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

Should you visit Helsinki or Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh 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 nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Helsinki and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Helsinki is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

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

Helsinki is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Edinburgh?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Edinburgh.

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 Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Edinburgh are great 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.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Edinburgh are great 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 Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Edinburgh are great 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 Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Helsinki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Helsinki can get you to some places easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Helsinki or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Edinburgh?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Edinburgh?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the environmentally conscious destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-focused city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Edinburgh 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Helsinki.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Edinburgh?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

Helsinki is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Edinburgh. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Edinburgh. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Helsinki