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

Should you visit Helsinki or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux 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 environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Helsinki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Bordeaux.

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.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Helsinki and Bordeaux.

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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Bordeaux are excellent 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 Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Bordeaux are both notable 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 Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Bordeaux are excellent 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 Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Helsinki and Bordeaux.

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

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Helsinki or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

In either Helsinki or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

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.

The beautiful city of Bordeaux 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.

A weekend in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Bordeaux?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Helsinki