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

Should you visit Helsinki or Rome?

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 Rome 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

The Colosseum

How is Helsinki different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rome are world-renowned. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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.

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

Rome 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 Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Rome just to party. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Rome?

Rome is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Helsinki or Rome Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Rome 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.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Helsinki or Rome Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Rome are great 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 Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Helsinki or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Rome?

Both Helsinki and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Helsinki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, 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 Rome?

The coastal city of Helsinki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. 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 Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Rome?

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

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Rome. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Rome. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Rome. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Rome 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 Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Rome. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rome for 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 Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Rome. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Helsinki