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

Should you visit Helsinki or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart 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 environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a commercial, diverse, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Stuttgart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stuttgart. Although Helsinki and Stuttgart are about the same size, Stuttgart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Stuttgart is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Helsinki is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also home to The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Helsinki different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Helsinki is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Helsinki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Stuttgart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Stuttgart has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Stuttgart?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Helsinki and Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.


Is Helsinki or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Helsinki or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Helsinki is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Helsinki or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Helsinki and Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.


Is Helsinki or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Both Helsinki and Stuttgart are excellent destinations 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.

Many students visit Stuttgart. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Helsinki and Stuttgart.

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

Stuttgart offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Helsinki or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Stuttgart

Helsinki and Stuttgart are good 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.

Stuttgart is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Stuttgart. In our opinion, Helsinki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Helsinki than Stuttgart. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Stuttgart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Stuttgart 2-4

One day in Helsinki or Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the environmentally conscious 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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Stuttgart or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Stuttgart is €164. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Stuttgart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Stuttgart 101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Stuttgart 202
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Stuttgart

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Stuttgart? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Helsinki


Hotels in Stuttgart


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Stuttgart 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $128
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL in Luxury Van: $104
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
  • Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer in Helsinki: $76
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Stuttgart?

Prices for flights to both Stuttgart and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 34
    Stuttgart 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164

Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Stuttgart 24

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Stuttgart 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Stuttgart?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

Both Stuttgart and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Stuttgart. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Stuttgart. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

Both Stuttgart and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Stuttgart in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Stuttgart. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Stuttgart can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much colder than Stuttgart in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Stuttgart in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Stuttgart. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Stuttgart. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Stuttgart. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Helsinki

Helsinki Stuttgart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)