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

Should you visit Helsinki or Hvar?

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

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Helsinki and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

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

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar 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 Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Hvar?

Helsinki is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Helsinki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Helsinki or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Hvar 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.

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Helsinki or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Hvar 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 Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Helsinki or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Helsinki is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Helsinki or Hvar a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Hvar 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Helsinki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Helsinki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Hvar?

The waterfront city of Helsinki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Hvar?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Hvar. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Helsinki is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Helsinki or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Hvar. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Hvar. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Helsinki