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

Should you visit Helsinki or Linz?

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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Helsinki and Linz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Linz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Linz than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Linz, Linz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Linz is better known for its historical sights, while Helsinki is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Linz is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. Also, Linz is famous for The Castle of Linz. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Linz 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 Linz area. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Linz is a town with good options for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Linz. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Linz?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Linz.

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 Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for Families?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Linz is a family-friendly city. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Linz 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 Linz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Linz 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 Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Helsinki or Linz Better for Students?

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Helsinki or Linz a more walkable city?

Linz 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.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy 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 Linz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Linz or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Linz?

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

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Linz. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Helsinki than Linz 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.

One day in Helsinki or Linz?

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 town of Linz 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 Linz?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Linz?

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

Linz 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 Linz?

The nature-focused 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.

Linz 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Linz?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Linz, 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 Linz?

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 Linz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Linz. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Linz this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Linz. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Linz. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz 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 Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Linz during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Linz. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Linz in the Winter?

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

Linz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Linz. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Linz. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Linz. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Linz in the Spring?

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

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Linz during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Linz. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Linz and Helsinki