The distances are huge, and the towns are very different. Rovaniemi is a proper town with Santa Claus Village just outside, Levi and Ylläs are ski resorts, and Inari is the centre of Sámi culture. Here are my recommendations for six towns and hotels in several price ranges, from glass igloos to cheap apartments.

The Best Towns in Lapland

• Rovaniemi - best town for first-time visitors and families
• Levi - best town for a ski holiday and nightlife
• Ylläs - best area for cross-country skiing and nature
• Saariselkä - best town for the northern lights and wilderness
• Inari - best town for Sámi culture
• Luosto - best town for a quiet winter holiday

Below, I’ll take you through the six towns one by one, with hotels in different price ranges. Lapland is expensive in February, so I’ve included glass igloos, hotels and cheaper apartments, so you can find something that suits your budget.

1. Rovaniemi - best town for first-time visitors and families

• Distance from the centre: If you stay in the middle of town, you’ll have the pedestrian streets and Lordi’s Square right outside the door. Santa Claus Village is about 8 km to the north.
• Transport: Local bus number 8 runs all year between the centre and Santa Claus Village, and from November to March, the Santa’s & Airport Express runs between the airport, the village and the town.
• Time from Rovaniemi Airport: About 15 minutes by car or taxi to the centre. The airport is only around 3 km from Santa Claus Village.
• Price range: € to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £180 to £1,020 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Rovaniemi is a safe town. The pavements can be very slippery in winter, so bring shoes with a good grip, and wear a reflector when it gets dark.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and my first choice if it’s your first trip to Lapland or if you’re travelling with children. The town sits on the Kemijoki river, and you’ve got restaurants, shops, supermarkets and lots of tour operators within walking distance. That makes it easy to book dog sledding, a reindeer ride or a northern lights hunt at short notice.

The big attraction for families is Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle north of the town. Here, you can meet Santa Claus every day all year round and cross the Arctic Circle. If you stay in a glass igloo out there, you’ll have the village right outside the door.

See hotels in Rovaniemi here.

In the town itself, you’ll find Arktikum, a museum and science centre about life in the Arctic. East of the centre, the Ounasvaara fell rises up with ski slopes, cross-country trails and a view over the town and the rivers.

According to Visit Rovaniemi, the northern lights can be seen from late August to late March, so February is a good month. The town lights make them harder to see in the centre, though, so you’ll usually need to head out of town on a tour for the best chances.

If you’d rather go by train, the Santa Claus Express night train runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. And if you’re flying via Helsinki, you can extend your trip with the ferry across the Gulf of Finland and read my guide to where to stay in Tallinn.

The downside is that Rovaniemi is the most visited town in Lapland, and you’ll notice it in the prices and the number of tourists. I’d choose Rovaniemi for a short trip of three to four nights, when you want to fit in lots of experiences without hiring a car.

Places to Stay in Rovaniemi

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle - best glass igloo by Santa Claus Village

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is a five-star hotel with glass igloos about 600 metres from Santa Claus Village and around 8 km from the centre. You can look up at the sky from your bed, and there’s a restaurant and a bar on site. It’s the most expensive of my three picks in Rovaniemi, and guests mention that it’s quite a walk through the snow between the igloos and reception.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The highlight of our stay was being able to see the northern lights straight from our igloo on the second night. It was an unforgettable and magical experience.”

See photos and book Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle here.

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara - best mid-range hotel with a view over the town

The hotel sits at the top of Ounasvaara, about 3 km from the centre, close to the ski lifts and the cross-country trails. It had the highest guest rating of my three picks in Rovaniemi, and the restaurant gets a lot of praise. You’ll need a car or taxi to get into town, and several guests feel the price is high.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “The staff were all amazing! We loved the hotel’s location close to the ski lifts, and the restaurant was fantastic.”

See photos and book Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara here.

RovaVisit Apartments Siljo - cheapest pick with your own kitchen

RovaVisit Apartments Siljo are apartments with a kitchen close to the railway station, and they were the cheapest of the three places when I searched. They suit you well if you’re arriving on the night train or want to cook for yourself to save money. You get fewer facilities than in a hotel, and it’s about 8 km to Santa Claus Village.

One guest describes the place on Booking.com: “It’s a lovely place close to the railway station. The room is cosy and nice.”

See photos and book RovaVisit Apartments Siljo here.

2. Levi - best town for a ski holiday and nightlife

• Distance from the centre: Levi is a compact village at the foot of the fell, where the lifts, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance.
• Transport: In the centre, you can walk to most things. If you’re staying out on the fellside or in an igloo, you’ll need a car or taxi.
• Time from Kittilä Airport: About 15 minutes by car or taxi.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £170 to £2,195 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Levi is a safe resort. Stick to the marked slopes and trails, and dress warmly, because the cold can be harsh in the middle of winter.

Levi is Finland’s biggest ski resort, and it’s the place to go if you want to combine a ski holiday with restaurants, bars and nightlife. The village is gathered at the foot of the fell, so you can walk from your hotel to the lifts and on to dinner without getting in a car.

There are more than 40 slopes for all levels and hundreds of kilometres of cross-country trails in the area. On Levi’s official website, you can see which slopes and lifts are open and check the weather on the fell before you set off.

See hotels in Levi here.

Away from the slopes, you can go on husky and reindeer trips or a snowmobile safari from the village. If you’re going skiing or snowmobiling, check that your travel insurance covers it, and compare a few policies before you buy.

Levi also has glass igloos on the fell, where you can lie in bed and keep an eye out for the northern lights. They’re among the most expensive places to stay in the whole of Lapland, so many people choose one or two nights in an igloo and the rest of the holiday in an apartment in the village. Several of the igloos are a little way outside the centre, so plan on a taxi or transfer if you don’t have a car.

The downside is that Levi feels like a busy ski resort rather than the quiet wilderness many people dream of. During the Finnish winter school holidays in February and March, lots of visitors arrive, and prices go up. I’d choose Levi for an active ski holiday for couples, groups of friends and families with older children.

Places to Stay in Levi

Golden Crown - Levin Iglut - best glass igloo with a view over the fells

Golden Crown is a set of glass igloos on a fellside about a 10 to 15 minute drive from the centre of Levi. The igloos are made of glass, so you can see the sky from your bed, and it’s the most expensive place in the whole guide. There’s only one restaurant on site, and some guests feel the menu is too limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The igloos were incredible! We got to see the northern lights.”

See photos and book Golden Crown - Levin Iglut here.

Hotel Levi Panorama - best mid-range hotel by the gondola

Hotel Levi Panorama sits on the fellside about 1.2 km from the centre, right by one of the gondolas, so you can almost ski from the door. It has the highest guest rating of my three picks in Levi, and guests praise the large rooms and the view. The price is high in February, and some guests feel the breakfast could be better.

One guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Fantastic view, beautiful decor, good breakfast and very friendly and helpful staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Levi Panorama here.

Levi Suites Levin Klubi - cheapest pick with a private sauna

Levin Klubi is a set of apartments with saunas about 4 km from the centre, close to lift number 6. It was the cheapest of the three when I searched, and the apartments are spacious and work well for families. You’ll have to collect the key in the centre, and there aren’t many restaurants nearby, so you’ll get the most out of your stay with a car.

One guest highlights the sauna on Booking.com: “The apartment was clean and lovely, with an excellent sauna!”

See photos and book Levi Suites Levin Klubi here.

3. Ylläs - best area for cross-country skiing and nature

• Distance from the centre: Ylläs is made up of two villages, Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, on either side of the Yllästunturi fell. They’re about 15 km apart.
• Transport: In winter, the night train runs every night to Kolari, and from there it’s around half an hour to Ylläs by car or train bus.
• Time from Kittilä Airport: Around half an hour by car, and in the winter season, there’s an airport bus to Ylläs.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £135 to £215 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Ylläs is a very safe place. The weather can change quickly on the fell, so bring warm clothes and something to drink if you’re heading far out on the trails.

Ylläs is my pick for you if you’d rather have nature and cross-country skiing than nightlife. The area surrounds the Yllästunturi fell, and according to Ylläs’ own guide to cross-country skiing, there are around 300 km of trails, which is the largest network of cross-country trails in Finland.

Äkäslompolo on the north side is the larger of the two villages, with a supermarket, restaurants and a lake where you can get onto the trails straight from the ice. Ylläsjärvi on the south side is smaller, and here the hotels are close to the lifts on that side of the fell. The cross-country trails link the two sides, so you can ski over to the other village and take the ski bus back.

See hotels in Ylläs here.

The fell borders Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, so you can ski from the village out into forest and fells, with campfire sites and shelters along the way. There are downhill slopes on both sides of the fell, so you can easily combine cross-country and downhill skiing on the same holiday.

Accommodation in Ylläs is mostly apartments, cabins and mid-sized hotels rather than luxury. Many places have their own sauna, and prices were lower than in Levi when I searched. The cold can be harsh, so pack layers and woollen thermals.

The downside is that there’s not much going on in the evening, and you more or less need a car to get around between the villages. I’d choose Ylläs for an active holiday with skiing and nature, when you’d like peace and quiet in the evening.

Places to Stay in Ylläs

Lapelland Borealis Village - best cabins with a sauna and fireplace

Borealis Village is a set of cabins with their own sauna and fireplace about 4.7 km north of Äkäslompolo. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Ylläs, and the location out in nature is great when you want to keep an eye out for the northern lights. Some guests mention that the kitchen was missing basic items on arrival and that check-in was a hassle.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location and the surrounding nature are beautiful and very peaceful.”

See photos and book Lapelland Borealis Village here.

Lapland Hotels Saaga - best mid-range hotel with a pool and spa

Lapland Hotels Saaga is in Ylläsjärvi, about 100 metres from the Iso-Ylläs lift, and has an indoor pool, a spa and a restaurant. It suits families who want to walk straight from the hotel to the slopes. On the other hand, it’s on the opposite side of the fell from Äkäslompolo, and one guest mentions that the breakfast buffet was the same every day.

One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “The staff were very friendly, and our room was clean and tidy.”

See photos and book Lapland Hotels Saaga here.

Lapland Hotels Ylläskaltio - cheapest pick in Äkäslompolo

Ylläskaltio is in Äkäslompolo, and the ski trails start right outside the hotel. It was the cheapest of the three when I searched, and guests praise the in-room sauna after a day in the cold. The decor is a little worn, and the hotel has the lowest guest rating of the three.

One guest describes their stay on Booking.com: “The whole experience went smoothly. The staff were amazing … The sauna in the room was a treat after a day of skiing in the cold.”

See photos and book Lapland Hotels Ylläskaltio here.

4. Saariselkä - best town for the northern lights and wilderness

• Distance from the centre: Saariselkä is a small fell village, where the hotels, restaurants and slopes are close together. Kakslauttanen is about 12 km to the south.
• Transport: In winter, the airport bus meets the flights in Ivalo and runs to Saariselkä, Kiilopää and Kakslauttanen.
• Time from Ivalo Airport: About 25 minutes by car.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £180 to £660 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Saariselkä is a safe place. Drive carefully, because there are often reindeer on the roads, and they’re hard to see in the dark.

Saariselkä is far to the north, and this is where you’ll find some of the best-known glass igloos in Lapland. The village is small and sits up against the fells, so there’s not much light to get in the way when you head out in the evening to look for the northern lights.

Right by the village, Urho Kekkonen National Park begins, a large fell area with old coniferous forest, marked paths and maintained ski trails. In winter, you can ski straight from the village into the park. Kiilopää, a little further south, is a popular starting point for longer trips on the fells.

See hotels in Saariselkä here.

Saariselkä itself has a smaller ski resort, a handful of restaurants and a couple of supermarkets, and the tour operators arrange husky, reindeer and snowmobile trips. Ivalo Airport is close by, and according to Lapland North, the airport bus runs for most flights in winter, so you can manage without a hire car.

Many people choose to split their stay, spending a couple of nights in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen or on the Kaunispää fell and the rest in an apartment in the village. That gives you the northern lights experience without making the whole trip twice as expensive. In February, the days get longer quickly up here, so you’ve got daylight for trips during the day and darkness for the northern lights in the evening.

The downside is the long journey up here if you don’t fly to Ivalo, and the limited choice of restaurants. I’d choose Saariselkä for couples and families who want the northern lights, nature and silence rather than town life.

Places to Stay in Saariselkä

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - best classic glass igloos

Kakslauttanen is one of the best-known places in Lapland, with glass igloos and traditional log cabins about 12 km south of Saariselkä. You can choose between small and large glass igloos, and guests praise the food. Some guests mention that some of the staff seemed unwelcoming and that it can be a long way from your room to the restaurant and reception.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The glass room is nice, and you can see the Arctic lights from your bed.”

See photos and book Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort here.

Star Arctic Hotel - best mid-range hotel with aurora cabins

Star Arctic Hotel sits at the top of the Kaunispää fell, about 1.8 km from the village, and has both glass aurora cabins and suites with a view. Guests praise the location and the staff. You’ll get the most out of your stay with a car, and some guests would like more international dishes in the restaurant.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “The location is amazing. The staff are very sweet, helpful and friendly.”

See photos and book Star Arctic Hotel here.

Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments - cheapest pick with a private sauna

The apartments are in the middle of Saariselkä and have their own sauna, a kitchen and a drying cabinet for your ski gear. They were the cheapest of my three picks when I searched and have a high guest rating. Breakfast isn’t included, and some guests feel the shared areas are poorly organised.

One guest describes the apartment on Booking.com: “The apartment was extremely clean and comfortable. I really liked the sauna and the fireplace.”

See photos and book Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments here.

5. Inari - best town for Sámi culture

• Distance from the centre: Inari is a small village on Lake Inarijärvi, where the Siida museum, the shops and most of the places to stay are close together.
• Transport: The towns are far apart up here, and the buses don’t run often, so a hire car makes it much easier to get around.
• Time from Ivalo Airport: About 50 minutes by car.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £155 to £505 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Inari is very safe. Don’t head out onto the frozen lake on your own away from the marked trails, and watch out for reindeer on the roads.

Inari is the heart of Sámi culture in Finland, and it’s the furthest north of all the places in this guide. The village is small, but it sits on Inarijärvi, one of the largest lakes in Finland, which freezes over and is covered in snow in winter.

The main reason to stay here is Siida, which is Finland’s national museum of Sámi culture as well as a nature centre with an open-air museum. Entry costs around 18 euros (about £15) for adults, and the museum has shorter opening hours in winter, so check the website before you go.

See hotels in Inari here.

Inari is also home to Sajos, where the Sámi Parliament of Finland is based, and along the main road, you’ll find shops selling Sámi handicrafts. In summer, boats sail out onto the lake, but in winter, it’s dog sleds, reindeer and snowmobiles that take you out across the ice and into the forests.

Because there’s so little light here, your chances of seeing the northern lights are good when the sky is clear. Several of the places to stay have cabins with glass roofs or large windows, and they were cheaper than the famous glass igloos further south when I searched.

Inari pairs well with Saariselkä, which is around an hour’s drive to the south, so you can split your stay between the two. The downside is that there are no ski slopes and the choice of restaurants is small. I’d choose Inari for couples and adults who are interested in culture and nature and want to get away from the ski resorts.

Places to Stay in Inari

Lake Inari Mobile Cabins - best cabins with a glass roof for the northern lights

Lake Inari Mobile Cabins are cabins with glass roofs about 1.5 km from the village, and the place has the highest guest rating in the whole guide. Guests praise the hosts and the experience of lying in bed looking up at the sky. It’s the most expensive of my three picks in Inari, and on cloudy nights, you won’t see much through the roof.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Sleeping in a cabin was such a magical experience (we got to see the northern lights!!)”

See photos and book Lake Inari Mobile Cabins here.

Holiday Village Inari - best mid-range choice by the lake

Holiday Village Inari is on the lakeshore about 500 metres from the village and has glass igloo rooms, aurora cabins and ordinary cabins with kitchens. The place has a high guest rating with more than 1,000 reviews. Some guests feel it’s a little expensive and that the lighting in the rooms is dim.

One guest highlights the view on Booking.com: “The glass igloo rooms are exactly like the pictures. It was an amazing experience to have such a big view of the sky.”

See photos and book Holiday Village Inari here.

Inari Camping & Resort - cheapest pick with a kitchenette

Inari Camping & Resort is about 500 metres from the village and has family rooms with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. It was the cheapest of the three places when I searched, and there’s a sauna on site. A few guests mention noise from the ventilation and the fridge.

One guest describes the room on Booking.com: “Very clean room with all the facilities you need, even basic kitchen items.”

See photos and book Inari Camping & Resort here.

6. Luosto - best town for a quiet winter holiday

• Distance from the centre: Luosto is a small village at the foot of the fell, where the hotel, the restaurants and the ski slope are close together.
• Transport: The Pyhä-Luosto bus runs directly from Rovaniemi Airport several times a day in winter.
• Time from Rovaniemi Airport: About an hour and a half by car.
• Price range: €€ to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £200 to £270 a night when I searched for a weekend in February.
• Safety: Luosto is very safe. Stick to the marked trails in the national park, and head back in good time, because it gets dark early in winter.

Luosto is the quietest place in this guide and my pick for you if you want snow, silence and the northern lights without the big crowds. The village sits by the fell of the same name in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, which is known for rugged fells, deep gorges, bogs and old forest.

The big sight is the amethyst mine on Lampivaara, where amethyst is still mined. The mine is open in winter, with scheduled departures from the centre of Luosto, and in summer, you can dig for your own stone. Check the mine’s website for times and tickets before you head up there.

See hotels in Luosto here.

Luosto has a smaller ski resort with slopes that suit beginners and children well, and the cross-country trails head out into the national park. The spa at Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi is a good place to warm up after a day outdoors.

Because Luosto is only around an hour and a half from Rovaniemi Airport, you can easily combine a couple of days here with a stay in Rovaniemi. The bus from the airport means you can get here without a hire car, but a car gives you more freedom for trips in the area. With a car, you can also spend a day in Pyhä, another small ski resort at the opposite end of the national park.

The downside is that there’s not much to do in the evening and the choice of accommodation is small, so book well ahead for February and March. I’d choose Luosto for couples and families with younger children who want to relax in nature.

Places to Stay in Luosto

Deluxe Luosto - best apartments close to the slopes

Deluxe Luosto is a set of modern apartments with their own sauna and kitchen about 200 metres from the centre and the slopes. It has the highest guest rating of my three picks in Luosto, and the apartments are well equipped. Some guests feel the apartments are small for a larger group.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic accommodation, beautifully decorated and very well equipped.”

See photos and book Deluxe Luosto here.

Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi & Amethyst Spa - best hotel with a spa and pool

Luostotunturi is the village’s big hotel, about 500 metres from the slopes, with a spa, an indoor pool and restaurants. It suits you well if you want hotel service and breakfast, and many of the rooms have their own sauna. Some guests feel the rooms are small for the price.

One guest highlights the breakfast on Booking.com: “The breakfast was very varied and delicious.”

See photos and book Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi & Amethyst Spa here.

Lapelland Fell Village - cheapest pick with a fireplace and kitchen

Lapelland Fell Village is a set of cabins with a kitchen and fireplace about 2.4 km from the village. It was the cheapest of the three when I searched, but only slightly cheaper than the hotel, and the place has only a few reviews so far. You’ll need a car, and some guests mention that there isn’t much privacy.

One guest describes the place on Booking.com: “The apartment was spotless, beautifully decorated and incredibly comfortable.”

See photos and book Lapelland Fell Village here.

Where should you avoid staying in Lapland?

I wouldn’t choose a glass igloo for the whole stay unless you’ve got a big budget. The price is high, and when the sky is cloudy, you won’t see the northern lights anyway, so one or two nights is usually enough.

Be careful with cheap cabins far out in the countryside, too, if you don’t want to hire a car. The distances in Lapland are huge, the buses don’t run often, and it gets dark early in winter. Without a car, you could end up staying a long way from both restaurants and tours.

Finally, don’t choose Inari or Saariselkä for a short weekend if you’re flying into Rovaniemi. The drive is long, and you’ll end up spending a big part of your holiday on the road.

If you’re going to Lapland for the first time or with children, I’d stay in Rovaniemi, where you’ve got Santa Claus Village and the most tours close at hand. Levi is best for a ski holiday with nightlife, Ylläs suits cross-country skiing and nature, and Luosto is the quietest choice close to Rovaniemi. If you mostly dream of the northern lights and wilderness, head far north to Saariselkä and Inari.

If you’d like to see the northern lights somewhere else in the Nordics, I’ve also written about where to stay in Iceland and where to stay in Tromsø. And if you fancy combining the snow with a city break on the way home, you can read my guide to where to stay in Stockholm.

The post Where to Stay in Lapland? The 6 Best Towns & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The neighbourhoods are close together, but they feel very different. Kluuvi and Kamppi are central and practical, the Design District has shops and restaurants, Kallio is cheaper and livelier, and Töölö is green and quiet. Here are my recommendations for six areas, with hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Areas in Helsinki

• Kluuvi - best area for first-time visitors
• Kamppi - best area for transport and the ferry to Tallinn
• Design District - best area for design, shopping and restaurants
• Kallio - best area for budget travellers and nightlife
• Katajanokka - best area by the harbour and Viking Line
• Töölö - best area for families and peace and quiet

Below, I’ll take you through the six areas one by one, with hotels from luxury to budget, so you can find the base in Helsinki that suits both your trip and your wallet.

1. Kluuvi - best area for first-time visitors

• Distance from the centre: Kluuvi is the centre. The Central Station, the Esplanadi and the shopping street Aleksanterinkatu are all in or right next to the area.
• Transport: The metro and lots of tram lines stop at the Central Station, so it’s easy to get around the whole city.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 30 minutes on the I or P train straight to the Central Station.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £100 to £325 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Helsinki is a very safe city. Around the Central Station and Kaisaniemi Park, you might see drunk people late in the evening, but it’s rarely a problem.

Kluuvi is my first choice if it’s your first time in Helsinki and you’ve only got a weekend. You’ll be staying right between the Central Station, the department stores and the long Esplanadi park, and most of the sights in the centre are within a 15-minute walk.

The Central Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen and is a sight in its own right. Close by are the large Oodi library, the Kiasma museum of contemporary art and the Ateneum with classic Finnish art, so you can fill a rainy day without walking far.

If you follow the Esplanadi towards the harbour, you’ll reach Market Square with its stalls and views over the water. From here, the ferry sails to the Suomenlinna fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and according to HSL the ferry crossing takes around 15 minutes. Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square is also just a few minutes’ walk from the hotels.

See hotels in Kluuvi here.

The train from the airport runs straight into the Central Station, and the journey takes around 30 minutes with an ABC ticket. That makes Kluuvi the easiest place to stay if you land late or have to leave early.

The downside is that Kluuvi is the most expensive area in the city, and the streets around the station are busy and full of chains. If you’d like more of a local atmosphere in the evening, the Design District or Kallio is better, but for a short trip, the location is hard to beat.

Places to Stay in Kluuvi

Hotel Kämp - best luxury hotel on the Esplanadi

Hotel Kämp is on Pohjoisesplanadi facing the park and is a five-star hotel with a spa, a restaurant and a bar. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, but you get one of the finest addresses in the city and a very high guest rating. The price is steep, so it makes most sense for a special occasion.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A fantastic hotel. The service is exceptional, and the rooms were beautiful.”

See photos and book Hotel Kämp here.

Hobo Helsinki - best mid-range hotel with design and atmosphere

Hobo Helsinki is on Kluuvikatu between the Esplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu and is a design hotel with a bar, a restaurant and a very high rating from several thousand guests. It suits couples and friends who want to stay centrally in a hotel with a buzz. Guests do mention that the rooms are a little small, though.

One guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Perfect! Room, location, design, service, everything.”

See photos and book Hobo Helsinki here.

Bob W Helsinki Kluuvi - cheapest option with a shared kitchen

Bob W Helsinki Kluuvi is on Vuorikatu, a few minutes’ walk from the Central Station, and was the cheapest of my three picks in Kluuvi. There’s a shared kitchen and a gym, and check-in is digital. There’s no reception, which some guests find a little strange.

One guest describes the place on Booking.com: “Clean, well equipped, super cool design and details, climate neutral.”

See photos and book Bob W Helsinki Kluuvi here.

2. Kamppi - best area for transport and the ferry to Tallinn

• Distance from the centre: Kamppi is just west of the Central Station, around 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from the Esplanadi.
• Transport: Below the Kamppi shopping centre, there’s a metro station and the city’s bus terminal, and trams 7 and 9 continue to the ferries at West Terminal 2.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 40 minutes on the train to the Central Station and a short walk.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £95 to £235 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Kamppi is safe. There are lots of people around the shopping centre and the bus terminal, in the evening too, so just keep an eye on your bag when it’s busy.

Kamppi is the most practical area in Helsinki if you want to be close to everything. It lies between the Central Station and the western harbour, and you can walk to both the Esplanadi and the Design District in a few minutes.

In the middle of the area is the Kamppi shopping centre with shops, a supermarket and places to eat, and right next to it stands the round wooden Kamppi Chapel, where you can sit in complete silence in the middle of the city. The Temppeliaukio rock church is around 10 minutes’ walk from Kamppi, so you’re close to Töölö as well.

See hotels in Kamppi here.

If you’re planning a day trip to Tallinn, Kamppi is a really good choice. Tallink and Eckerö Line sail from West Terminal 2 in Jätkäsaari, and trams 7 and 9 stop in Kamppi on the way to the terminal. On the fast ferries, the crossing takes around two hours, so you can get a full day in the Estonian capital. If you’d rather stay a couple of nights, I’ve written about where to stay in Tallinn.

The downside is that Kamppi is mostly a shopping and transport hub. There are lots of chain hotels and chain restaurants, and in the evening it feels less cosy than the Design District just to the south.

Places to Stay in Kamppi

Hotel St. George Helsinki - best luxury hotel with a pool and spa

Hotel St. George is on Yrjönkatu, a couple of minutes’ walk from the Esplanadi, and is a five-star hotel with an indoor pool, a spa and a restaurant. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Kamppi, but cheaper than Hotel Kämp when I searched. It has fewer reviews than the big chain hotels, but the rating is high.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything, and especially the reception staff. They were all very helpful.”

See photos and book Hotel St. George Helsinki here.

Scandic Helsinki Hub - best mid-range hotel with a sauna

Scandic Helsinki Hub is on Annankatu between Kamppi and the Design District and has more than 11,000 reviews on Booking.com with a high rating. There’s a sauna, a gym and a restaurant, and the breakfast gets lots of praise. It’s a big chain hotel, so don’t expect the personal feel of a small boutique hotel.

One guest highlights the breakfast on Booking.com: “Very helpful staff, the design was lovely, good lighting, and the breakfast was excellent.”

See photos and book Scandic Helsinki Hub here.

Omena Hotel Helsinki Lönnrotinkatu - cheapest option with self-service

Omena Hotel on Lönnrotinkatu was the cheapest of my three picks in Kamppi. The concept is simple, with digital check-in and no reception, so you get a room in the middle of the city without any extra service. Guests mention that there’s no luggage room, which is impractical if you need to store your suitcase before check-in.

One guest keeps it short on Booking.com: “Very clean hotel.”

See photos and book Omena Hotel Helsinki Lönnrotinkatu here.

3. Design District - best area for design, shopping and restaurants

• Distance from the centre: The Design District starts just south of the Esplanadi, and from Punavuori it’s around 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to the Central Station.
• Transport: Trams run through the area, but most people walk, because the distances are short.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 45 minutes on the train to the Central Station, then a tram or a walk.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £65 to £145 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: The area is calm and safe, in the evening too. The noisiest thing is the bars at weekends, so ask for a room away from the street if you’re a light sleeper.

The Design District isn’t an official neighbourhood but a network of design shops, galleries, restaurants and hotels in the streets south and west of the Esplanadi. According to Helsinki’s official tourism site, it stretches across four neighbourhoods and at least 25 streets, and its heart is in Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki.

The network started in 2005 around the small Dianapuisto park, and today you’ll find Finnish design, vintage shops and some of the best cafés and restaurants in the city, especially on and around Iso Roobertinkatu and Uudenmaankatu. The Museum of Architecture and Design is in the area too.

See hotels in the Design District here.

If you head south, you’ll come to the beautiful Art Nouveau houses in Eira and Kaivopuisto park by the water, which is a lovely place for a stroll on a light summer evening. The Esplanadi and Market Square are still only around 10 minutes away on foot.

I’d choose the Design District if you’re a couple or a group of friends who want to eat out and shop, and you’d like to stay somewhere with a bit more atmosphere than by the station.

The downside is that there are fewer big hotels here than in Kluuvi and Kamppi, and lots of the places to stay are apartments. The good boutique hotels get booked up quickly at weekends in summer, so book well ahead.

Places to Stay in the Design District

Hotel Lilla Roberts - best luxury hotel in the heart of the Design District

Hotel Lilla Roberts is on Pieni Roobertinkatu in the middle of the Design District and is a five-star boutique hotel with a restaurant and a bar. It was the most expensive of my three picks in the area, but cheaper than Hotel Kämp when I searched. Guests mention that the breakfast room is separate from the rest of the hotel.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Absolutely fantastic. Everything, the breakfast was excellent, the room is clean and comfortable, and the staff were genuinely nice people.”

See photos and book Hotel Lilla Roberts here.

Hotel Indigo Helsinki-Boulevard - best mid-range hotel on Bulevardi

Hotel Indigo is on Bulevardi in the western part of the Design District and has a restaurant, a bar, a sauna and a steam room. It’s a good choice for couples who want to stay somewhere modern and central at a reasonable price. Guests mention that the choice of hot dishes at breakfast is a little limited.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Clean, modern and well located.”

See photos and book Hotel Indigo Helsinki-Boulevard here.

Hostel Diana Park - cheapest option by Dianapuisto

Hostel Diana Park is on Uudenmaankatu right by the Dianapuisto park, where the Design District started, and was by far the cheapest of my three picks in the area. There’s a shared kitchen and lockers for your luggage, so it suits you if you want to stay centrally for little money. The hostel is on the third floor and there are only stairs, so it’s not a good choice with a heavy suitcase.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Very well organised for the guests.”

See photos and book Hostel Diana Park here.

4. Kallio - best area for budget travellers and nightlife

• Distance from the centre: Kallio is north of Hakaniemi, around 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from the Central Station.
• Transport: The metro runs from Hakaniemi and Sörnäinen to the Central Station in a few minutes, and several trams go into the centre.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 45 minutes on the train to the Central Station, then onwards by metro or tram.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £90 to £110 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Kallio is generally safe, but around the bars on Helsinginkatu and Vaasankatu, there can be drunk and noisy people late at weekends.

Kallio is a former working-class district and today the place where lots of young Helsinki locals live and go out. Helsinki’s tourism site calls the area the cultural heart of the city, and you’ll notice it in the many cafés, vintage shops and cheap bars.

Kallio Church from 1912 was designed by Lars Sonck and can be seen from large parts of the city. Down by the water, Hakaniemi Market Hall sits next to the market square, where you can buy fish, cheese and Finnish specialities, and the green hill of Torkkelinmäki, with its houses from the 1920s, is known as Helsinki’s little Paris.

See hotels in Kallio here.

If you’d like to try a traditional Finnish sauna, the public wood-fired Kotiharjun Sauna is also in Kallio. It’s a completely different experience from the hotel sauna, and here you’ll sit side by side with the locals.

I’d choose Kallio if you’re travelling on a budget, want nightlife or would like to see a more everyday side of Helsinki. The hotels are close to the metro, so you’re in the centre in no time.

The downside is that Kallio isn’t particularly pretty in the classic sense, and most of the sights are a long way away on foot. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms facing the busiest bar streets at weekends.

Places to Stay in Kallio

Hilton Helsinki Strand - best luxury hotel by the water

Hilton Helsinki Strand is by the water at Hakaniemi at the southern end of Kallio and is a five-star hotel with an indoor pool, a sauna and a gym. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Kallio, but cheap for a five-star hotel in Helsinki when I searched. Some guests feel, though, that the standard doesn’t quite live up to the Hilton name.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fabulous hotel. The staff were extremely helpful. The room was exceptional.”

See photos and book Hilton Helsinki Strand here.

Scandic Paasi - best mid-range hotel close to the metro

Scandic Paasi is on Paasivuorenkatu close to Hakaniemi and has a restaurant, a bar and a gym. The breakfast gets lots of praise, and it’s a good base if you want to be close to both Kallio and the centre. Some guests mention wear and tear in a few of the rooms.

One guest highlights the breakfast on Booking.com: “The location was excellent! The room was good and clean. The breakfast was wonderful, so many choices.”

See photos and book Scandic Paasi here.

Citybox Helsinki - cheapest option with a high rating

Citybox Helsinki is on Kolmas Linja in the middle of Kallio and was the cheapest of my three picks in the area. It has a very high rating from more than 11,000 reviews, self-service check-in and a shared kitchen. There’s no TV in the rooms, which some guests miss.

One guest describes the hotel on Booking.com: “Fantastic and modern hotel, self check-in, lovely room, very clean, close to the centre.”

See photos and book Citybox Helsinki here.

5. Katajanokka - best area by the harbour and Viking Line

• Distance from the centre: Katajanokka is just east of Market Square, around 15 minutes’ walk from the Central Station.
• Transport: Trams 4 and 5 run to Katajanokka, and line 5 goes all the way to the Viking Line terminal.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 45 minutes on the train to the Central Station, then onwards on tram 5.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £60 to £175 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Katajanokka is one of the quietest areas in the centre. It’s busy around the ferry terminal when the ships come in, but otherwise it’s calm in the evening.

Katajanokka is a small peninsula just east of Market Square, and it’s my pick if you want to stay by the water and still be able to walk to the centre. As you cross the bridge from Market Square, the first thing you’ll see is Uspenski Cathedral with its red brick and golden domes. It was completed in 1868 and, according to Helsinki’s tourism site, it’s the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

Behind the cathedral is a quiet residential area with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, and along the quay, you’ll find hotels and restaurants with views over the harbour. Market Square and the ferry to Suomenlinna are only a couple of minutes’ walk away.

See hotels in Katajanokka here.

Katajanokka is also home to Viking Line, which sails from the Katajanokka Terminal to both Tallinn and Stockholm. If you’re taking Viking Line to Tallinn, you can walk to the ferry from your hotel, and the crossing takes around two and a half hours. If you’re carrying on to Sweden, you can read my guide to where to stay in Stockholm.

I’d choose Katajanokka for couples and for you if you want peace and quiet in the evening. The downside is that there are few restaurants and shops in the area itself, so you’ll need to allow for a walk or the tram every time you head into the centre or on to the Design District.

Places to Stay in Katajanokka

Home Hotel Katajanokka - best choice in a former prison

Home Hotel Katajanokka is in the former Helsinki County Prison, where the oldest part dates from 1837, and the old cells have been turned into hotel rooms. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Katajanokka and has a very high guest rating. Guests mention that the windows can’t be opened, so the rooms can get a little warm.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were so helpful and cheerful.”

See photos and book Home Hotel Katajanokka here.

Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 - best mid-range hotel on the quay

Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 is on Katajanokanlaituri facing the harbour, close to Uspenski Cathedral, and has a restaurant, a bar and a sauna. It had the highest guest rating of the hotels in Katajanokka in my search, but some guests feel the rooms are a little small.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “What a lovely hotel, beautifully decorated, excellent location.”

See photos and book Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 here.

Eurohostel - cheapest option with a sauna

Eurohostel is on Linnankatu in the eastern part of Katajanokka, close to the Viking Line terminal, and was by far the cheapest of the three. There’s a sauna, a shared kitchen and a 24-hour reception. A few guests complain about a smell from the carpet in the corridors.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location. Walking distance to beautiful places.”

See photos and book Eurohostel here.

6. Töölö - best area for families and peace and quiet

• Distance from the centre: Etu-Töölö starts north-west of the Central Station, and from the hotels on Mannerheimintie, it’s around 2 kilometres to the Esplanadi.
• Transport: The trams run along Mannerheimintie into the centre in 5 to 10 minutes.
• Time from Helsinki Airport: Around 45 minutes on the train to the Central Station, then onwards by tram.
• Price range: € to €€. The three places below cost roughly £65 to £100 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Töölö is a quiet and safe residential area, and it’s the one I’d choose with children.

Töölö is Helsinki’s green and quiet side. The area is split into Etu-Töölö closest to the centre and Taka-Töölö further north, and here you’ll be staying among parks, cultural venues and the water of Töölönlahti Bay.

The best-known sight is Temppeliaukio Church, which is built into the rock, and you can visit it for an entrance fee. A little further away are the Finlandia concert hall, designed by Alvar Aalto, the Olympic Stadium and Sibelius Park with the large monument to the composer Jean Sibelius.

See hotels in Töölö here.

In summer, the path around Töölönlahti is popular with runners and families, and at Hietaniemi there’s a sandy beach where you can swim on warm days.

I’d choose Töölö for families and for you if you’d rather sleep in peace than stay in the middle of the nightlife. The hotels along Mannerheimintie are often a little cheaper than in the centre, and two of them have an indoor pool, which is a bonus with children.

The downside is that you’ll need to take the tram or walk 20 to 30 minutes to get to Market Square and the harbour, and it’s further to the ferries to Tallinn and Suomenlinna. It’s quiet in the evening, so if you want to eat out in lots of different places, the Design District is better.

Places to Stay in Töölö

Crowne Plaza Helsinki Hesperia - best hotel with a pool and spa

The Crowne Plaza is on Mannerheimintie close to Töölönlahti Bay and has an indoor pool, a spa and a sauna. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Töölö and a good choice for families who want a pool. Some guests feel the service is hit and miss.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The breakfast was very good as always.”

See photos and book Crowne Plaza Helsinki Hesperia here.

Scandic Park Helsinki - best mid-range hotel with a pool

Scandic Park Helsinki is a few hundred metres from the Crowne Plaza on Mannerheimintie and also has an indoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna at a slightly lower price. It’s a good fit for families who want a pool without paying for a luxury hotel. Guests mention that the breakfast restaurant can get crowded.

One guest highlights the breakfast on Booking.com: “A lovely, clean and comfortable hotel with a great breakfast.”

See photos and book Scandic Park Helsinki here.

Stylish two-room apartment with balcony & great views - cheapest option with a balcony

This two-room apartment with a balcony is on Humalistonkatu in Taka-Töölö and was the cheapest of my three picks in the area. It’s a private apartment and not a hotel, so you won’t get the same service as in a hotel. It has fewer reviews than the hotels, but the rating is high.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location, welcoming host, cosy and clean apartment, everything is there.”

See photos and book Stylish two-room apartment with balcony & great views here.

Where should you avoid staying in Helsinki?

I wouldn’t stay by the airport in Vantaa unless you have a very early flight. The train gets you into the city quickly, so you rarely save anything by staying out there, and there’s not much to do in the evening.

Be careful with the cheap hotels in Espoo, Vantaa or far out along the metro line, which can look tempting in the search results. On a weekend trip, you’ll spend a lot of time on transport, and you’ll miss out on the evenings in the centre.

Pasila, north of Töölö, is a big transport and office area with good train connections, but there’s not much that’s pleasant to wander around. If you want to stay cheaply, Kallio is a better choice.

If it’s your first time in Helsinki, I’d stay in Kluuvi, or in Kamppi if you’re also taking the ferry to Tallinn. The Design District suits couples who want to eat well and shop, Kallio is the best choice on a budget and for nightlife, Katajanokka is perfect by the harbour and Viking Line, and Töölö is the quietest base for families.

If you’ve got more days, you can combine Helsinki with a trip across the Baltic Sea. As well as Tallinn and Stockholm, I’ve written about where to stay in Riga and Oslo, if you’d like to do a longer tour of the Nordics and the Baltics. And if you’d like to carry on north, the Santa Claus Express night train runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, and my guide to where to stay in Lapland covers Rovaniemi, Levi and the other best towns.

The post Where to Stay in Helsinki? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.