjacent neighbourhood of Kamppi, bustling with cafés, restaurants and bars. This area is lively at night and, thanks to the presence of the bus station, provides easy access to the rest of the city.
Punavuori is another Helsinki neighbourhood offering a vibrant food scene and lively bars to spend a night out with friends. Punavuori has also been dubbed the Design District, which means you will be spoiled for choice if you are looking to shop unique pieces.
The Kallio neighbourhood is a favourite of students in Helsinki, and everyone loves the grungy atmosphere around there. The area is mostly residential but remains lively, thanks to the presence of vintage shops and bars offering cheap drinks.
Around the central neighbourhoods, hundreds of tiny islands form the Helsinki archipelago. Not all of them are inhabited, but some have become real neighbourhoods of the city. This is, for instance, the case of Katajanokka, a mainly residential neighbourhood.
Helsinki’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In
Helsinki’s neighbourhoods are all different and have their very own activities and atmosphere to offer. Let’s explore them one by one.
Neighbourhood #1 - Helsinki City Centre
Neighbourhood #1 - Helsinki City Centre
(Where to stay in Helsinki your first time)
Helsinki City Centre is our pick for where to stay in Helsinki your first time (photo credits: Pierrot Heritier photos)
The City Centre of Helsinki is quite compact and can be easily explored by foot. The main sight of the area is probably the Helsinki Cathedral, which has become an unofficial symbol of the city over the years.
Perched on top of stairs and dominating the Senate square with its striking white colour, it is definitely a sight not to miss in Helsinki.
From the City Centre, it is also easy to catch a boat and head to the island where the Suomenlinna fortress is located. The trip takes around 15 minutes and the ferry runs every half hour in the summer.
Built in the 1700s by the Swedish, the Suomenlinna used to be the greatest fortress in the whole Baltic Sea. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and one of the most visited places in Finland.
Back on the land side of Helsinki and within the Helsinki City Centre, the Esplanade Park provides a green stretch tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Locals like to come here to relax or just take a walk down the park.
During the summer, concerts are regularly organised at the Esplanade Park and ice cream and cold drinks stands are easy to find.
Several museums are also located in the Helsinki City Centre. The Ateneum Art Museum has the largest collection of art and paintings in Finland while the Helsinki City Museum retraces the history of the city from within a series of old buildings.
Things to see and do in Helsinki City Centre
- Visit the stunningly white Helsinki Cathedral
- Take a boat to the maritime fortress of Suomenlinna
- Walk along the Esplanadi
Where To Stay In Helsinki City Centre
Best Air BnB in Helsinki City Centre – Lea’s Air BnB
Lea’s Air BnB is the best Air BnB in Helsinki City Centre
Modern and freshly decorated, this sleek Air BnB is truly a gem in the oldest district of Helsinki. Praised for its perfect location, this loft is just a short stroll away from a bunch of famed Helsinki attractions, such as Ateneum Art Museum, Esplanade Park, and Helsinki Cathedral. Moreover, the property has a tranquil inner courtyard and a rooftop terrace ideal for a morning coffee.
Best Budget Hotel in Helsinki City Centre – Kongressikoti Hotel
Kongressikoti Hotel is the best budget hotel in Helsinki City Centre
The Kongressikoti Hotel is located in the heart of Helsinki City Centre, just a short walk away from the cathedral. The rooms have a shared bathroom and include a refrigerator, heating, a desk and a seating area. There is also a sink in the rooms.
The hotel provides a free WiFi connection and a common kitchen where guests can cook.
Want to learn more about Helsinki? The top museums in Helsinki might hold the answers!
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Helsinki City Centre – Scandic Seurahuone
Scandic Seurahuone is the best mid-range hotel in Helsinki City Centre
The Scandic Seurahuone is located directly opposite the central train station in Helsinki’s city centre, in an Art Nouveau building dating back to the early 20th century.
This grand hotel offers comfortable featuring a private bathroom, heating, a flat screen TV with satellite channels and a pillow menu.
Prepare for your trip! We think knowing the history of Helsinki is as important as packing the right dinner shirt!
Best Luxury Hotel in Helsinki City Centre – Hotel Kämp
Hotel Kämp is the best luxury hotel in Helsinki City Centre
Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the Hotel Kamp is our top pick for where to stay in Helsinki City Centre. The rooms are spacious and feature a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and heating for the winter.
The hotel is has a great fitness centre as well as a traditional Finnish sauna and a steam bath.
Neighbourhood #2 - Kallio
Neighbourhood #2 - Kallio
(Where to stay in Helsinki on a budget)
Kallio is our pick for where to stay in Helsinki on a budget (photo credits: kurkista)
Kallio is located just north of the Helsinki City Centre. A bohemian spirit lingers in the streets of this neighbourhood, which is also being kept alive by students who have made Kallio their favourite place to live.
While it is mostly residential, Kallio has kept a lively environment and has kept several things to see and do. For a truly local experience, head to Kotiharjun sauna, the last wood burning public sauna in Helsinki. Men and women will enjoy separate saunas.
It is not rare to see people playing chess in the changing rooms at Kallio, or cooling off outside on the patio, especially when it is freezing cold in winter.
For a thrill at the amusement park, head over to Linnanmäki. Entrance to the park is free and visitors only pay for the rides they want to do. The park is notably famous for its wooden roller coaster, built in 1951 and still in operation today.
To try out some local treats, the Hakaniemi Market Hall is the place to go. Small vendors perpetuate the traditional Finnish vibe of the market by selling local dishes, treats and fresh produce.
Things to see and do in Kallio
- Try some local delicacies at Hakaniemi Market Hall
- Look at the Art Nouveau interior of the Kallio Church
- Experience Finnish traditions at the Kotiharju Public Sauna
- Get a thrill at Linnanmäki amusement park
Where To Stay In Kallio
Best Air BnB in Kallio – Ha’s Air BnB
Ha’s Air BnB is the best Air BnB in Kallio
There’s no Air BnB studio in Kallio quite like Ha’s property. With its pastel-toned furniture, large windows and bright setting, this cushy and atmospheric studio is undoubtedly easy on the eyes. And, this urban oasis is surprisingly spacious too, even though it only has an area of 30 square meters.
As an added bonus, it has a fantastic and amiable host who finds joy in hosting and meeting fellow travelers.
Best Budget Hotel in Kallio – Forenom Hostel Helsinki Merihaka
Forenom Hostel Helsinki Merihaka is the best budget hotel in Kallio
The Forenom Hostel Helsinki Merihaka is our top choice for where to stay in Helsinki on a budget. Located on the 11th floor of the building, it provides self-service accommodation with beautiful views over the city and the sea.
The rooms at the Forenom have a shared bathroom and include a free WiFi connection.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kallio – Hilton Helsinki Strand
Hilton Helsinki Strand is the best mid-range hotel in Kallio
The Hilton Helsinki Strand is located on the waterfront, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Hakaniemi Market Hall.
There are comfortable rooms at the Hilton Helsinki Strand, featuring a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and heating. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kallio – Scandic Paasi
Scandic Paasi is the best luxury hotel in Kallio
The Scandic Paasi is a design hotel offering comfortable and spacious rooms in Kallio. They are all fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, heating, and a flat screen TV with satellite channels.
Scandic Paasi’s guests can use bicycles and Nordic walking sticks for free. A tasty buffet breakfast is served every morning.
Neighbourhood #3 - Kamppi
Neighbourhood #3 - Kamppi
(Best area to stay in Helsinki for nightlife)
Kamppi is our pick for best area to stay in Helsinki for nightlife
The Kamppi neighbourhood is located right next to Helsinki City Centre. It is mostly filled with shops, restaurants and bars, as well as churches and museums on the cultural and historical side.
Shopping lovers will enjoy spending a day at the mall Kampin Keskus, filled with international and local brands. For a break from running around from store to store, make a pit stop in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants of the area.
Just a few streets up from Kamppi, do not miss the unique Church in the Rock. The church was completed in 1969 and directly excavated into solid rock. As such, it has an architecture you will not see anywhere else! The church dome is made of copper and the interior walls have kept the raw rocks uncovered.
If you are more of the museum-lover type, the Natural Museum of Helsinki is located in the Kamppi neighbourhood. There, visitors will be able to see remains of prehistoric animals, minerals and taxidermied animals.
A funny anecdote about this museum is the fact that it has been infested with a venomous type of spiders since the 1960s. The origin of the infestation is still debated but it could have been caused by a shipment coming from Latin America. No need to worry, however, as only one spider accident has been reported in 50 years.
Things to see and do in Kamppi
- Visit the Kamppi chapel
- Spend a few hours in the Natural Museum of Helsinki
- Shop til you drop in one of the city’s malls
- Go check out the neighbouring Church in the Rock
Where To Stay in Kamppi
Best Air BnB in Kamppi – Aino’s apartment
Aino’s apartment is the best Air BnB in Kamppi
Aino’s apartment can, in a lot of ways, give you a memorable stay in Kamppi, Helsinki. For one, it is perfectly surrounded by a cluster of trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. And, it is a terrific place to unwind after a day exploration, thanks to its homey and soothing ambiance. With its outstanding Scandinavian and Finnish decorations, this property is also a visual treat and will unleash your inner shutterbug.
Best Budget Hotel in Kamppi – Omena Hotel Lonnrotinkatu
Omena Hotel Lonnrotinkatu is the best budget hotel in Kamppi
The Omena Hotel Lonnrotinkatu is our top pick for where to stay in Kamppi on a budget.
This centrally located self-service hotel offers rooms fitted with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV, free toiletries and a refrigerator. Vending machines can be accessed at all times in the lobby.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kamppi – Hotelli Finn
Hotelli Finn is the best mid-range hotel in Kamppi
Hotelli Finn offers functional rooms decorated with the work of local artists. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV with satellite channels and a free wifi connection.
The hotel applies a non-smoking policy and family rooms accommodating up to 4 people are available.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kamppi – Hotel St George Helsinki
Hotel St George Helsinki is the best luxury hotel in Kamppi
The Hotel St George offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Kamppi in Helsinki. Located in a historical building from the 1850s, the hotel offers spacious rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, an extra-long bed and a flat screen TV.
An indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre are accessible to Hotel St George guests.
(Coolest place to stay in Helsinki)
Punavuori is our pick for coolest place to stay in Helsinki
The Punavuori neighbourhood is part of the Design District in Helsinki. As such, shoppers will love the area as they will be able to find that unique, authentic piece to bring back from their trip to Helsinki.
Punavuori means the “red rock”, and got its name from the stones that are found in the neighbourhood. It is located just south of the central neighbourhoods of Kamppi and Helsinki City Centre and was the city’s first residential area.
Today, Punavuori is not only filled with designer boutiques, but also with trendy cafés and restaurants where visitors can enjoy international and local cuisine.
During the summer, the Punavuori really comes to life, with people flocking to the parks and having drinks out on the terraces.
The Sinebrychoff urban park is particularly popular among local to relax and enjoy the sun. The park was originally designed as a garden for the neighbouring brewery built by Nikolai Sinebrychoff, who also has his house there. The layout is geometric, with ponds and an observation tower scattered around.
Right next to the park, the Sinebrychoff Museum displays the largest painting collection in Finland dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Historic furniture and artefacts are also exposed.
- Take a break in a local café
- Take a walk and look at the beautiful architecture around you
- Shop for some unique pieces in the local designer shops
- During the summer, relax in the Sinebrychoff Park
- Admire centuries-old paintings at the Sinebrychoff Museum
Niko’s Air BnB is the best Air BnB in Punavuori
Set in the trendy Punavuori neighborhood, this Air BnB flat is within walking distance to a plethora of restaurants, pulsating bars, quirky boutiques, and organic cafes. From the apartment, you’ll also have easy access to the picture-perfect Saint John’s Church, waterfront, and the Design Museum.
And, after a day of exploring the city, you may relax on its snug sofa to play some vintage Nintendo games or watch Netflix movies.
Hostel Diana Park is the best budget hotel in Punavuori
The Hostel Diana Park is located just in between the neighbourhoods of Punavuori and Helsinki City Centre. All the rooms are fitted with heating, a sink, and have access to a shared toilet and bathroom.
A free WiFi connection is available in the Hostel Diana Park premises. The hostel also features a common kitchen that guests can use at their convenience.
Hotel Anna Helsinki is the best mid-range hotel in Punavuori
The Hotel Anna is centrally located and one of our top choices for where to stay in Punavuori. It offers cosy and comfortable rooms fitted with a bathroom with a heated floor, a flat screen TV, and soundproofing.
The rooms at the Hotel Anna also have a view over the city. A free WiFi connection is available everywhere in the hotel.
Original Sokos Hotel Albert is the best luxury hotel in Punavuori
The Original Sokos Hotel Albert offers modern rooms in the Punavuori neighbourhood of Helsinki. The rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, heating, a flat screen TV with satellite channels and hardwood floors.
A very good buffet breakfast is served every morning at the Original Sokos Hotel Albert, and a free WiFi connection is included.
Neighbourhood #5 - Kaartinkaupunki
Neighbourhood #5 - Kaartinkaupunki
(Best neighbourhood in Helsinki for families)
Kaartinkaupunki is our pick for best neighbourhood in Helsinki for families
The Kaartinkaupunki neighbourhood is located just south of the Helsinki City Centre and east of Punavuori. The neighbourhood is mostly home to shops and offices, and only around a thousand people live here.
The neighbourhood is not cheap and was the place where the most expensive residential space in Helsinki was sold in 2017.
The most popular market square in Helsinki can be found in Kaartinkaupunki, by the water. Here, visitors will find anything from Finnish treats, to fresh produce, to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Take the time to appreciate the hustle and bustle of the Kaartinkaupunki and stop at one of the local cafés tents once you are done shopping – they are heated in the winter!
For an even more traditional feel, head to the Old Market Hall, which is much more focused on food. Enjoy fresh products such as bread, shellfish or spices. There are some tables available inside the hall if you wish to eat inside.
Finally, the Helsinki Design Museum is a great opportunity to discover and learn more about Finnish design. Guided tours and workshops can be organised.
Things to see and do in Kaartinkaupunki
- Take a look at the Havis Amanda fountain
- Wander through the stalls of the main market square in Helsinki
- Grab a bite at the Old Market Hall
- Pick up some decoration ideas at the Helsinki Design Museum
Where To Stay In Kaartinkaupunki
Best Air BnB in Kaartinkaupunki – Nadja’s Air BnB
Nadja’s Air BnB is the best Air BnB in Kaartinkaupunki
Are you a minimalist? Then, you’ll, no doubt, love Nadja’s apartment! With its minimal decor, the apartment offers plenty of space for your luggage and personal belongings.
Of course, the spotlessly clean property has a handful of handy amenities, WiFi access, television, and kitchen. Additionally, it is close to some of the top Helsinki attractions.
Best Budget Hotel in Kaartinkaupunki – Hostel Diana Park
Hostel Diana Park is the best budget hotel in Kaartinkaupunki
The Hostel Diana Park is located in the neighbouring area of Punavuori. It is possible to access Kaartinkaupunki in just a few steps.
The hostel offers simple rooms with heating and a sink and provides access to a shared bathroom and toilet. A breakfast is served every morning.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kaartinkaupunki – Hotel Rivoli Jardin
Hotel Rivoli Jardin is the best mid-range hotel in Kaartinkaupunki
The Hotel Rivoli Jardin offers comfortable accommodation near the Esplanadi Park in Kaartinkaupunki. Each room is uniquely decorated and features a private bathroom, air conditioning and a flat screen TV.
Hotel Rivoli Jardin Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness centre and a bar. a tasty breakfast is served every morning.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kaartinkaupunki – Hotel Haven
Hotel Haven is the best luxury hotel in Kaartinkaupunki
The hotel Haven provides elegant accommodation in the Kaartinkaupunki neighbourhood. The rooms are modernly decorated and fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub, a flat screen TV, soundproofing and air conditioning. Some rooms have a sea view.
Guests at Hotel Haven can make use of the good fitness centre and enjoy a good breakfast in the Sundmans building, the second oldest stone building in the city.
Our Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Helsinki
Helsinki may lie on the small side when it comes to European capitals, but it has a lot to offer to visitors nonetheless.
During the summertime, make sure not to miss the visit of the Suomenlinna fortress, which used to be the most important fortress on the Baltic sea.
When it comes to places to stay, we have a crush on the Hotel Lilla Roberts. Its distinctive Art Deco style and the comfortable rooms will set you up for a memorable trip to Helsinki, for all the good reasons.
Did we forget to mention your favourite place in Helsinki? Let us know in the comments and we will add it right away. Happy travels!
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About the Author Aaron Hovanesian
Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.