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

Should you visit Helsinki or Portland?

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 Portland 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Helsinki and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland. Although Helsinki and Portland are popular destinations, Portland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, and small town charm, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Helsinki is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Helsinki. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Portland.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Portland?

Helsinki is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Families?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Couples?

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

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Helsinki or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Helsinki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Helsinki or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Portland. 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 Helsinki than Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Helsinki or Portland?

The beautiful city of Helsinki offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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

Portland 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Portland?

Helsinki 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.

Portland 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 Portland?

Helsinki 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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland is in North America, 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Portland?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Portland, 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 Portland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Helsinki or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Portland. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is much colder than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Portland. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Portland. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Portland. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Portland. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Helsinki