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

Should you visit Helsinki or Giverny?

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 Giverny 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Helsinki and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Giverny than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Giverny is better known for its small town charm, while Helsinki is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Giverny is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Also, Giverny is famous for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Giverny

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

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 Giverny. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Helsinki
Giverny

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Giverny 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 Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Helsinki or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Helsinki has a few options to choose from. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Giverny?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Helsinki or Giverny Better for Families?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Helsinki or Giverny Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Giverny

Both Helsinki and Giverny 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 Giverny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Helsinki or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki and Giverny 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 Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.


Is Helsinki or Giverny Better for Students?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Giverny

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

Helsinki has some very good public transit options. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Helsinki or Giverny a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Giverny

Helsinki and Giverny are notable 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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Helsinki or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Helsinki than Giverny 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 Giverny.

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Giverny 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 Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Helsinki or Giverny?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. 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 Giverny?

In Helsinki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Helsinki has to offer.

Giverny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Giverny?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Giverny 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 town 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 France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny 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 Giverny is €125. 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 Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Giverny? 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 Giverny


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Giverny 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny 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
    Giverny 35

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
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Giverny 6.64


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Giverny?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 990 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Giverny. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Giverny. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Giverny. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Giverny because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Giverny can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Giverny. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Helsinki

Helsinki Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)