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

Should you visit Helsinki or Berlin?

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 Berlin 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a artsy, creative, and eclectic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Helsinki. Berlin is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin 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 Berlin are world-renowned. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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 Berlin just to party. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin 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 Berlin. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Berlin?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Helsinki or Berlin Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Berlin are high quality 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.

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Helsinki or Berlin Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Helsinki or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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, Berlin is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Berlin is a very popular city for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university 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.

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

Berlin 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 Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Helsinki or Berlin a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Berlin are notable 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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Berlin?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the environmentally conscious destination of Helsinki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin 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 Berlin 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Berlin, 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. 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 Berlin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Berlin?

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

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Berlin. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Berlin. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Berlin. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Berlin. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Berlin. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Helsinki