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

Should you visit Helsinki or Avignon?

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 Avignon 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 coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Helsinki and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Avignon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Avignon than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Helsinki is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Avignon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Helsinki or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Avignon is revered around the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Avignon?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Helsinki or Avignon Better for Families?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Helsinki. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Helsinki or Avignon Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Avignon are very good 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 Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Helsinki or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Avignon are both good destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Helsinki or Avignon Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Helsinki or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon 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 Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Helsinki or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Helsinki than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

One day in Helsinki or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Avignon?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Helsinki or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Avignon. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Avignon. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Avignon. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Helsinki