Where to stay in Helsinki

As Finland becomes more popular as a travel destination, so, too, does the capital city of Helsinki. While Helsinki is often the jumping-off point for northern adventures in places like Finnish Lapland, there are plenty of things to do in Helsinki that make it worthy of a visit.

From nature, history, churches, museums and modern art, a few days’ stay in Helsinki won’t disappoint.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Helsinki neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay in Helsinki. We’ll even recommend several Helsinki hotels, from budget options to luxury Helsinki accommodation.

We will cover off all types of Helsinki accommodation in Helsinki hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Helsinki Finland 2023.

❤️ Best Area first timers	Downtown/Kluuvi
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	Marski by Scandic
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	Bob W Koti Katajanokka
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	Clarion Hotel Helsinki
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	WeHost Hämeentie
✨ Best Hostel	The Yard Hostel

This guide shows off the best hotels in Helsinki, best places in Helsinki to visit, the best places to stay in Helsinki, hotels near Helsinki attractions, Helsinki neighbourhood guide and many more.

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Helsinki? Below are 4 of the best neighborhoods in Helsinki to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Helsinki for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Helsinki so you can use this as a go to guide.

Downtown/Kluuvi – Where to stay in Helsinki for nightlife

For most travelers visiting Helsinki for a short time, or for the first time, the Helsinki city centre, or Kluuvi, is the best part of Helsinki to stay in.

Staying in the city centre puts you in walking distance of the most popular Helsinki attractions and the train station. Direct bus service to Helsinki airport makes it easy to stay in the city centre and still catch your flight.

The main street running through downtown Helsinki is Aleksanterinkatu, which is pedestrian-only on the weekends, and a great place to hang out. You’ll find shopping, dining and entertainment all along Aleksanterinkatu street.

If you want to know where to stay in Helsinki for nightlife, downtown is the answer. There are many nightclubs downtown, most of which don’t open until 10p.m. and club-goers party until the wee hour of 4 a.m.

Best places to stay in Downtown/Kluuvi

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Downtown/Kluuvi

• Moi Aikatalo Hostel Helsinki
• The Yard Hostel

Budget accommodation in Downtown/Kluuvi

• Citykoti Downtown Studios
• Roost Malminrinne
• Freda Residence 2
• Omena Hotel Helsinki City Centre

Mid range accommodation in Downtown/Kluuvi

• Bob W Kluuvi
• Hotel Bastian
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Helsinki
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki

Family Friendly accommodation in Downtown/Kluuvi

• Hotel Mestari
• Bob W City Centre
• Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki
• Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Downtown/Kluuvi

• Marski by Scandic
• Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki
• Hotel St. George Helsinki
• Hotel Kämp

Katajanokka – Where to stay in Helsinki with family 

Katajanokka is an island on the East side of Helsinki, and is largely residential, with several schools and parks.

It is a quieter place to stay, and is in walking distance of Market Square, and there are several tram lines providing access to all other parts of the city.

For visitors taking the cruise to Estonia or Stockholm, this would be the best neighborhood to stay in Helsinki, as the boats leave from Katajanokka, which is very convenient. Outside of the city centre, this is one of the best places to stay in Helsinki.

Best places to stay in Katajanokka

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Katajanokka

• Eurohostel

Budget accommodation in Katajanokka

• Huoneisto Helsingin sydämmessä
• Luotsi 1911 Suites
• Cozy apartment in the heart of Helsinki
• 2ndhomes Cozy and Spacious Studio in Idyllic Katajanokka

Mid range accommodation in Katajanokka

• Scandic Grand Marina
• Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki
• Noli Katajanokka
• Hotel Fabian

Family Friendly accommodation in Katajanokka

• Hotel F6
• Bob W Koti Ullanlinna
• Hotel U14, Autograph Collection
• Bob W Koti Katajanokka

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Katajanokka

• Hotel Lilla Roberts
• Hotel Haven

Ruoholahti – Where to stay in Helsinki for culture

South of downtown, this is a newer area built in the 1990’s along the sea where a cargo port once stood.

The district originally comprised several islands, but the channels have been filled to create more land for building. The Cable Factory, in a former Nokia cable factory, is a fun destination for anyone visiting Helsinki.

The building houses performance venues, galleries, museums and the halls host concerts and festivals.

Many tech companies are moving into this area, so the vibe is young and trendy, making it a great place to stay in Helsinki.

Best places to stay in Ruoholahti

Budget accommodation in Ruoholahti

• Hiisi Hotel Helsinki Jätkäsaari
• SleepWell Apartment Rio with private sauna
• Scandinavian Sweet home
• Sharm Sweet Studio City Center

Mid range accommodation in Ruoholahti

• Clarion Hotel Helsinki
• Forenom Serviced Apartments Helsinki Lapinlahdenkatu
• Roost Lapinrinne
• WeHost Malagankatu

Family Friendly accommodation in Ruoholahti

• UNITY Helsinki
• Holiday Inn Helsinki West – Ruoholahti
• Beautiful penthouse in the center of Helsinki
• Hiisi Hotel Helsinki Jätkäsaari

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Ruoholahti

• Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki
• Hotel AX

Kallio – Where to stay in Helsinki on a budget

For budget travelers and younger travelers, Kallio is one of the best places to stay in Helsinki. Just east of Helsinki city centre, Kallio has transformed from a working-class district to the home of students and artists.

It’s a very dense residential area, but many buildings have shops and cafes on the ground floor, with apartments above.

Some of the best shopping and dining can be found in Kallio as well as two popular public saunas. The neighboring district of Alppiharju is also worth a visit and offers similar facilities as Kallio.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Helsinki for one night, Kallio is a great option to chill out for the night. Of course if you want a bit of action then Downtown Helsinki is another one night option.

Best places to stay in Kallio

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Kallio

• Inn Tourist Hostel
• Sky Hostel Helsinki
• SweetDream Guesthouse

Budget accommodation in Kallio

• Apartment with sauna near the center
• Bright one-room studio in the heart of Kallio
• Residential Hotels Franzén
• WeHost Hämeentie

Mid range accommodation in Kallio

• Scandic Kallio
• WeHost Modern Scandinavian Studio in Trendy Kallio
• Urban penthouse next to Metro with city views
• Glorious apartment in Hakaniemi

Family Friendly accommodation in Kallio

• Scandic Paasi
• Scandic Hakaniemi
• Urban hideaway. Central location with workstation.
• Family home in Kallio beside metro

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Kallio

• Hilton Helsinki Strand
• Artist Apartment Susi

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