Where to stay in Oulu [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Travellers planning a visit to northern Finland will likely find themselves in Oulu Finland at some point as it’s the largest city of northern Finland and the fourth largest city in all of Finland.

This is where you’ll find a transition from culture to nature, as both are very important in Oulu. Many visitors embark on wilderness expeditions from Oulu, but it’s worth a few days to explore this cozy city on the Bay of Bothnia.

Map of Oulu & Locations to stay in Oulu

Between outdoor adventures, entertain yourself with music, art, science, and cuisine. With our guide to hotels in Oulu Finland, you can find the best area for tourists, whether you are searching for family-friendly Oulu hotels or budget-friendly accommodations.

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Oulu

❤️ Best Area first timersOulu city center – Meritulli
💸 Best Luxury HotelOriginal Sokos Hotel Arina Oulu
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesOulu Hotelli Apartments
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelLapland Hotels Oulu
🛏️ Best Budget HotelNipu -Beside City Center, Bus and Train Station

We will cover off all types of Oulu accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Oulu hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Oulu 2024, the best Oulu hotels, best places in Oulu to visit, the best places to stay in Oulu, hotels near Oulu attractions, Oulu neighborhood guide and many more.

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Meritulli – Where to stay in Oulu for first timers

One main area of Oulu city center is Meritulli, home of government offices, shopping centers, and hotels. This is a popular area for tourists, as most of the best attractions are within walking distance and frequent bus stations for other destinations.

Kauppahalli is a historic market hall located at Market Square, the perfect place to explore Finnish cuisine.

This is also the location of one of Oulu’s most popular statues, Toripollissi. For entertainment, there is a casino as well as a movie theater in Meritulli.

Perhaps the biggest draw of all is the waterfront and the guest marina, where visitors who arrive by boat will land in Oulu. Meritulli is surrounded by water and green space, especially the parks that line the Oulu River.

Map of Meritulli

Best places to stay in Meritulli

Budget accommodation in Meritulli

Mid range accommodation in Meritulli

Family Friendly accommodation in Meritulli

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Meritulli

Old wooden houses in the old center around the harbor of Oulu. Finland

Myllytulli – Where to stay in Oulu with family

Another popular part of the city center of Oulu is Myllytulli, which is just across the Oulu River from Meritulli. Here you’ll also find many hotels and restaurants, plus several museums and attractions.

Finland’s first science center, Tietomaa, is here as well as the Oulu Museum of Art and the Northern Ostrobothnia cultural history museum.

The Oulu Railway Station is located in this district, making trips to other areas of Finland quite easy.

For nature lovers, a trip to the Hupisaaret Islands park is a must; this city park is popular with locals and also has fun attractions like a summer theater.

Map of Myllytulli

Best places to stay in Myllytulli

Budget accommodation in Myllytulli

Mid range accommodation in Myllytulli

Family Friendly accommodation in Myllytulli

View of the city hall. City of Oulu. Finland

Nalllikari Beach – Where to stay in Oulu for Relaxation

Just four kilometers from downtown Oulu is the summer resort area on Nallikari Beach. In addition to the main resort, there are hotels, apartments, and camping as well as restaurants and other recreation opportunities. There’s a miniature golf course, sports complex, even a horse riding school.

In the winter, you can still visit the beach and walk on the frozen sea for a uniquely Finnish experience. Even better, you can reach downtown Oulu by bus so you don’t have to miss out on any big city fun by staying out at the beach.

Map of Nalllikari Beach

Best places to stay in Nallikari Beach

Budget accommodation in Nallikari Beach

Mid range accommodation in Nallikari Beach

Family Friendly accommodation in Nallikari Beach

Sunset at the beach in Oulu Finland

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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