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

Should you visit Helsinki or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig 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 active, nature-focused, and coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Leipzig: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Leipzig?

Both Leipzig and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Helsinki is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Leipzig attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Leipzig is famous for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Helsinki different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Leipzig

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

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 Leipzig. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

Helsinki
Leipzig

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Leipzig both to be nice 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 Leipzig area. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Helsinki or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Leipzig

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Leipzig.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Leipzig has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Leipzig?

Helsinki
Leipzig

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Leipzig.

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 Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.


Is Helsinki or Leipzig Better for Families?

Helsinki
Leipzig

Helsinki is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Helsinki or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Leipzig

Helsinki is great for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Helsinki or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Leipzig

Helsinki and Leipzig are both nice 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 Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.


Is Helsinki or Leipzig Better for Students?

Helsinki
Leipzig

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

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Leipzig

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Leipzig.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Leipzig offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

Is Helsinki or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Leipzig

Helsinki and Leipzig are nice 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.

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Leipzig?

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

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Leipzig. 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 Leipzig. 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Helsinki or Leipzig?

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 city of Leipzig offers food and shopping. 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 Leipzig?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig 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 Leipzig is €166. 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 Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Leipzig 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Leipzig 182
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig


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 Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Leipzig 27

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Leipzig 36

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 Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Leipzig 26


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Leipzig?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig?

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 Leipzig in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Leipzig. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leipzig this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Leipzig in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Leipzig. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year.

Helsinki is much colder than Leipzig in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Leipzig fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Leipzig. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Leipzig in the Winter?

Both Leipzig and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leipzig. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Leipzig. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Leipzig averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leipzig. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Leipzig in the Spring?

Both Leipzig and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Leipzig. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Helsinki

Helsinki Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)