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

Should you visit Helsinki or Positano?

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 Positano 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Helsinki and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Helsinki and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Helsinki is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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 Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Helsinki has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano 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 Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Positano?

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

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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Families?

Helsinki is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Helsinki. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Positano 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 Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Helsinki or Positano Better for Students?

Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

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

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Helsinki or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Positano?

Both Helsinki and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Positano?

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.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Positano?

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.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Positano?

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.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, 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 Positano?

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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Positano?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Positano. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Positano. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Positano. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Positano. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Helsinki