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

Should you visit Helsinki or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Helsinki and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Zermatt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Helsinki and Zermatt are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and small town charm, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums. Zermatt is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

The Matterhorn

How is Helsinki different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zermatt and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Helsinki is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Zermatt?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

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

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, 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 Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

In Zermatt, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

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

Around Zermatt visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Zermatt?

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

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 Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Zermatt are superb 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.

Zermatt is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt Better for Couples?

Zermatt is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Zermatt is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a 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 Zermatt Better for Students?

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

Helsinki is very popular with students. 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Helsinki or Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Zermatt. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Zermatt?

In either Helsinki or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Zermatt?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Zermatt offers nightlife and food. 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 Zermatt?

In Helsinki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Helsinki has to offer.

Zermatt is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zermatt, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Zermatt?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Zermatt 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Zermatt?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Zermatt. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zermatt in the Autumn?

Both Zermatt and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is much colder than Zermatt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zermatt in the Winter?

Both Zermatt and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Zermatt averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zermatt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Zermatt. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zermatt during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Helsinki