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

Should you visit Helsinki or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Helsinki. Dublin is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Dublin both to be notable destinations.

Helsinki has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dublin area. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Helsinki or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin 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 Dublin just to party. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Dublin?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Dublin.

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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Helsinki or Dublin Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Dublin 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.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Helsinki or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Dublin are high quality 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 Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Helsinki or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Helsinki is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Helsinki or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Dublin?

In either Helsinki or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Dublin?

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 city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dublin?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Dublin?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-focused 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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Dublin. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Dublin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Dublin. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Helsinki