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

Should you visit Helsinki or Manchester?

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 Manchester 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Manchester?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Manchester than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Helsinki different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Manchester is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Manchester has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester 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.

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Manchester?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Helsinki and Manchester.

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 Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Helsinki or Manchester Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Manchester are superb 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.

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Helsinki or Manchester Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Manchester are superb 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 Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Helsinki or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Helsinki or Manchester Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Manchester are superb 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 Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Helsinki and Manchester.

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

Manchester offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Helsinki or Manchester a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Manchester 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable city. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Manchester. In our opinion, Manchester has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Manchester than Helsinki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Manchester?

With museums and nightlife around the environmentally conscious city of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Manchester is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Manchester?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Manchester?

Helsinki, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Helsinki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Manchester 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 Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Manchester?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Manchester. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Manchester. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Manchester. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

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

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Manchester. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Manchester. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester 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 Manchester this time of year.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Manchester. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Manchester. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Helsinki