Where to Stay In Helsinki: Best Areas + Handpicked Hotels
Helsinki is an amazing city full of culture and attractions that deserve much more recognition! Many people seem to overlook it, giving much more attention to its neighboring capitals in the North, such as Stockholm and Copenhagen.
If you're visiting the Finnish capital, you can expect a picturesque city filled with great food, plenty of green spaces, and a vibrant music and arts scene. If you have enough time to scratch the surface, you'll find it has even more to offer than just that!
I visited in the height of winter and was surprised at how diverse it was with things to see from churches to market halls and of course, plenty of Finnish sauna time at these chilly temperatures.
Looking for accommodation in Helsinki? There are plenty of great areas to choose from, depending on what you're looking for during your city trip! After staying in Helsinki early this year, I have put together a list of my favorite neighborhoods and hotels that cater to every budget.
The best neighborhoods to stay in Helsinki
Looking for a lively area in Helsinki?
If you want to go shopping, sightseeing and enjoy the nightlife in Helsinki, then I suggest staying in some of the more popular tourist areas like Kluuvi, Kamppi, and Kaartinkaupunki. These areas are ideal if you want to experience a full weekend trip in Helsinki, especially if you're visiting the city for the first time!
Or something more authentic and laid back?
If you want to have an authentic experience in Helsinki, I suggest checking out some of the more relaxed areas like Punavuori, Katajanokka, Töölö, or Kallio. These areas are especially nice if you're visiting with your partner or family.
1. Where to stay in Helsinki for the first time & shopping: Kluuvi
If this is your first time visiting Helsinki, I recommend staying in the Kluuvi neighborhood.
Kluuvi is the best place to stay in Helsinki. Being located in the center of the city, right where the central station is, and you can easily walk to most of the tourist attractions without having to worry about transportation.
Kluuvi is also known for its excellent shopping, particularly on Aleksanterinkatu, which is the main shopping street and is packed with restaurants, cafes, shops, and boutiques.
Just another block away, you'll find Esplanade Park in Helsinki. It's a vibrant urban oasis where locals and visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, picturesque promenades, and lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Kluuvi was the best area choice for us for a short 2-night stay before heading to our igloo experience in Rovaniemi, Lapland.
Best area for:
First timers
Shopping
City breaks
Things to see & do in Kluuvi
In addition to being a great shopping destination, Kluvi is also a cultural hub with attractions such as the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the Helsinki Music Centre, the Ateneum Art Museum, and the National Theatre.
If you're visiting in spring or summer and feel like you've had enough of the city's culture, you should visit Kaisaniemi Park and the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, the lungs of Kluuvi. These are my go-to spots and favorite green spaces in the city to relax and take a break by going for a walk or having a picnic. In winter, the locals use the park to build their own sled ramps.
Best hotels to stay in Kluuvi
($$$) Hotel Kämp
Hotel Kämp is one of the best luxury hotels in Kluuvi. It is located in the heart of Helsinki, just a few steps away from the Stockmann department store and Aleksanterinkatu shopping street. This 5-star hotel has spacious rooms with city or sea views, free Wi-Fi access, and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
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($$) Bob W City Centre
Bob W City Centre offers affordable apartments with kitchens and living rooms in Kluuvi. I loved staying at Bob W, it was quiet, yet it's just a five-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station and the Museums district. Hot tip: Have breakfast across the road at Fazer Café Kaisaniemi!
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($$) Scandic Grand Central
This 4-star hotel is perfect for those looking for luxurious accommodation that doesn't break the bank. Scandic Grand offers room service, a terrace, and a sauna and is located in the city centre close to Helsinki Central Station.
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2. Where to stay in Helsinki for nightlife: Kamppi
Kamppi is a lively district located in the heart of downtown Helsinki. While Kamppi is popular for its shopping destinations, such as the Kamppi Shopping Centre and Hietalahti flea market, it is also a great spot for a fun night out.
Helsinki boasts a thriving rock scene with popular venues like Tavastia, and it's also becoming a hotspot for techno music.
Best area for:
Nightlife
Rock fans
Techno fans
Shopping Centres
Things to see & do in Kamppi
You can find some incredible museums in Kamppi, given that Helsinki is such a cultural hub. The Lasipalatsi (“Glass Palace”) and Tennispalatsi (“Tennis Palace”) buildings are home to the HAM Helsinki Art Museum and the country's biggest multiplex cinema. The Amos REX art museum, which opened to the public in 2018, is also located near Lasipalatsi.
Are you feeling hungry? If so, I recommend checking out Hietalahti Market Hall, where they offer a wide range of food options like burgers, pizza, and various Asian dishes. But if you're not up for a visit to the market, you can also try Restaurant Lasipalatsi for some delicious traditional Finnish cuisine.
Best hotels to stay in Kamppi
($$$) Marski by Scandic
Marski by Scandic is a chic 5-star hotel located in the heart of Kamppi. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi access, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a bar for evening drinks.
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($$) Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
The Lapland Hotels Bulevardi is a great mid range hotel if you are looking for a comfortable place to stay in Kamppi. It offers modern rooms with city views, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a restaurant serving traditional Finnish cuisine.
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($) Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel
The Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel is a great, budget-friendly option located in the heart of Kamppi. It offers modern rooms with city views, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a restaurant that serves a breakfast buffet.
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3. Where to stay in Helsinki for couples: Punavuori
Punavuori is a charming district located just southwest of the Helsinki city center. This area is ideal if you are looking for something more romantic and laid-back than the bustling city life. Here, you can find plenty of cozy cafés to visit, romantic restaurants to dine at, and trendy bars to enjoy a drink.
I really like Punavuori, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Helsinki. People from all professions live here, so it has a great vibe. Supporting local businesses is important to the community because the neighborhood has many interesting small shops, excellent cafés, and restaurants.
Punavuori has a laid-back but distinctive atmosphere. During the summer, the neighborhood is very lively, and my favorite spot for long summer nights is, without a doubt Sinebrychoff Park!
Best area for:
Couples
Families
Laid-back nightlife
Things to see & do in Punavuori
In Punavuori, I love to browse the small boutiques and indulge in good food and drinks, what a way to enjoy city life!
The ideal place to find them is on Iso Roobertinkatu, also called Roba, which is a 500-meter-long pedestrian street. I highly recommend YES YES YES and Cafe Bar No 9 as my two really cool spots!
Best hotels to stay in Punavuori
($$$) Original Sokos Hotel Albert
The original Sokos Hotel Albert is a great 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Punavuori. It offers spacious and modern rooms with city views, free Wi-Fi access, and an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine.
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($$) Hotel Indigo Helsinki
I've stayed in various Hotel Indigo properties in other countries. In Helsinki, this top mid-range hotel is for you if you are looking for a modern option in Punavuori. It offers chic rooms with city views, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a 24-hour gym.
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($) GLO Hotel Art
If you are looking for something more affordable, yet unique, then the GLO Hotel Art is the best budget hotel in Punavuori. It offers spacious rooms with a balcony and is located within walking distance of the design district.
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4. Where to stay in Helsinki for families & near the harbor: Katajanokka
Katajanokka is a charming island that many visitors overlook, but it is a favorite among locals and a great place to stay in Helsinki. It is located on the east side of Helsinki city center and is separated from the mainland by the Katajanokka Channel. Over the years, the island has become popular for families and foodies, with many excellent restaurants in the area.
During the summer, Katajanokka is an excellent spot for relaxing on the charming terraces by the shoreline. In addition, there is a bustling harbor that offers ferries to Tallinn and Stockholm!
Best area for:
Families
Couples
Day Trips by boat
Things to see & do in Katajanokka
Looking for something to enjoy with the whole family? Allas Sea Pool is the spot to be! The outdoor swimming pool is right on the waterfront in the city centre and is the perfect place to cool off during the summer. But not only! Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki transforms into a captivating winter oasis with saunas, offering a unique experience as you can plunge into the heated outdoor pools surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the invigorating contrast between the warmth of the water and the crispness of the winter air.
If you're looking to visit a sauna in Helsinki, I can highly recommend Löyly! This modern seaside sauna offers a unique experience, with its stylish glass-walled restaurant, expansive deck providing breathtaking panoramic views, and the invigorating option to take a dip in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea.
Being here in January certainly felt special as the sun is only up for a few hours and you will experience most of the city in twilight, which makes for a cozy and somewhat romantic atmosphere.
Located nearby, the SkyWheel Helsinki is an exciting attraction that kids will surely enjoy. Riding a Ferris wheel with your entire family while taking in the view of Helsinki from above is an experience you wouldn't want to miss.
I also loved visiting Uspenski Cathedral, a breathtaking Orthodox church, with its red-brick exterior and golden onion domes, standing as a magnificent symbol of Russian influence and architectural grandeur.
Best hotels to stay in Katajanokka
($$$) Bob W Koti Katajanokka
The Bob W Koti Katajanokka is a top-rated, 5-star hotel situated on the eastern side of Helsinki. Families will especially appreciate the hotel's indoor play area.
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($$) Hotel Katajanokka
This hotel is located on Katajanokka Island in the center of Helsinki and is housed in a converted prison from 1837, giving it a unique atmosphere. It is a good choice for those who want comfortable accommodations in Helsinki without breaking the bank.
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($) Noli Katajanokka
The Noli Katajanokka is a great, budget-friendly option for families looking to stay in the area. It offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi access and is located within walking distance of the ferry port.
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5. Where to stay in Helsinki for foodies & near the Old Market Hall: Kaartinkaupunki
The hipster area of Kaartinkaupunki is perfect if you're looking for places to eat and drink. It is located close to the harbor and Old Market Hall, which makes it an ideal spot for foodies who want to explore the local gastronomy. The area is also filled with vintage shops, small galleries, cafe terraces, and trendy bars.
I personally love Kaartinkaupunki because, even though it is located downtown, it has a relaxed atmosphere and is filled with interesting places and people.
Best area for:
Foodies
Solo Travelers
Things to see & do in Kaartinkaupunki
The Old Market Hall definitely takes the cake when it comes to interesting places to visit in Kaartinkaupunki. It is an indoor marketplace where you can find local products from all over Finland, ranging from seafood and meats to cheeses and chocolates. And did someone say reindeer meat? You can even taste bear!
While it is quite small, I did love spending a morning inside and can confirm it is, without a doubt, Helsinki's foodie haven!
If you find the market hall too busy to eat in peace, you could check out The Cock Restaurant across the road, which serves brasserie classics with an Asian twist. Alternatively, I recommend Restaurant Vinkelli for a nice sit-down dinner; they offer classic cuisine and a great wine selection.
Best hotels to stay in Kaartinkaupunki
($$$) Hotel F6
This extravagant boutique hotel is a great place to stay if you are looking for something luxurious and want to be near the harbor. It is located within walking distance of the Helsinki City Museum and the Helsinki Cathedral.
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($$) Hotel Lilla Roberts
Families looking for a comfortable stay in central Helsinki should consider the Hotel Lilla Roberts. With its Art Deco theme, elegantly furnished rooms, peaceful courtyard, and city views, it offers a great mid-range option.
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($) Hotel Fabian
Hotel Fabian is a great budget hotel. To make it easier for you, Fabian's staff can help book tours, trips, and restaurants. It is also located very close to some of the biggest Helsinki attractions, such as the Helsinki Cathedral.
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6. Where to stay in Helsinki for an authentic experience & near the famous Cafe Regatta: Töölö
If you want to experience an authentic Finnish stay in Helsinki, make sure to check out Töölö. This neighborhood is renowned for its quaint old villas and lush green parks, making it an ideal destination for those who want to discover a new facet of the city.
Don't miss Cafe Regatta, located in Töölö, which is highly regarded as one of the top attractions in the city!
Best area for:
The real Helsinki
Cafe Regatta
Extensive parks & nature lovers
Things to see & do in Töölö
Besides the Helsinki Olympic Stadium and plenty of other sports venues, this area is home to the popular Café Regatta. It's super quirky and fun to hang out at, and with its unique interior and delicious dishes, it is one of the must-dos when you are in the area!
Closeby you'll find Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is a captivating architectural marvel in Helsinki that is carved out of solid rock, with its unique copper ceiling and natural light streaming through the skylight, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere and worth a visit!
Best hotels to stay in Töölö
($$$) Töölö Towers
Töölö Towers is a 5-star hotel located in Töölö. With its luxurious suites and modern amenities, it is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy a truly luxurious stay in Helsinki.
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($$) Crowne Plaza Helsinki
The Crowne Plaza Helsinki is a 4-star hotel located minutes away from the Olympic Stadium and Töölö Bay. This great option offers spacious private rooms with modern amenities, making it perfect for couples or families who want to enjoy their stay in style.
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($) Scandic Park Helsinki
The Scandic Park Helsinki is a great budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and an ideal location in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance from popular attractions, such as Cafe Regatta and the Olympic Stadium.
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7. Most underrated & coolest place to stay in Helsinki: Kallio
Kallio, a district situated east of the city center, and used to be a working-class area. Nowadays, it is a lively and laid-back neighborhood famous for its cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other attractions.
When exploring Kallio, you will experience a sense of being a local since it is still not completely developed but up-and-coming. I reckon it's the coolest area in Helsinki and still somewhat of a hidden gem!
Best area for:
Solo travelers
Backpackers
An authentic experience
Things to see & do in Kallio
If you enjoy the edgy and hipster vibe, Kallio is the place to be for great food and bar options. One such spot is Wino, a trendy wine bar and restaurant located in the heart of Kallio. They specialize in organic and natural wines and create a great atmosphere in their little bar!
One of the highlights of my trip to Helsinki was visiting Kotiharjun Sauna, which is the city's only remaining public sauna that still uses traditional wood heating. This sauna has been in operation since 1928 and provides a unique opportunity to experience Finnish culture in an urban environment!
Best hotels to stay in Kallio
($$$) Scandic Paasi
The stylish design hotel Scandic Paasi is ideal for those who want to enjoy a luxurious stay in Kallio. With its modern, air-conditioned rooms and breathtaking view of the city, it is perfect if you're looking for something extra special.
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($$) Scandic Hakaniemi
Scandic Hakaniemi is located in the heart of Kallio and is one of my favorite Helsinki hotels in Kallio. The rooms are cozy and modernly furnished, plus there's a free sauna you can use!
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($) Artist Apartment Susi
Looking for something affordable and authentic? Artist Apartment Susi is the perfect choice. Its central location in Kallio makes it ideal for those looking for a base to explore the area.
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Book Your Trip To Finland
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Hotel
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Book Your Tours & Activities
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Where to stay in Helsinki – Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is the city center in Helsinki?
Helsinki City Centre is located in the district of Kluuvi and it's here where you will find the majority of shops, restaurants, and museums. Kluuvi is also the best area to stay in Helsinki in my eyes.
📅 How many days should I spend in Helsinki?
I recommend staying in Helsinki for at least three days so that you have enough time to explore all the attractions and maybe even delve into some of the lesser-known areas or do a day trip.
☀️ What are the best months to visit Helsinki?
The best months to visit Helsinki are from May through September, as the weather is typically sunny and mild. However, the winter also has its charm; snowy landscapes and Christmas markets make the cold months a great time to visit as well. Just make sure you bring the right clothes!
🚶 Is Helsinki walkable or do I need a car?
Helsinki is more than walkable! You can easily explore the city on foot, but if you prefer not to, then you can always use the city's great public transport or just hire a bike to get around.
🚆 How do I get from Helsinki airport to the city center?
The easiest way to get from the Helsinki Airport to the Helsinki City Centre is by train. The journey takes about 30 minutes and brings you right from the airport to Helsinki Central Station where you'll find the best Helsinki hotels just a short walk away.
Where to stay in Helsinki – Final Words
Helsinki is a totally underrated city and definitely worthy of a visit! It has a unique blend of both modern and traditional attractions that make it the perfect weekend getaway for those who want to experience something new. It's also a great introduction or base to explore more of Finland.
These are my favorite areas in Helsinki, and I hope it makes it a little easier for you to decide where to stay in Helsinki.
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