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

Should you visit Helsinki or Palermo?

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 Palermo 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 nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Helsinki and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Palermo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Helsinki different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

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

Palermo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Palermo Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Palermo?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Palermo.

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 Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Helsinki or Palermo Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Palermo are great 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.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Helsinki or Palermo Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Helsinki is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Helsinki or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Palermo are both good 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Helsinki or Palermo Better for Students?

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Helsinki or Palermo a more walkable city?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very walkable city. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Palermo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Palermo?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo?

In Helsinki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Helsinki has to offer.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Palermo?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Palermo 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 Palermo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Palermo 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Palermo. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Palermo in the Autumn?

Both Palermo and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Palermo. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Palermo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Palermo. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Palermo. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Helsinki