Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Posted: 11/28/2023 | November 28th, 2023
Helsinki is one of the most undervisted capitals in Europe. When visiting Scandinavia, travelers usually flock to Copenhagen or Stockholm, skipping over Finland entirely.
Considered one of the world’s most livable cities, Helsinki is filled with beautifully designed architecture, has plenty of relaxing green urban spaces, and is surrounded by over 300 gorgeous islands. The entire city, which is very walkable and bikeable, has a laid-back, almost small-town vibe that’s a welcome respite from other bustling European capitals. It’s the perfect place to slow down while still enjoying an interesting city and culture.
But Helsinki has a valid reputation for being pricey, especially when it comes to accommodation.
Fortunately, there are a handful of affordable hostels here to keep your costs as low during your visit.
To help you find the perfect place to stay, here’s my list of the best hostels in Helsinki. You can’t go wrong in choosing one of the following hostels for your stay.
Price legend (per night)
- $ = Under 20 EUR
- $$ = 20-30 EUR
- $$$ = Over 30 EUR
1. The Yard Hostel
The Yard has won the “Best Hostel in Finland” award three years in a row. Located just a five-minute walk from the central train station, this boutique hostel is the priciest hostel on this list, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a more upscale hostel in the middle of the city. It’s newly renovated in a contemporary Finnish style that’s minimalist yet cozy.
Dorms have wooden pod beds with super comfy mattresses, privacy curtains, outlets, personal reading lights, and lockers underneath. The atmosphere is chill and quiet, with no social events or even staff around a lot of the time (there’s self-check-in/out). It’s best for travelers who prefer a peaceful stay, or who are already traveling in a group and not too fussed about meeting other travelers.
The Yard Hostel at a Glance:
- $$$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Super convenient central location
- Comfy pod beds
Dorms from 42 EUR, private rooms from 75 EUR.
2. Hostel Diana Park
This cozy hostel in central Helsinki is in a beautiful old building with high ceilings and spacious dorms. It’s always kept tidy and, with a super friendly staff at the 24/7 reception, it’s a homey and welcoming place. The bunks in the dorms are basic, but there’s a power outlet and reading lamp beside each bed (no privacy curtains though). There’s excellent water pressure in the showers too (always a major plus in my book).
As it’s a pretty small hostel and there isn’t a common room (aside from the kitchen area, which closes at 11pm), there aren’t a ton of places to meet fellow travelers here. This hostel best for travelers looking for a quiet, low-key stay in the city center. Single rooms are available too.
Hostel Diana Park at a glance:
- $$
- Fully equipped guest kitchen
- Spacious dorm rooms
- Quiet, homey atmosphere
Beds from 29 EUR, private rooms from 55 EUR.
3. CheapSleep Helsinki
CheapSleep Helsinki is the cheapest hostel in Helsinki (it’s the only place you can find beds for under 20 EUR). The major tradeoff, however, is location, as this hostel is not in central Helsinki (it’s a 15-minute tram ride away). However, it’s the most social of Helsinki’s hostels, organizing events four nights a week, including a movie night, game night, and party night on the weekends. There’s a common room with arcade games and a bar with a happy hour (4 EUR beers!) too, as well as a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook from provisions easily acquired from the grocery store right downstairs.
The dorms are of your classic old-school backpacker hostel variety, with basic metal bunks and sparse décor, although all bunks have individual power outlets, lockers, and reading lamps (no privacy curtains). Overall, this hostel is a great choice for travelers on a tight budget who are looking for a fun atmosphere and aren’t bothered by taking the tram to get around.
CheapSleep Helsinki at a glance:
- $
- Organizes lots of events so it’s easy to meet people
- Lively hostel bar
- Cheapest hostel in the city
Beds from 19 EUR, private rooms from 50 EUR.
4. Hostel Suomenlinna
Hostel Suomenlinna is located on the same island as the 18th-century Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 15-minute ferry ride from central Helsinki (ferries generally run every 20-30 minutes), the hostel itself is located in a historic building that used to be an elementary school and then a military barracks. It’s a fairly big hostel, with common areas both inside and outside as well as a kitchenette (more for heating food rather than cooking). Rooms are simple but comfortable, and bunks in dorms have personal outlets and reading lights. There are female-only dorms too.
Due to its island location, the hostel is pretty quiet, so it’s ideal for travelers who like the idea of a peaceful city getaway that’s still easily accessible to the center. You’ll also have the normally busy island to yourself in the mornings and evenings after all the tourists have left.
Hostel Suomenlinna at a glance:
- $$
- Unique island location
- Cozy lounge with 24/7 free coffee and tea
- Female-only dorms
Beds from 22 EUR, private rooms from 60 EUR.
5. Eurohostel Helsinki
This is an awesome place to stay as there are a lot of amenities here. There are two lounges (one has a lot of tables and desks, so it’s good for remote workers), three kitchens, a sauna, bike rentals, and a 24/7 reception. There’s also a bar/restaurant that’s open for breakfast and evening dinner/drinks.
The hostel is just steps away from the ferry terminal with ferries going to Stockholm and Tallinn, which is convenient for continuing your Scandinavian adventure. For rooms, there are two types: budget and standard. Budget is likely sufficient for most travelers, but if you want an upgraded experience with soundproofed and renovated rooms with a TV (that are on the same floor as one of the kitchens), opt for a standard room.
Eurohostel Helsinki at a glance:
- $$
- Free traditional sauna access
- Lots of helpful amenities like bike rentals and a bar/restaurant onsite
- Quiet neighborhood location near international ferries
Beds from 29 EUR, private rooms from 56 EUR.
Though the Finnish capital often gets overlooked by travelers, Helsinki is a great place to soak up some beautiful design, relax in a sauna, visit some quirky museums and historic sites, and enjoy a European capital without crowds (even in the summer). While the city can be pricey, by picking one of the hostels above you’ll save you money that can be used for something else!
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Book Your Trip to Helsinki: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Helsinki?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Helsinki for even more planning tips!
Photo credits: 2 – The Yard, 3 – Hostel Diana Park, 4 – CheapSleep Helsinki, 5 – Hostel Suomenlinna, 6 – Eurohostel Helsinki
The post The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
https://ift.tt/ovw2PKU November 28, 2023 at 06:00PM
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