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

Should you visit Helsinki or Valencia?

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 Valencia 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 active, nature-focused, and coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Helsinki and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Valencia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Helsinki. Valencia is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Valencia 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 Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia 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 Valencia just to party. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Valencia is revered around the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Valencia?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Valencia.

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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Valencia are high quality 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.

Valencia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Valencia are high quality 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 Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Helsinki or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia 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 Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

Helsinki is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Helsinki has some very good public transit options. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Helsinki or Valencia a more walkable city?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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 Valencia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Valencia?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Valencia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Valencia?

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.

Valencia 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Valencia, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Valencia in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Valencia. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Valencia. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Valencia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Valencia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

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

Should I visit Helsinki or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Valencia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Valencia in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valencia. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Helsinki