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

Should you visit Helsinki or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a modern, connected, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Helsinki and Frankfurt are about the same size, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Helsinki different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

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

Frankfurt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Frankfurt?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Helsinki and Frankfurt.

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 Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Helsinki or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Helsinki or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Helsinki or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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.

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

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Frankfurt can get you around easily. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Frankfurt is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Frankfurt?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Frankfurt?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal 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.

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Frankfurt. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Frankfurt. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Helsinki