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

Should you visit Helsinki or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Helsinki and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Helsinki is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Reykjavik is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Helsinki is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in 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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Reykjavik?

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Reykjavik are both nice 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Helsinki or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's 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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Reykjavik?

In either Helsinki or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

One day in Helsinki or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Reykjavik?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Helsinki is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Reykjavik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally cooler than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Helsinki