Where to stay in Helsinki for first-time tourists

Set yourself up with easy access to many of Helsinki's most popular tourist sites by staying in the city's bustling and modern center. You'll find that the area is packed full of shops, restaurants, and bars, plus it's conveniently close to both the city's main train station and energetic waterfront. Though there's certainly a range of options when it comes to big-name hotel chains and upscale accommodation, prices are generally higher throughout most of the center, so consider staying at a hostel to cut down on costs. Hostels typically offer a solid location in or near the city center at a fraction of the cost of a big chain.