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

Should you visit Helsinki or Munich?

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 Munich 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 active, nature-focused, and coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Munich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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

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

Munich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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 Munich just to party. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich Better for Music?

Munich 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 Munich. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Munich?

Munich 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, Munich draws large crowds to its stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Munich are high quality 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.

Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Helsinki or Munich Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Munich are high quality 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 Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Helsinki or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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, Munich is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich Better for Students?

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

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

Munich 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 Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Helsinki or Munich a more walkable city?

Munich 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.

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Munich?

In either Helsinki or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich 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 Munich.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Munich?

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.

Munich 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 Munich?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Munich?

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.

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

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.

Munich 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Munich, we can see that Munich 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 Munich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Munich?

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

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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Munich. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Munich. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Munich. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Munich during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Munich. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Munich. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Munich. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Munich. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Munich during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Munich. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Helsinki