The Best Areas to Stay in Helsinki, Finland
The Best Areas to Stay in Helsinki, Finland

Best Areas to Stay in Helsinki, Finland

Where to Stay in Helsinki – A Guide to the Capital of Finland

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and an important tourist destination for its outstanding architecture and modern atmosphere.

Those who visit Helsinki, without a doubt, should enjoy a cup of Finnish coffee, go to the port or the Market Square, as well as its chapels and historical sites.


However, it is also advisable to visit the city from June to August when summer comes and the weather is nice.

Winter is a good time to visit Helsinki, with beautiful snow-covered landscapes.

Public transport is managed by HKL, with buses and trams with multiple lines that run through the city’s neighbourhoods.

Helsinki also has a metro and ferry to move to other areas of greater distance.

Esplanadi is the main avenue in Helsinki, with restaurants and designer shops, as well as a park where travellers can enjoy the weather and picnics in the afternoon.

Among the best areas to stay in Helsinki is Kamppi because it is the heart of the city and preserve the best places to see, restaurants and historic buildings. See accommodation in Kamppi.

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Helsinki, Finland.

The best areas to stay in Helsinki, Finland

1. Our favourite area: Kamppi

Kamppi is one of the favourite areas when it comes to enjoying Helsinki since it has a central location, easy access to public transport and lots of things to see.

Tourist attractions in Kamppi include the Chapel of Silence, a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the lively City Centre, with Scandinavian architecture.

In addition, here is the City Museum, divided into five buildings that exhibit the history of Finland, from traditional costumes to 19th-century culture.

Kamppi is well-connected by light rail and buses, making it a good area to stay in Helsinki without a car.

The heart of Helsinki is not just history, but it is also an area full of shops, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the nightlife.

Within Kamppi, you’ll find the Design District, known as the place where innovative designers, art and avant-garde products can be found in the city.

Kamppi is the best area to stay in Helsinki for those travellers who want to stay close to the main attractions of the city, the best cuisine, good shopping options and connections with other districts.

Best areas to stay in Helsinki - Kamppi
Best areas to stay in Helsinki – Kamppi
Accommodation in Kamppi - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Kamppi – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Helsinki, Finland:

  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Best area for shopping
  • Heart of the city

2. Kallio

Kallio is located east of Downtown Helsinki and used to be a working-class neighbourhood that, nowadays, has a modern atmosphere full of artists and students.

This area is known for its streets full of places to drink cocktails or taste international flavours in its high-end restaurants.

Those staying in Kallio can enjoy the Hakaniemi Market or innovative places where you can enjoy coffee and theatre at the same time or have lunch in a 50s-themed restaurant.

Fans of historic buildings and architecture have the Kallio Church with a grey granite facade, romantic design and art nouveau-style.

The Kallio neighbourhood is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to move to other areas by tram or bus.

Kallio is a good area to stay in Helsinki for its themed venues that offer unique experiences to those who visit the city.

Where to stay in Helsinki - Kallio
Where to stay in Helsinki – Kallio
Accommodation in Kallio - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Kallio – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Helsinki:

  • Relatively central
  • Hipster area
  • Connected by public transport

3. Ullanlinna

Ullanlinna is located south of Helsinki, about 10 minutes by car from the City Centre.

This neighbourhood is considered a luxury area in Helsinki for housing high-cost properties and parks.

Ullanlinna has important streets such as the Korkeavuorenkatu, Huvilakatu and Merisatamanranta, where shops, bistros, and cafes are located to enjoy at any time of the day.

Ullanlinna is located near the coast, so staying here allows you to get breathtaking views of some nearby islands.

This neighbourhood is made of houses in Art Nouveau style and other in picturesque pastel colours, so beautiful that many tourists stop by for a photograph.

The Observatory park is located in this area, in addition to the the Olympia Terminal.

Ullanlinna is recommended among the best areas to stay in Helsinki, as it offers various natural attractions, tranquillity and proximity to important areas in the city.

Best areas to stay in Helsinki - Ullanlinna
Best areas to stay in Helsinki – Ullanlinna
Accommodation in Ullanlinna - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Ullanlinna – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Helsinki:

  • Great views
  • Luxury area
  • Parks and green areas

4. Punavuori

Punavuori is located to the southwest of the centre of Helsinki and is one of the most populous districts of the city, which makes it a lively and vibrant area.

This picturesque neighbourhood has an atmosphere that mixes cultures, full of young entrepreneurs and students.

The Punavuori area has small vintage shops, cafes and food stores.

Punavuori owes its name to the red mountains that surround the area and which, along with the industrial buildings, offices, apartments and art nouveau castles, create a unique atmosphere.

For many travellers, the attractive points of this picturesque neighbourhood are its shops, restaurants and bars, as well as its large number of boutiques and shops of local designers.

For a more historical tour, visiting the Mikael Agricultural Church is a good idea during the day, in addition to the Telakkaranta pier and the Sinebrychoff Park.

Best districts to stay in Helsinki - Punavouri
Best districts to stay in Helsinki – Punavouri
Accommodation in Punavuori - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Punavuori – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Helsinki, FI:

  • Alternative area
  • Nightlife and restaurants
  • Relatively central

5. Etu-Töölö

Etu-Töölö is located northwest of Helsinki and is one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in the city.

The main streets in Helsinki are Museokatu and Mechelininkatu, full of shops and restaurants.

Among the attractions to see in Etu-Töölö are the Parliament building.

The variety of cafés and restaurants here is not as extensive as in other neighbourhoods in Helsinki, however, this area is comfortable and pleasant for those travellers looking for exclusivity and tranquillity.

It is advisable to stay in Etu-Töölö with your own car or a rented one for greater comfort when travelling since transport is scarce. in this area

Among other places to see here are the Finland Hall concert hall, the Temppeliaukio Church and the Helsinki Kunsthalle, one of the most beautiful spaces in the city.

Etu-Töölö is one of the best areas to stay in Helsinki because, in addition to its cultural and historical attractions, this neighbourhood has its own beach to enjoy during the summer.

Best neighbourhoods to stay in Helsinki, Finland - Etu-Töölö
Best neighbourhoods to stay in Helsinki, Finland – Etu-Töölö
Accommodation in Etu-Töölö - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Etu-Töölö – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Helsinki:

  • Hipster area
  • Cheap hotels
  • Near natural attractions

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