Hotel Katajanokka

Top choice in Helsinki


Set in a spectacularly refurbished 1888-built prison, which was in use until 2002, this fabulous hotel on Katajanokka island offers character in spades. Rooms stretch over two to three former cells, so they’re anything but cramped, and have sleek dark-tiled bathrooms. There's a 24-hour gym, a sauna, a good restaurant and an indoor and outdoor bar. Tram 4 stops right outside.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Helsinki attractions

1. Merikasarmi

0.18 MILES

Architect CL Engel designed these naval barracks for the Russian military garrisoned here from 1816 to 1820 – the first of his many works in Helsinki. The…

2. Icebreaker Fleet

0.29 MILES

This impressively functional posse of around six heavy-duty ships is moored off the northern side of Katajanokka island.

3. Uspenskin Katedraali

0.35 MILES

The eye-catching red-brick Uspenski Cathedral towers above Katajanokka island. Built as a Russian Orthodox church in 1868, it features classic golden…

4. Presidentinlinna

0.46 MILES

Overlooking the kauppatori, the striking neoclassical Presidentinlinna was designed by CL Engel and is one of the head of state's official residences. The…

5. Kauppatori

0.51 MILES

The heart of central Helsinki is the harbourside kauppatori (market square), where cruises and ferries leave for archipelago islands. It's completely…

6. Tervasaari

0.52 MILES

Reached by a causeway, Tar Island (named for the warehouses that safely stored flammable Finnish tar here prior to export) is now a landscaped park with…

7. Mannerheim-Museo

0.59 MILES

This fascinating museum by Kaivopuisto was the home of Baron Gustav Mannerheim, former president, commander in chief of the Finnish army and Finnish Civil…

8. Havis Amanda

0.61 MILES

Near the kauppatori, this bronze statue is the symbol of the city. Sculpted by Ville Vallgren in 1906 in Paris, and installed here in 1908, the nude…