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

Should you visit Helsinki or Auckland?

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 Auckland 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 waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Helsinki and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

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

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Auckland?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Helsinki and Auckland.

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 Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Helsinki or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Auckland are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. 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.

Auckland is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Helsinki or Auckland Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Auckland are superb 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 Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Helsinki or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Auckland are superb destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Helsinki or Auckland a more walkable city?

Helsinki is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Auckland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Auckland?

The beautiful city of Helsinki 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.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Auckland?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Auckland?

Helsinki 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.

Auckland 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 Auckland?

Helsinki 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.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Auckland, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Helsinki is in Europe and Auckland is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Auckland?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Helsinki has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Helsinki or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Helsinki is cooler than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Aucklandin January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin April. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Aucklandin April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Auckland. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Auckland. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Helsinki