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

Should you visit Helsinki or Beijing?

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 Beijing 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 nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Beijing?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

Beijing 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.

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Beijing?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Beijing.

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 Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Helsinki or Beijing Better for Families?

Helsinki is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is known to be 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Helsinki or Beijing Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Helsinki or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing 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 Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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 Beijing Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Beijing are great 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 Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Helsinki and Beijing.

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

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Helsinki or Beijing a more walkable city?

Helsinki is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Beijing?

Both Helsinki and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Helsinki or Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Five days in Helsinki or Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Beijing, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Beijing?

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

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 Beijing in the Summer?

Both Beijing and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Beijing. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Beijing. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Beijing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Beijing. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Beijing. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Helsinki