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

Should you visit Paros or Helsinki?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paros and Helsinki. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paros

Paros is a stunning, breathtaking, and striking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Helsinki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Helsinki?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paros than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paros is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. Also, Paros is famous for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Paros different from Helsinki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Helsinki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Paros 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 Paros have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Helsinki Better for Nightlife?

Paros 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.

Paros has a large number of nightlife venues. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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 Paros or Helsinki Better for Resorts?

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

In Paros, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Helsinki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paros is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Helsinki Better for Beaches?

Paros is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Paros is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Helsinki Better for Hiking?

Paros is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Paros. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Helsinki?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Paros and Helsinki.

Paros is well-known for its shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

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 Paros or Helsinki Better for Families?

Both Paros and Helsinki are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paros is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Paros or Helsinki Better for Couples?

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

Paros is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Helsinki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros 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 Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

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 Paros or Helsinki Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

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.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Paros can get you to some places easily. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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

Is Paros or Helsinki a more walkable city?

Paros and Helsinki are notable when it comes to walkability.

Paros is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Paros Worth Visiting? and Is Helsinki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Helsinki or Paros?

How long in Paros or Helsinki?

It's fun to spend time in either Paros or Helsinki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paros due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 2-4 days is enough time in Helsinki.

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

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

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

One day in Paros or Helsinki?

The beautiful island of Paros offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paros or Helsinki?

Paros is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paros or Helsinki?

Paros is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paros, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Helsinki?

Paros is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Helsinki, 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 Paros Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paros or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Helsinki, 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.