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

Should you visit Helsinki or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz 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 waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a historic, medieval, and vibrant city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Bregenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bregenz. Although Helsinki and Bregenz are both popular with visitors, Bregenz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bregenz is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Helsinki is known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. It is also home to The Lake Promenade.

How is Helsinki different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.


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

Helsinki
Bregenz

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

Bregenz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

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 Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Bregenz

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Bregenz.

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.

Bregenz has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Helsinki or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Bregenz?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Helsinki or Bregenz Better for Families?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Both Helsinki and Bregenz are superb 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.

Bregenz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Helsinki or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Both Helsinki and Bregenz are superb 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 Bregenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.


Is Helsinki or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki and Bregenz 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 Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Helsinki or Bregenz Better for Students?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

Helsinki is very popular with students. 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.

Bregenz is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.


Is Helsinki or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Bregenz

Helsinki and Bregenz are good 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.

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Bregenz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Helsinki than Bregenz. 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 Bregenz 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.


  • How many days in Helsinki or Bregenz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Bregenz 1-3

One day in Helsinki or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz offers food and shopping. 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 Bregenz?

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.

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


Five days in Helsinki or Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz 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 Bregenz?

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.

Bregenz 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 Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Bregenz or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Bregenz is €122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Bregenz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Bregenz 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Bregenz 132
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Bregenz

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Bregenz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Helsinki


Hotels in Bregenz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Bregenz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Bregenz 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Bregenz?

Prices for flights to both Bregenz and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 34
    Bregenz 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164

Typical Food Prices in Bregenz

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bregenz:


  • Lunch from Market (for 2)
    6.62
  • Kebabs for Dinner (for 2)
    8.00
  • Chocolate
    1.70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Bregenz 14

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Tours and Activities in Bregenz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bregenz.

  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $294
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $289
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Magical Christmas Walking Tour: $769
  • Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a Local: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Bregenz 18


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Bregenz?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Bregenz, 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.