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

Should you visit Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

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 Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a adventure-filled, world-class, and breathtaking ski resort. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Helsinki and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and shopping. Kitzbuhel is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kitzbuhel and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Kitzbuhel. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Helsinki is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Helsinki is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Helsinki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

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

Kitzbuhel has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Kitzbuhel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Around Kitzbuhel visitors will find world-class hiking trails. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Helsinki is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.


Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Both Helsinki and Kitzbuhel are excellent 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.

Kitzbuhel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Both Helsinki and Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Students?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

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

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

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Helsinki or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable ski resort. The town is small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

Both Helsinki and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Kitzbuhel 4-7

One day in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

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.

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

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.

Kitzbuhel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kitzbuhel has to offer. This ski resort 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 Budget Tours to Austria, and The Best Luxury Tours to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel is €179. 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 Kitzbuhel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Kitzbuhel 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Kitzbuhel 178
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Kitzbuhel

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Kitzbuhel? 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 Kitzbuhel


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 and Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Kitzbuhel 69

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 Kitzbuhel?

Prices for flights to both Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48

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
    Kitzbuhel 34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Kitzbuhel 11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Kitzbuhel, we can see that Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Kitzbuhel?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Kitzbuhel, 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.