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

Should you visit Helsinki or Alesund?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Alesund can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a welcoming, friendly, and scenic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Alesund?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alesund. Although Helsinki and Alesund are popular destinations, Alesund has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alesund is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Alesund is famous for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also well known for the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Helsinki different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Helsinki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


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

Helsinki
Alesund

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

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

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 Helsinki or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Alesund

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Alesund.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. 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.

Alesund has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Alesund?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Helsinki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.


Is Helsinki or Alesund Better for Families?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Helsinki or Alesund Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Helsinki is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Helsinki or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Helsinki. 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.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.


Is Helsinki or Alesund Better for Students?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Helsinki or Alesund a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Alesund

Helsinki and Alesund are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Alesund is a somewhat walkable city. The city center can be explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Alesund. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Helsinki than Alesund 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 Helsinki.


  • How many days in Helsinki or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Helsinki or Alesund?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Alesund offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Helsinki or Alesund?

In Helsinki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Helsinki has to offer.

Alesund is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alesund, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Alesund?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Alesund is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Helsinki or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Alesund is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Alesund? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Helsinki


Hotels in Alesund


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $41
  • Helsinki West Terminal to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport: $41
  • Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • Helsinki hotels to Vantaa Airport(HEL)-Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Port by business car: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Port by luxury van: $57
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki City by luxury van: $57
  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $58
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Tour from Alesund to Trollstigen Land of Trolls with Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund hotels to Geiranger Cruise Port: $187
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $188
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 34
    Alesund 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $108
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $109
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.17
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Historic Helsinki Walking Tour: $6.43
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.06
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.69
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.77
  • Suomenlinna Museum Ticket: $9.77
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14
  • 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $105
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $43
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $44
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $114
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $127
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $145
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $106
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $172
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $57
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $66
  • Shared Tour of Geiranger from Hellesylt: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Alesund 11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Alesund, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki than you might in Alesund.

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Alesund?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Alesund, 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 Helsinki or Alesund?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Helsinki or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Alesund. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Alesund in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Helsinki is much colder than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Alesund. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alesund because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Alesund. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the spring. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Alesund. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Helsinki

Helsinki Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)