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

Should you visit Helsinki or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a historical, cultural, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Helsinki and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Helsinki. Sarajevo is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Helsinki different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Sarajevo.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Sarajevo.

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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Sarajevo is revered around the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Around Sarajevo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Sarajevo?

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

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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Helsinki and Sarajevo.

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

Sarajevo offers a very effecient public transportation network. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Helsinki or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Sarajevo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Sarajevo?

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Sarajevo?

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 beautiful city of Sarajevo offers food and shopping. 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 Sarajevo?

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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is much colder than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Helsinki is much colder than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Helsinki