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

Should you visit Helsinki or Girona?

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 Girona 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Helsinki and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Girona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Girona than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Girona is better known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Helsinki is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Also, Girona is famous for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Helsinki different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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

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

Girona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Helsinki or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Girona?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Helsinki and Girona.

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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Helsinki or Girona Better for Families?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Helsinki or Girona Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Girona 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 Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Helsinki or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Girona are both notable 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Helsinki or Girona Better for Students?

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Helsinki or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Helsinki or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Helsinki than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

One day in Helsinki or Girona?

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 Girona 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 Girona?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the environmentally conscious 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.

Girona 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 Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Girona?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Girona. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. 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 Girona. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Girona. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Girona. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Girona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Girona. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Helsinki is much colder than Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Girona. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Helsinki