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

Should you visit Helsinki or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive 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, food, and beaches.

Helsinki and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Helsinki. Melbourne is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Helsinki different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

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

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a very popular place for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Melbourne?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Helsinki and Melbourne.

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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Helsinki or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Helsinki or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Helsinki or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Helsinki or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Many students visit 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.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Helsinki and Melbourne.

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

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Helsinki or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Melbourne?

In either Helsinki or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront 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.

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Melbourne?

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.

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

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.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Helsinki has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Helsinki or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Melbourne in the Winter?

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

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Melbournein July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Melbourne in the Spring?

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

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Helsinki