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

Should you visit Helsinki or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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 coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Helsinki and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Montpellier?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Montpellier than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Montpellier, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Helsinki different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Montpellier both to be good 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 Montpellier area. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Montpellier.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Montpellier?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Helsinki and Montpellier.

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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for Families?

Helsinki is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Montpellier are very good 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 Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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 Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Helsinki and Montpellier.

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

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Helsinki or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Helsinki. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-focused destination of Helsinki. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Montpellier?

The waterfront city of Helsinki offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Montpellier?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Helsinki