The following hostels are all in or near the city centre, making them prime locations from which to shop and see the sights. Hostels means guests, generally speaking, should expect to share close quarters with fellow travellers, and that includes communal showers and toilets. However, it can make for a great way to get to know people from around the world.
Eurohostel in Helsinki
Eurohostel, at Linnankatu 9, is a modern hostel with 255 beds, located a 10-minute walk away from Market Square and a couple of hundred yards from Katajanokka ferry terminal. There’s also a tram stop around the corner. It features “Eurohostel” rooms and the more inexpensive “Backpackers” rooms. All prices include sheets and a morning sauna.
Other facilities at the hostel are a restaurant, laundry room and members’ kitchen. Internet access is available at a cost, and a breakfast coupon may be purchased at reception — which is open 24 hours — for about 7.20 euro. All floors have separate showers and toilet facilities for men and women.
Prices for Eurohostel rooms range from about 26.50 euro for a triple room to about 71.30 euro for a family room. Some of the more expensive rooms have a TV. Backpackers rooms prices range from about 22.40 for a triple room to about 61.40 for a family room. While the hostel may release no-show beds at 6 p.m., advance bookings — which can be made online — are recommended.
Academica Summer Hostel in Helsinki
Academia Summer Hostel is a university dorm at Hietaniemenkatu 14, with most sights within walking distance. The dorm is used as a hostel from June to September. All 260 rooms include a shower, toilet and kitchenettes, though all the double rooms contain twin beds. Guests may surf the Internet in the hostel’s “living room.”
The prices, which range from about 24 euro for dorm bed to 96 euro for a four-bed room, include a towel, sheets, a morning sauna and the use of the pool. Guests can buy an Internet connection in some rooms. The hostel has 24-hour reception and the office is open year-round. Online bookings are welcome.
Erottajanpuisto Hostel in Helsinki
Erottajanpuisto Hostel is small, quiet and older, but friendly, located at Uudenmaankatu 9 on the third floor of a 19th-century building in the centre of town. There is no curfew, or elevator, but there is a lounge, kitchen, lockers, 24-hour reception, free Internet access and 15 rooms with one to eight beds in each.
Prices, which include sheets, range from about 25 euro for a dorm bed, to 184 euro for an eight-bed room. All rooms include a sink and some of the smaller ones may have a TV. Guests may buy breakfast for 5 euro. The hostel, which is open year-round, recommends advance bookings, which can be made online.
Central Helsinki offers travellers a few hostels to choose from, which include basic amenities for little cost. The savings can translate into more funds that can be spent on exploring Helsinki or the rest of Finland, for those heading further afield. Travellers are advised to book their all their hostels in advance, to increase their chances — and peace of mind — of having places to stay.
