A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Helsinki for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Helsinki?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Helsinki can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Helsinki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Helsinki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Dubai is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Helsinki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Helsinki and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Helsinki?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Helsinki and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Helsinki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Helsinki.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Helsinki is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Is Dubai or Helsinki Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Helsinki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Helsinki a more walkable city?

Helsinki is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Helsinki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Helsinki or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Helsinki?

It's fun to spend time in either Dubai or Helsinki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dubai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Helsinki.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Helsinki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Helsinki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Helsinki if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the nature-focused destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Helsinki, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Helsinki is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Helsinki.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Helsinki?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Helsinki, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Helsinki in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Helsinki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Helsinki. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dubai is much warmer than Helsinki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Helsinki in the Winter?

Both Helsinki and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Helsinki averages at about -6°C (21°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Helsinki in the Spring?

Both Helsinki and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Dubai