Hotels in Helsinki

At not even 500 years old, the city of Helsinki is a mere pup compared with some of its European neighbours, but this bright and breezy metropolis – the capital of Finland – has a small-town charm and throws open its arms to welcome visitors.

Experience the reception for yourself when you check in at your ideal Helsinki hotel...

Located in southern Finland and sitting prettily on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is a small and concentrated mix of museums, churches and lush open spaces. Running in either direction from the pretty harbour city is a jumble of coastline and a smattering of islands, both of which really come alive in spring and summer when nature's wonders reappear from the harsh depths of winter.

Helsinki is one of the northernmost capitals in the world, and in winter you'll experience extreme cold and long days of darkness. It's a fascinating and somewhat eerie destination. It's summer when tourism really heats up, along with the daily temperatures, and you'll find plenty to see and do during the abundance of sunshine hours (it doesn't really get dark in late June and early July).

This is a popular destination throughout the year and Helsinki accommodation should be booked as early as possible to secure the cheapest rates. Summer is the busiest tourism period, so if you’re hoping to book cheap hotels in Helsinki in July and August it’s wise to act fast.

Use the price-comparison service on TravelSupermarket to view the hottest hotel deals in Helsinki.

Hotels in Helsinki are mostly clustered among the city centre streets...

Given the compact nature of the capital, it makes sense to stay as centrally as possible as most of the major attractions are easily reached on foot. The bus and railway stations are also located centrally, which makes getting to and from the airport an inexpensive and convenient affair.

Helsinki hotels range from budget accommodation, something akin to hostels, to a good number of four- and five-star hotels, which impress visitors with classical European styling, gracious hospitality and excellent on-site dining. In between these two extremes, you'll also find mid-range chain hotels and a selection of independent, boutique-style hotels, which are good value and feature on-trend touches. Chains are represented by brands such as Radisson Blu, Scandic, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Sokos, Best Western and Crowne Plaza.

To push the boat out for a special occasion, consider booking a hotel in the marina or harbour area of Helsinki and bag a view of the water from your room.

Helsinki’s attractions aren’t big and bold but they do raise huge smiles on the faces of visitors…

Top five attractions

Senate Square

Take in the oldest part of Helsinki – a huge architectural statement of Finland's artistic, political, scientific and religious heritage designed as a series of iconic landmarks by Carl Ludvig Engel.

Helsinki Cathedral

This vivid white Evangelical Lutheran place of worship dominates the skyline in any weather and presents a great photo opportunity at one of the most stunning buildings in northern Europe

Suomenlinna

A sea fortress guarding the gateway into Helsinki and a must see, Suomenlinna boasts a museum, restaurants, cafés its own brewery and even a submarine.

Temppeliaukio Church

A wonderfully atmospheric church designed and opened in the late 1960s. Timeless and stylish architecture is blended into the natural rock to create a cavernous, cathedral-like interior.

Hakasalmi Villa

An elegant museum dating from the 1840s, the villa houses several large art exhibitions throughout the year.

Get a taste for local life – and spice up your holiday album – when you attend any of these popular annual events in Helsinki…

Helsinki Day; June 12: Join the huge crowds (some 100,000 people make their way to the city for this annual event) as the drinks flow to celebrate the founding of Finland's capital with traditional ceremonies and modern partying.

Helsinki Baltic Herring Fair; October: Finland's fishermen gather in Market Square every autumn to show off and sell their herring-related products.

St Thomas Christmas Market at Esplanade Park; November-December: If you're going to visit in winter, be sure to see the city in all its Christmas glory and bag a bargain or two.