Where to stay in Helsinki [Most Comprehensive Guide for 2023]

Helsinki, Finland. Top View Of Market Square, Street With Presidential Palace And Helsinki Cathedral.

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 options from Hostels to luxury Helsinki hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Helsinki Finland 2023, the best Helsinki hotels, best places in Helsinki to visit, the best places to stay in Helsinki, hotels near Helsinki attractions, Helsinki neighbourhood guide and many more.

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Table of Contents

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 Helsinki

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Downtown:
Eurohostel
Hostel Suomenlinna

Budget Hotels in Downtown:
Helsinki Apartment
Hotelli Finn

Mid range Hotels in Downtown:
Scandic Kaisaniemi
Arthur Hotel
Scandic Grand Marina
Seurahuone Helsinki

Family Friendly Hotels in Downtown:
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Hilton Helsinki Strand
Anna Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Downtown:
Hotel Katajanokka (Highly recommend – Our favourite!)
Hotel Haven
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Klaus K Hotel

Helsinki, Finland - Panorama of Helsinki, Finland. Aerial view of downtown city. Famous Helsinki Cathedral and Market square in evening light, cloudy sky, horizon, autumn skyline.

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:
The Yard Concept Hostel
Hostel Diana Park
Omena Hotel Helsinki Lonnrotinkatu
Kongressikoti Hotel

Budget Hotels in Katajanokka:
Helsinki Apartment
Hotelli Finn
Scandic Grand Marina
GLO Hotel Kluuvi Helsinki

Mid range Hotels in Katajanokka:
Hellsten Helsinki Senate Square
Hotel Fabian
Original Sokos Hotel Helsinki

Family Friendly Hotels in Katajanokka:
Hotel Rivoli Jardin
City Apartments – Helsinki
Scandic Paasi
Scandic Hakaniemi

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Katajanokka:
Hotel Haven
Hotel Kamp
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Hotel St George

Helsinki, Finland. Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral Upon Hillside On Katajanokka Peninsula Overlooking City. Church Of Red Brick In Summer Sunny Day, Popular Tourist Sightseeing

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

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ruoholahti:
Omena Hotel Helsinki Lonnrotinkatu
Omena Hotel – Yrjonkatu
The Yard Concept Hostel

Budget Hotels in Ruoholahti:
Kongressikoti Hotel
Helsinki Apartment
Hotelli Finn

Mid range Hotels in Ruoholahti:
Holiday Inn Helsinki West-Ruoholahti
Aida Hotel
Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Family Friendly Hotels in Ruoholahti:
GLO Hotel Art
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Helsinki
Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Ruoholahti:
Hotel St George
Hotel Kamp
Hotel Haven

Scenic evening view of the bridge and pier architecture in Ruoholahti district in Helsinki, Finland

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.