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

Should you visit Helsinki or Liverpool?

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 Liverpool 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Helsinki and Liverpool: 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
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Liverpool?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Liverpool than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Liverpool is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, and music, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." Also, Liverpool is famous for The Liverpool Cathedral.

How is Helsinki different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Liverpool

Helsinki is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Liverpool is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

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

Helsinki
Liverpool

Helsinki is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Helsinki. 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool Better for Music?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Liverpool?

Helsinki
Liverpool

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

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 Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Families?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Both Helsinki and Liverpool are great 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.

Liverpool is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.


Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Helsinki is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Liverpool is a good city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Helsinki and Liverpool 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 Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Helsinki or Liverpool Better for Students?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Both Helsinki and Liverpool are great 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 Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.


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

Helsinki
Liverpool

Helsinki is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Helsinki or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Liverpool

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Liverpool?

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

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool. 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.


  • How many days in Helsinki or Liverpool? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Liverpool 2-3

One day in Helsinki or Liverpool?

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.

The port city of Liverpool offers theater and nightlife. 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 Liverpool?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-focused 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.

Liverpool is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Liverpool, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Liverpool?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-focused 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.

Liverpool is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Liverpool?

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.

Liverpool is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Liverpool 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 Liverpool is €188. 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 Liverpool in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Liverpool? 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 Liverpool


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 Liverpool Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Liverpool 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $64
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $97
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki City hotels to Helsinki Airport (HEL) Departure Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $98
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    7.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Private Transfer from Warrington to Manchester Airport (MAN): $69
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Holyhead Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Liverpool?

Prices for flights to both Liverpool 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
    Liverpool 69

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 Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Liverpool 42

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS: $5.13
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.64
  • Suomenlinna: Museum Ticket: $9.62
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $286
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $303
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $252
  • Brews, Views, football & History Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Liverpool 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Liverpool?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Liverpool, 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 Liverpool?

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 Liverpool in the Summer?

Both Liverpool and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Liverpool in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Liverpool fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Liverpool in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Liverpool. 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 Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Liverpool. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Liverpool averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Liverpool during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Liverpool in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Liverpool. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Liverpool in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 53 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Liverpool in the Spring?

Both Liverpool and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Liverpool in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Liverpool fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Liverpool during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Liverpool. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Liverpool and Helsinki

Helsinki Liverpool
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)