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

Should you visit Helsinki or Zurich?

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 Zurich 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 coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Zurich?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zurich than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

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

Zurich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich 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 Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Zurich?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Helsinki or Zurich Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Zurich are very good 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.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Is Helsinki or Zurich Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Zurich are very good 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 Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Is Helsinki or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Zurich are both notable 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Helsinki or Zurich Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Helsinki and Zurich.

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

Zurich offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Helsinki or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Zurich?

In either Helsinki or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Zurich?

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.

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. 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 Zurich?

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.

Zurich 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Zurich?

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.

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, 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 Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the environmentally conscious 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.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 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 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 Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Zurich?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Zurich. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Zurich. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Helsinki is much colder than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Zurich. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Helsinki