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

Should you visit Helsinki or Naples?

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 Naples 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.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, 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. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Helsinki different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples 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.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Naples?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Naples.

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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Helsinki or Naples Better for Families?

Helsinki is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Helsinki or Naples Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Naples 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Helsinki or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Helsinki is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Naples.

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

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Helsinki or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Naples?

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Naples?

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.

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

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.

Naples 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples 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 Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Naples. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Naples. 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Naples. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Naples in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Naples. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Naples. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Helsinki