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

Should you visit Helsinki or Bruges?

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 Bruges 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 coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Bruges?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bruges than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bruges is more popular for its food, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Helsinki is known for its shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Bruges.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

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

Bruges has a huge number of terrific restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Bruges has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Helsinki or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Bruges?

Helsinki is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Helsinki or Bruges Better for Families?

Helsinki is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Helsinki. 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Helsinki or Bruges Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Bruges are very good 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 Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Helsinki or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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 Bruges Better for Students?

Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Helsinki or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bruges. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Bruges?

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Bruges?

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.

The beautiful city of Bruges offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bruges, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront 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.

Bruges is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Bruges?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Bruges. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bruges. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Bruges. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bruges. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Helsinki