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

Should you visit Helsinki or Limerick?

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 Limerick 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 waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Helsinki than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. It is also home to The Helsinki Cathedral. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Helsinki different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Helsinki
Limerick

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Limerick both to be good 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 Limerick area. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Helsinki or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Limerick

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Limerick.

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.

Limerick has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Limerick?

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Helsinki. 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.


Is Helsinki or Limerick Better for Families?

Helsinki
Limerick

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Helsinki. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Helsinki or Limerick Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Helsinki or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.


Is Helsinki or Limerick Better for Students?

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Helsinki is very popular with students. 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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Helsinki
Limerick

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

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Helsinki or Limerick a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Limerick

Helsinki and Limerick are good 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.

Limerick is a somewhat walkable city. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Limerick?

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Limerick?

The beautiful city of Helsinki offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Limerick 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 Limerick?

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

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

Five days in Helsinki or Limerick?

Helsinki 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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

Helsinki 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.

Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick 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 Limerick is €108. 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 Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Limerick? 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 Limerick


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 Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Limerick 40

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 Limerick

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

  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick 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
    Limerick 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
    Limerick 17

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 Limerick

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

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Limerick 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Limerick, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Limerick?

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

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 Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Limerick. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Helsinki is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Helsinki or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Limerick during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Limerick. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Helsinki

Helsinki Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)