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

Should you visit Helsinki or Tromso?

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 Tromso 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Helsinki and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Tromso?

Both Tromso and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Helsinki is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Tromso is known for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Tromso is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

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

Tromso has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Tromso.

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.

Tromso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Helsinki or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Tromso?

Helsinki is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Helsinki or Tromso Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Tromso 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.

Tromso is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Helsinki or Tromso Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Tromso 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 Tromso frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Helsinki or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Tromso 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 Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Helsinki or Tromso Better for Students?

Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Helsinki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Helsinki or Tromso a more walkable city?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very walkable town. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Tromso?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Helsinki than Tromso 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 Tromso?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tromso?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Helsinki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Tromso?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Tromso. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

In the summer, Helsinki is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Tromso. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Tromso. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In October, Helsinki is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Tromso. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Helsinki