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

Should you visit Helsinki or The Hague?

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 The Hague 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 waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Helsinki travel costs.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse 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 live music, food, and shopping. See The Hague travel costs.

Helsinki and The Hague: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Helsinki or The Hague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague. Although Helsinki and The Hague are popular destinations, The Hague has more sights and attractions for tourists. The Hague is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Helsinki is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is Helsinki different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
The Hague

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

Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Helsinki
The Hague

Foodies will find both Helsinki and The Hague both to be superb destinations.

Helsinki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in The Hague is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Helsinki or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
The Hague

The Hague 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.

The Hague has a large number of nightlife venues. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague Better for Music?

Helsinki
The Hague

The Hague is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or The Hague?

Helsinki
The Hague

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Helsinki and The Hague.

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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Helsinki or The Hague More Beautiful?

Helsinki
The Hague

Helsinki is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Helsinki or The Hague Better for Families?

Helsinki
The Hague

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very family-friendly destination. 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 The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Helsinki or The Hague Better for Couples?

Helsinki
The Hague

Helsinki is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Helsinki or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
The Hague

Helsinki and The Hague 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 The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Helsinki or The Hague Better for Students?

Helsinki
The Hague

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

The Hague is a very popular city for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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 The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Helsinki
The Hague

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Helsinki and The Hague.

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

The Hague offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Helsinki or The Hague a more walkable city?

Helsinki
The Hague

Helsinki and The Hague are nice 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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable city. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or The Hague?

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

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in Helsinki or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Helsinki or The Hague?

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 Hague is a big city with plenty to do. 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 The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-focused 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.

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

Five days in Helsinki or The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal 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.

The Hague 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 The Hague?

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.

The Hague 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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in The Hague is €218. 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 The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or The Hague? 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 The Hague


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 The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    The Hague 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • VIP Airport Transfer in Helsinki: $152
  • The Executive Helsinki Transfer*****: $265
  • Private VIP Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki to Cruise Port by Business Car: $99
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki City by Luxury Van: $100
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Kotka Port: $166
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $68
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $166
  • Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $147
  • Private Airport Transfer by VIP car in Helsinki region: $158
  • Nordic Luxe: Private VIP Transfer Helsinki AIRPORT: $265
  • Helsinki to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • The Hague and Delft: Private Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $224
  • Rotterdam & Delft: Private Tour with Cube House and Transfer: $224
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Vlissingen: $289
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Arnhem: $289
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam Airport to The Hague (Den Haag): $120
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $162
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer From The Hague Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $173
  • Private Tour of The Hague and Gouda including Transfer: $259
  • Private Tour of Delft and Gouda including Transfer: $259
  • Private Direct Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $183
  • Premium Electric transfer from Delft to Schiphol Airport: $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague 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 59
    The Hague 95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $171
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
  • Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $235
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $270

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • Small-Group Food Tour Scheveningen Beachside in The Hague: $77
  • Private Indian Cooking Experience in Netherlands: $88
  • The Hague Walking Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    The Hague 34

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $106
  • 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $94
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
  • Allas Sea Pool Helsinki Sauna City Ticket Guide: $188
  • Baltic Bites - Food & Island Experience in Helsinki: $117
  • Best Helsinki Half Day Tour from Your Cruise Ship: $53
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42
  • Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $100
  • Deluxe Helsinki Shore Excursion from Cruise Ship Port: $117
  • Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
  • Electric Moto Adventure from Helsinki to Nuuksio National Park: $136

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center: $9.99
  • Charms of dutch heritage : Delft Private Walking Tour: $229
  • Delft Private Walking Tour: $283
  • Delft Walking Tour with a Born-and-Raised Local Guide: $21
  • Delft: English Walking Tour of the Old City Center: $22
  • Delft: Private Walking Tour and Royal Delft Factory: $200
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $32
  • Discover Delft's Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune and Beach GPS audio tour: $89
  • Enjoy the tulip fields by bicycle with a local guide! Tulip bike tour!: $65
  • From Private Sightseeing tour to Keukenhof: $364
  • Get the best out of Delft by creating memories during our private walking tour!: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks and Entrance: $41
  • The Hague Pub Crawl: Play, Explore, Enjoy!: $279


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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or The Hague?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as The Hague. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in The Hague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than The Hague. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or The Hague in the Autumn?

Both The Hague and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Helsinki is much colder than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than The Hague. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as The Hague. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and The Hague. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than The Hague during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than The Hague. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or The Hague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as The Hague. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than The Hague. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Helsinki

Helsinki The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)