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

Should you visit Helsinki or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Helsinki and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Lisbon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Helsinki and Lisbon are both popular with visitors, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon just to party. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Lisbon. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Lisbon?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Lisbon 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 Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is extremely popular for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Lisbon are excellent destinations for 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.

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Lisbon?

Both Helsinki and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Lisbon?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lisbon 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 Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Helsinki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Lisbon, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Lisbon?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

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 Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Lisbon. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much colder than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Lisbon. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Lisbon. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Helsinki