The Best Hotels in Helsinki

Helsinki Hotels

Compact and cosmopolitan, mixing modernist minimalism with classic Scandinavian architecture, the Finnish capital of Helsinki attracts a host of international visitors from across the globe, who come to explore its many museums and galleries, sample its sumptuous food and drink, and immerse themselves in the city’s pulsing nightlife. During the day the many outdoor cafes and wide green spaces bristle with life and lively conversation, while at night the city lights up with a host of musical and theatrical offerings.

Things to see

Helsinki has a thriving arts scene, its many galleries and museums hosting a variety of exhibitions across the year. The statue-decorated Finnish National Gallery and the romantic granite face of the National Museum provide a welcome insight into the country’s history and culture, while the famous maritime fortress and the grandiose Helsinki Cathedral provide perfect examples of the country’s distinctive classical architecture. If shopping is more your thing, then Helsinki offers a vibrant mix of designer stores and unique boutiques, as well as several famous markets, from the Kauppatori (Market Square) with its wealth of fantastically Finnish offerings, to the Hakaniemi and Hietalahti Market Halls, which are a veritable food-lover’s paradise. And for those wanting to explore a little more both Korkeasaari Zoo, located on an island and open all year round, and the lushly green Esplanade Park, are the perfect places to wander and relax and just take it all in.

Hotels in Helsinki

Finding somewhere to stay couldn’t be simpler, as the hotels in Helsinki range from intimate hostels to luxury accommodation, and even a number of eco-friendly establishments for the more environmentally conscious. For those on a limited budget the city offers a range of discount hotels and comfortable hostels, often with a choice of private or shared facilities, while even the most expensive establishments provide a relaxed and laid-back service for their visitors. Cheap hotel rates can often be found from mid-May to mid-August, with the mid-high range hotels often offering particularly good deals during their July quiet period.

Where to stay

Many of Helsinki’s best hotels are located centrally. In particular the Kamppi Shopping Centre and Bus Station provides a centralised hub near to which can be found many of the city’s trendiest and most modern hostels and hotels. Yet even though so many of the city’s most popular establishments are located in either central or downtown Helsinki, it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle of this vibrant, modern city and find yourself somewhere quiet and relaxing to stay. Or for a real alternative why not try the fortress island of Suomenlinna for a truly different experience.

How to get to Helsinki

International visitors to Helsinki will most likely fly in to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, located 18 kilometres to the North. Getting from the airport to your accommodation won’t be a problem though, as regular buses and taxis provide easy access to the city itself. As an alternative some tourists choose to come via either Tampere or Turku, and enjoy the overland journey via train, terminating at Helsinki Central railway station right in the heart of the city. Helsinki is also served by several ferry and cruise routes, with services connecting to both Estonia and Sweden, and limited connections to Germany and Poland.