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

Should you visit Helsinki or Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam 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 active, nature-focused, and coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Helsinki. Amsterdam is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Amsterdam.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Helsinki is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Helsinki. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Amsterdam.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Helsinki is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Amsterdam are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Amsterdam is extremely popular for backpackers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Helsinki is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Helsinki or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Both Helsinki and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Amsterdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Amsterdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Helsinki