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

Should you visit Helsinki or Dijon?

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

Dijon

Dijon is a laid-back, culinary, and relaxing city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Dijon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dijon than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Dijon

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

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 Dijon. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.


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

Helsinki
Dijon

Dijon 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 Dijon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Dijon

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

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.

Dijon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Dijon?

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon 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 Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.


Is Helsinki or Dijon Better for Families?

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Helsinki or Dijon Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Dijon

Both Helsinki and Dijon 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 Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Helsinki or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki and Dijon are both nice 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 Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.


Is Helsinki or Dijon Better for Students?

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Helsinki or Dijon a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Dijon

Helsinki and Dijon 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the inner city is walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Dijon. In our opinion, Helsinki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Helsinki than Dijon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Dijon. 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 Dijon. 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 Dijon 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 Dijon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Dijon 2-4

One day in Helsinki or Dijon?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this waterfront destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Dijon 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Dijon?

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dijon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Dijon 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 Dijon is €153. 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 Dijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Dijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Dijon 160
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Dijon

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Dijon? 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 Dijon


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 Dijon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Dijon 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $40
  • Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Helsinki City hotels to Helsinki Airport (HEL) Departure Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $64
  • Private Transfer in Helsinki: $76
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Dijon?

Prices for flights to both Dijon 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
    Dijon 48

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Dijon 25

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS: $5.13
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.64
  • Suomenlinna: Museum Ticket: $9.62
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • Best of Burgundy Private Tasting Tour - Premier & Grand Crus: $1,273
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $383
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $384
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Dijon 29

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Dijon, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Dijon?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Dijon. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dijon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dijon. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Dijon. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Dijon 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Helsinki is much colder than Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Dijon. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Dijon 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dijon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dijon can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Dijon. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Dijon 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Dijon. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dijon during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Dijon. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Dijon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Dijon and Helsinki

Helsinki Dijon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)