Where to stay in Helsinki: best areas and neighborhoods

Helsinki can be mainly divided into 3 large districts: Helsinki Downtown (Helsingin kantakaupunki), North Helsinki (Pohjois-Helsinki) and East Helsinki (Itä-Helsinki). Each district, in turn, is divided into neighborhoods, totaling about 60 neighborhoods.

The district to stay in is Downtown. Here you will find the most central neighborhoods, including those we suggest staying in: Kluuvi, Kampii, Kallio, Töölö, Punavuori, and Katajanokka. Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Helsinki!

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

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Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: it is not advisable to stay in the more northern districts such as Malminkartano and Kannelmäki, as they are far from the center and a bit less safe (Helsinki is still one of the safest cities in the world).

If it is your first time visiting the city or you are staying only for a few days, the best solution is to stay in Kluuvi, the historic center, which stretches from the station to the port area, where the city market is located, including the central square of the capital. Here you can find great deals at advantageous prices, as there are many hostels, especially towards the station. It is also one of the centers of nightlife.

If you are looking for nightlife and fun, consider Kampii, full of pubs and nightclubs, and Kallio, the hipster district of Helsinki, in the northern part of the city. The latter is also a great neighborhood to save money.

Finally, if you are traveling with family you have several options: the best neighborhoods are Töölö, Punavuori, Katajanokka, and Kaartinkaupunki, all in great locations and characterized by a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&b, and hostels in Helsinki. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Kluuvi, best for first-timers

• Pros: Everything is within walking distance, Excellent public transport
• Cons: It's the most expensive area
• Main attractions: Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square
• Average prices: from €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Kluuvi is definitely the best neighborhood to stay in Helsinki, especially if you are visiting the Finnish capital for the first time. This district stretches from the central station to the Kauppatori area, the famous market on the port, and also includes Senaatintori, the central square where the great Helsinki Cathedral stands, the Ateneum museum, and the famous KIASMA museum (on the border with the Kluuvi district).

It is also an ideal neighborhood for young people, as the nightlife is concentrated here thanks to the numerous nightclubs and pubs. But you can also find some cheaper accommodation if you are satisfied with a hostel, especially in the station area. Hostels in Northern Europe are clean, modern, and equipped with all services, representing an excellent alternative for a budget stay.

Finally, staying here you can easily move around on foot. The main attractions are close to each other, including those in the neighboring districts. Alternatively, the area is well served by public transportation.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Kampii, for young and nightlife

• Pros: Fantastic nightlife and dining scene, central location
• Cons: Can be loud at night
• Main attractions: The Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Tennispalatsi cinema complex
• Average prices: from €90,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Kampii is the neighborhood that extends west of Kluuvi and is one of the most fascinating areas of the capital. Here you can find attractions like the Chapel of Silence and the HAM Helsingin Art Museum. Moreover, it is a very lively neighborhood, also due to the presence of large shopping centers, boutiques, and the famous Hietalahti flea market.

It is a neighborhood mainly suitable for young people. In addition to being very active during the day, it is also very lively at night! In addition to bistros and fast food, there are numerous nightclubs of all kinds: from trendy bars to LGBT clubs, to venues hosting rock music concerts, one of the experiences to try in the city. This area is near the port area, from where ferries directed to Tallinn depart.

Finally, staying here you can also move around on foot. Alternatively, the area is well served by trams and the M1 and M2 metro lines, the reference station is Kampii.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €90,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Kallio, to stay on a budget

• Pros: More affordable accommodation,Great local bars and cafes
• Cons: It's a bit further out from the main tourist attractions
• Main attractions: Kallio Church, the Hakaniemi Market
• Average prices: from €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Moving now to the north of Kluuvi, we find the Kallio district, the design district! Helsinki is considered the design capital and this area, with its bohemian soul, is full of artisan shops, artist boutiques, and design stores. Don't miss Kallion Kirkko, the church of the district, as well as the wonderful green areas present, especially around the river.

Kallio, given its vibrant soul, is a district suitable for young people, especially since this is also one of the hearts of Helsinki's nightlife. Here you will find places of all kinds, from pubs and breweries to live music or karaoke venues. But it is also a great area to save money: there are numerous hostels and accommodations at very competitive prices.

Finally, staying here we recommend you to use public transportation. The district is served by the M1 and M2 metro lines, the reference stop is Hakaniemi (4 min from the central station). The area is also served by several tram lines.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Töölö, green and quiet

• Pros: Very quiet and serene, many museums and cultural venues
• Cons: Fewer dining and shopping options
• Main attractions: Sibelius Park and Monument, the Finnish National Opera
• Average prices: from €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Töölö is a wonderful residential district north of the center. It borders Kampii and expands northward including the Sibelius Park, the city's most famous green area, but also attractions like the Rock Church, the Natural History Museum, and Eduskunta, the Parliament House.

This district, quiet and largely tree-lined, is ideal for families. There are numerous green areas, small beaches, pastry shops, and renowned restaurants. It is definitely one of the most elegant districts and, consequently, also one of the most expensive.

Staying here you will have to mainly use public transportation. The area is served by several tram lines, but not by the metro. If you stay in the southern part of the district, you can also move around on foot.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Punavuori, trendy and elegant

• Pros: Stylish, with high-quality boutiques, cafes, and restaurants
• Cons: A more expensive area for both accommodation and dining
• Main attractions: The Design District Helsinki, a cluster of design shops
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

South of the historic center, we find the artistic and trendy district of Punavuori. Here there are numerous gastronomic places, elegant cafes, and restaurants with international cuisine. In the evening, the bars offer live music and there are numerous breweries with craft beer. There are also several attractions, such as art galleries and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Compared to Kallio, however, this district has a much more relaxed and elegant nightlife. The area is therefore especially recommended for families and those looking for a quiet area. There are numerous services and different types of accommodation.

Finally, staying here you can move around on foot or by public transportation. The main attractions are about 20 minutes away on foot, but the area is still served by several tram lines.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Katajanokka, suitable for everyone

• Pros: Quiet and scenic, beautiful walks
• Cons: Limited dining and shopping options
• Main attractions: The Uspenski Cathedral, the Allas Sea Pool
• Average prices: from €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

We also recommend the Katajanokka district, the quiet port area of Helsinki. This district is characterized by the presence of Art Nouveau buildings and the wonderful Uspenski Cathedral, one of the main attractions of the city. But not only: here you will also find the SkyWheel Helsinki and the Allas Sea Pool, the complex of pools with a wonderful view of the city.

Given all these features, this district is ideal for those traveling with family and looking for tranquility, without giving up centrality and beautiful views. There are elegant and luxurious hotels, but you can also find small quieter accommodations at more affordable costs.

Finally, staying here will allow you to move around both on foot and by public transportation. The historic center is about 15 minutes away on foot, while the area is served by several tram lines. Here, moreover, is also one of the city's cruise terminals.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Kaartinkaupunki, for local vibes

• Pros: central convenience and local charm
• Cons: pricier than other neighborhoods. Not much nightlife.
• Main attractions: The Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally, we recommend the small district of Kaartinkaupunki, a quiet residential area located between the waterfront and the Kauppatori market and the Punavuori district. To the north, it is bordered by the Esplanadi, a famous city park. Here you will not find many activities to do, but you will be a few steps from the main attractions of the Finnish capital!

Given its tranquility and green areas, the Kaartinkaupunki district is mainly recommended for families, who can have fun with the little ones near the waterfront or in the Esplanadi park. Here, moreover, you will mainly find hotels equipped with all the necessary services for a peaceful stay.

Finally, staying here you can easily move around on foot. The district is in a strategic location: Senate Square is just a 5-minute walk away, and the Kamppi Chapel is about a 15-minute walk away.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Helsinki

Staying in the city is the best and most convenient solution. Despite being a Northern European capital, you can find great deals here, and the hostels are really clean and wonderful. There are also numerous alternatives depending on what you need. Additionally, staying outside the city, you must consider the cost of transportation, which is not exactly cheap.

An alternative could be to stay in Suomenlinna (compare the accommodation on booking), an island declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site reachable by ferry and also visitable with tours departing from Helsinki. However, it is not a very convenient solution, as you will always have to travel by ferry to reach the center of the capital, and also quite expensive: accommodations are few and exclusive.

Travel tips for Helsinki

• Transports: in Helsinki you should use trams, buses, and a metro. Trams offer a great panorama to get around the city center. A day ticket is a great value, allowing unlimited travel.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) is the most popular time, with warm weather, perfect for exploring. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds. To see the city covered in snow and enjoy the Christmas markets, go to Helsinki during winter.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, so you don't need to carry much cash. Finland is one of the most cashless societies in the world.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Finns can be reserved at first but are incredibly friendly and helpful once you get to know them. The concept of "Sisu" (a type of stoic determination) is a key part of the culture. Respect personal space, and remember that tipping is not expected.

Helsinki accommodation price map

Booking.com

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