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

Should you visit Helsinki or Belfast?

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 Belfast 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Helsinki and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Belfast?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Belfast than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Belfast, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle.

How is Helsinki different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Helsinki is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Helsinki offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Helsinki or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Belfast has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Belfast?

Helsinki is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Helsinki or Belfast Better for Families?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Helsinki or Belfast Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Helsinki or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Helsinki or Belfast Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Helsinki or Belfast a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Belfast 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Belfast. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

One day in Helsinki or Belfast?

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 Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Belfast?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

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

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Belfast. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Belfast. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Belfast. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Belfast. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Helsinki