Helsinki is Finland’s capital city in Northern Europe and many tourists tend to overlook this city because it is small in size. The city is full of life, with rich history and it is definitely worth a visit. However, trying to choose where to stay in Helsinki, Finland can be a little bit tricky.
This is why this article is very important since it will help you plan for your holiday with less stress by helping you figure out where to stay in the city and the best neighbourhood. By going through this guide you will able to know which neighbourhood and accommodation is right for you depending on your style and budget.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for shopping and dining, or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Helsinki Finland.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Helsinki?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (Central/Downtown)
The City Centre is a small area and you can easily explore it by foot. This area’s main sight is the Helsinki Cathedral, which is on top of stairs and it is the most dominant aspect of the Senate Square with the bright white colour.
There are a number of museums located in the City Centre and they are the main attraction sites in this area. For instance, the Ateneum Art Museum has a very large collection of art in Finland and the Helsinki Museum has all the history of the city with the old buildings found in the area.
1. City Centre
The City Centre is small and you can explore it without much struggle. The main symbol of the city is the Helsinki Cathedral that every tourist must visit. You can take a boat and visit the maritime fortress of Suomenlinna or walk through the Esplanadi.
Apart from these, you will also find several museums that have collections of art and painting such as the Helsinki Museum. You will also find accommodation in various hotels but in most cases the hotels in this area will cost you a lot of money.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Hotel Haven • Marski by Scandic
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Arthur • Omena Hotel Helsinki Lönnrotinkatu
2. Kamppi
Kamppi is next to the City Centre and it has so many shops, churches, restaurants, museums, and bars. Kamppi is cultural and historical city that has so much to tell about Finland.
One of the most famous things about Kamppi is a church that is in the Rock. While in the neighbourhood some of the things you can do include visiting the Kamppi chapel, spending some time in the Natural Museum of Helsinki and checking out the Church in the Rock.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Lapland Hotels Bulevardi • Hotel St. George Helsinki
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Finn • Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Kamppi
3. Kluuvi
Kluuvi is more of a busy retail district that has some Finnish design shops and many department stores. Tourists can visit the Ateneum art Museum that displays art deco Stockman Classic Finnish paintings. There is also another museum known as the Kiasma and it displays artistic work that is in a postmodern setup.
Other things to be enjoyed in the neighbourhood include sushi bars, restaurants, and cafes. The Nightlife in Kluuvi ranges from posh clubs to bars with live performances.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Hotel Kämp • Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Carlton • Hotel Arthur
4. Katajanokka
Katajanokka is one of the islands in Helsinki and it is an area known for elegant artistic buildings, a red –brick Uspenski Cathedral and beautiful restaurants that offer seafood.
There are icebreakers that dock on the north shore and a 19th warehouse known as Wanha Satama that has various markets and exhibits. As tourists there is an Allas Sea Pool that has a lot of swimming activities that are appropriate for any age and any style.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Hotel Katajanokka, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel • Noli Katajanokka
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hellsten Helsinki Senate (Aparthotel) • Eurohostel (Hostel)
