Deciding where to stay in Helsinki is not as easy as it sounds. The Finnish capital is a big sprawling metropolis that extends along the coast and inland. In fact, Helsinki has quite distinct neighborhoods that cater to different tastes and fancies. Therefore, you will find the right spot for you.
I’ve been to Helsinki countless times and have all the information you need. I believe it is the prettiest Scandinavian capital. Helsinki has incredible architecture, lots of nature, and fascinating culture. That’s why you can enjoy it all year round, including winter.
Helsinki has some of the best hotels in Europe. You won’t have any trouble finding the one that’s right for you. The city also excels in food and drinks. No matter what you like, you will find it here. However, it’s the locals that set Helsinki apart. They will make you feel at home!
City Center – Kluuvi
My favorite place to stay is the city center. Locals call it Kluuvi. Since most of the city’s top attractions are here you won’t waste any time. Kluuvi is north of Esplanade Park, west of the Unioninkatu Street, south of the sea, and east of Mannerheimintie Road.
The city’s best museum is in Kluuvi. I’m talking about the Ateneum. The 19th-Century building is as incredible as the collection inside. Gorgeous buildings line Senate Square, the city’s main plaza. You have to visit the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the National Library of Finland.
Go up some stairs to see the city’s cathedral. The views from the 19th-Century temple will take your breath away. My favorite place in the center is Kaisaniemi Park. It has ancient tall trees, lovely paths, sculptures, fountains, and incredible views. From there, walk along the coast.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kluuvi:
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki
I believe the best hotel in the city is the Solo Sokos. It’s worth every cent. The hotel opened in 1931 to instant success. It’s in the heart of Kluuvi. The rooms are big and come with premier beds and designer furniture. The best rooms on the top floors have priceless views.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Helsinki
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Helsinki is near the train station. The historic palace from the 1920s used to be the biggest Finnish Cooperative. Today, it’s a luxury hotel. You can book a room in the old or the new wings. The hotel’s restaurant is one of the best in the city.
Kamppi
Kamppi is the nightlife central. The neighborhood is west of Mannerheimintie Road, north of Bulevardi Street, east of Mechelininkatu Av, and south of Eteläinen Rautatiekatu Av. Therefore, you can walk to the center and the train station in no time.
Kamppi is known for its shops, restaurants, and bars. I like it because it’s vibrant and relaxed at the same time. You can eat at a fancy seafront restaurant or in a street stall. Kamppi is also the LGBT neighborhood in Helsinki. Don’t forget to check the wooden Kamppi Chapel.
Besides, my favorite museum in Helsinki is here too. The Helsinki Art Museum exhibits a permanent collection of Tove Jansson paintings, one of the country’s most celebrated artists. The venue is also used for rotating exhibitions and cultural events. Aleksanterin Theater is in the neighborhood too. The theatre opened in 1850.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kamppi:
Glo Hotel Art
My favorite hotel in Helsinki is the Glo Hotel Art. The art nouveau building from 1903 is a castle! Completely refurbished, its rooms are modern, big, and comfortable. The hotel is within walking distance of most attractions. The hotel’s bar is popular amongst the locals. You can park onsite.
Radisson Blu Seaside
I like the Radisson Blu Seaside because of its location, directly on the coast and within walking distance of most attractions. It’s a modern building with a restaurant, bar, gym, and lounge with fantastic views. The rooms are big. The best ones have unforgettable views over the port.
Toolo
I love Toolo for its lovely parks, beaches, and cultural venues. The neighborhood is north of Kamppi, east of the sea, west of the railway tracks, and south of Stenbäckinkatu and Nordenskiöldinkatu streets. It is the first planned neighborhood in the city. Following a contest organized by the city, Toolo’s plan was completed in 1916.
That’s why most of its buildings are in the so-called Nordic Classicist style. One of the best streets to see the style is Museokatu. Temppeliaukion Church is nearby. The iconic 1960s church was carved into solid rock! From there, walk to the National Museum of Helsinki.
The Finnish Museum of National History is two blocks south. My favorite building in Finland is next door. Alvar Aalto designed Finlandia Hall in the 60s. The building is in Hesperia Park. The Finnish National Opera and Ballet too. Sibelius Monument is east. My favorite beach is Hieteranta.
We Recommend These Hotels in Toolo:
Crown Plaza Hotel Helsinki
The Crown Plaza Hotel has a fantastic indoor heated pool, sauna, and full-size gym. The hotel is in the heart of Toolo, next to the park and the lake. The rooms are extra big and feature plush beds. The best ones on the top floors have views over the park.
Toolo Towers
The Toolo Towers is a fantastic aparthotel. The property is a couple of blocks from the coast. All of the apartments come with fully equipped kitchens and seating areas. The two-bedroom apartments are perfect for families. The best units have views and balconies.
Kaartinkaupunki
The best fancy restaurants in Helsinki are in Kaartinkaupunki. The tiny neighborhood is south of Kluuvi, north of Tahtitorninvuori Park, west of the sea, and east of Erottajankatu Street. Therefore, to reach the center, all you have to do is cross Esplanade Park.
It’s a lovely park to walk about all year round and to listen to live music in the summer. Search for the iconic Havis Amanda Fountain from 1908. The neighborhood has become a design and fashion hub. The best shops are in Korkeavuorenkatu St. You must visit the Design Museum.
The Museum of Finnish Architecture is next door. However, Kaartinkaupunki’s most famous attraction is its market square and Old Market Hall. The market is fascinating and pretty authentic. You can buy handmade local crafts and eat like a king! Local fishermen sell delicious fish and all types of snacks.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kaartinkaupunki:
Hotel F6
If you have the money to splurge, do so at Hotel F6. The luxurious hotel is in the center of Kaartinkaupunki. The rooms have designer furniture, premium beds, and wooden floors. The hotel’s service is in a league of its own. The breakfast is the best I’ve ever had in Helsinki.
Hotel U14 Autograph Collection
If you know the Autograph Collection, you know what to expect at Hotel U14. You get state-of-the-art facilities, luxury, and impeccable service. You also get complimentary bikes! The hotel has a gym and a sauna. Even if you don’t stay here, stop by the bar to enjoy the vibe.
Punavuori is south of Kamppi and west of Kaartinkaupunki. I like it because it’s next to the center but feels less touristy. I’ve seen the neighborhood change over the years from mostly residential to hip and cool. In fact, the best Asian and Greek restaurants in the city are here.
If you are into live music and beer you will love Punavuori. Locals flock to the area after work to have a drink and socialize. You can go bar hopping all night long! In the afternoon, go for a cup of coffee and local pastries at any of the cool coffee shops that dot the neighborhood.
Punavuori is part of the so-called Design District. I always go window shopping here! Don’t miss the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. The 1921 Mansion exhibits paintings and antique furniture. The museum is in Sinebrychoff Park. Locals picnic here in the summer and sled in the winter.
We Recommend These Hotels in Punavuori:
Hotel Mestari
Considering its class and location, the Hotel Mestari is great value for money. The plush rooms have wooden floors and high ceilings. The Architect Rooms on the top floors have big balconies with gorgeous views over the city. The hotel has onsite parking, a gym, and a super cool bar and restaurant.
Lapland Hotel Bulevardi
The Lapland Hotel Bulevardi is one of the best hotels in Helsinki city center. The hotel has rooms with a private sauna, rooms with balconies, and rooms with tubs. All are luxurious and extra comfy. Book the Artic Deluxe Spa room, and you will never want to leave.
Katajanokka
Katajanokka is an island east of Kluuvi. Therefore, the sea surrounds the entire neighborhood. To reach the center, you have to cross Katajanokan Canal. I usually do so through the Love Bridge, where locals leave locks symbolizing their love. You can walk to the center in minutes or take a tram there.
If you are looking for class and sophistication, stay in Katajanokka. I love it because of its incredible views. You can walk all around the island next to the sea admiring the city, the sea, and beyond. For unparallel views go up the 130 foot (40 m) SkyWheel Helsinki. The Allas Sea Pool is in front.
No other city in the world has such a fantastic sauna and pool complex. You can swim in the heated pool all year round! The floating saunas are my favorite. Grab a bite in Wanha Satama. The old warehouse is full of restaurants and bars. Don’t forget to check Uspenski Cathedral.
We Recommend These Hotels in Katajanokka:
Scandic Grand Marina
The 4-star Scandic Grand Marina has it all. The 1920s Art Nouveau brick building faces the sea. That’s why the best rooms have such incredible views. The hotel restaurant features huge arches and a terrace. You can borrow bicycles and walking sticks. It’s got a sauna.
Hotel Katajanokka a Tribute Portafolio Hotel
I love historic hotels. The Hotel Katajanokka used to be a prison! The 1837 brick building is now an uber-luxurious hotel in the center of the neighborhood. The rooms are big and airy. You have to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, inside the former prison! The hotel has a sauna and a full-size gym.
Kallio
Kallio is your best choice for accommodation next to the center, but out of the tourist area. Kamppi is only half an hour by foot. A tram there takes some 10 minutes. That said, the neighborhood is an attraction in itself. Kallio is known for its bohemian vibe.
The neighborhood has attracted all types of artists. You will see lots of independent shops here selling vintage clothing, records, and furniture. Apparently, it’s a vegan hotspot too! I usually eat in Hakaniemi Market Hall. The fish here is fresh and delicious. You can buy fruits and flowers too!
The contemporary Helsinki Kaupunginteatteri Performing Arts center is in Kallio. The Helsinki Hall of Culture is a couple of blocks to the north. Alvar Aalto designed the 1950s building. From there, walk to Kallio Church. The granite church from 1912 has perfect acoustics and an incredible pipe organ.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kallio:
Scandic Paasi
I’m a big fan of the Scandinavian chain. The Scandic Paasi is one of the best hotels in the city. In particular, if you consider its unbeatable prices! The hotel is in the heart of the city. It has fantastic rooms. The best ones have a balcony. You can use complimentary bicycles and walking sticks.
Hilton Helsinki Strand
The Hilton Helsinki Strand is a luxury hotel in Helsinki with memorable views over the Baltic Sea. It’s one of the few hotels with a splendid indoor pool. The rooms are some of the biggest in the city. It’s got a great bar and a lovely lounge.
How Long to Stay in Helsinki
The last time I went to Helsinki, I spent two weeks and never had a dull moment. That’s how cool it is! There are so many things to do and see in Helsinki that you can spend weeks in the city and never get bored.
However, we all have time constraints and a huge world to discover. Therefore, you are probably wondering how many days are needed in Helsinki to cover the basics. I believe you should spend at least three days in the Finnish Capital. You will have to rush a bit, but you will see the best attractions.
If you have an extra day, I strongly recommend visiting nearby islands. My favorite is Suomenlinna, just a short boat ride from the port in the center. The island is a great place to visit all year round. If you have a week, take a ferry and go to Tallinn in Estonia.
Moving Around Helsinki
The best way of moving around Helsinki is on foot. The city is super safe, and there are sidewalks everywhere. You can walk for hours admiring the city without a glitch. Whenever you are hungry or thirsty, stop at any local eatery or coffee house to refresh and rest.
It can get cold in the winter, so be sure to grab a thick coat, proper shoes, and an umbrella. In summer, carry a hat and some sunscreen. Biking is another great way to discover the city. There are bike lanes everywhere. My favorite rides are along the coast.
The city has an excellent bike-sharing system with stations everywhere. It’s super easy to use. Helsinki’s fantastic transportation system includes buses, trams, suburban trains, ferries, and the metro. The same ticket is valid everywhere. You can buy your tickets at any station. I strongly recommend getting the day pass.
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