Helsinki is a nature-focused city known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Helsinki that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Helsinki?
You should plan to spend around $172 (€164) per day on your vacation in Helsinki. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (€59) on meals
- $23 (€22) on local transportation
- $152 (€145) on hotels
A one week trip to Helsinki for two people costs, on average, $2,406 (€2,296). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,203
€1,148
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,406
€2,296
-
One Month
Per person
$5,156
€4,920
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,406
€2,296
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,812
€4,592
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,312
€9,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Helsinki cost?
A one week trip to Helsinki usually costs around $1,203 (€1,148) for one person and $2,406 (€2,296) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Helsinki on average costs around $2,406 (€2,296) for one person and $4,812 (€4,592) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Helsinki will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Helsinki on average costs around $5,156 (€4,920) for one person and $10,312 (€9,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Helsinki expensive to visit?
Helsinki is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Helsinki can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $71 (€68) per day, mid-range travelers spend $172 (€164) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $395 (€377) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Helsinki.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Helsinki is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Brno or Thessaloniki.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Helsinki Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Helsinki?
The average Helsinki trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Helsinki travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Helsinki cost?
Helsinki on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$32
(€30)
|
$76
(€73)
|
$168
(€161)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$9
(€9.02)
|
$23
(€22)
|
$54
(€52)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(€24)
|
$62
(€59)
|
$147
(€140)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(€12)
|
$28
(€27)
|
$60
(€57)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(€3-10)
|
$8-25
(€8-24)
|
$18-54
(€17-51)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Helsinki. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $71 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Helsinki, such as Hostel Diana Park, Eurohostel Helsinki, and The Yard Hostel. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. In addition, the city features a fantastic public transit system that helps budget-conscious travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Helsinki, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Helsinki will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $172 per person, per day.
Helsinki offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Solo Sokos Hotel Torni is an excellent option for kids, and Hotel Lilla Roberts is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Helsinki here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $395. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private tour to Alpaka Farm with a guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Helsinki
Hotel prices in Helsinki can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $99, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $185. Budget accommodations range from $70 to $267, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Helsinki for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $152 (€145). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $76 (€73) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Helsinki include:
- Hotel F6 starting at $139
- Solo Sokos Hotel Torni starting at $167
- Hotel Lilla Roberts starting at $130
- Hotel Katajanokka Helsinki a Tribute Portfolio Hotel starting at $111
- Hotel Fabian starting at $109
The great public transit system in Helsinki gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
Helsinki is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Helsinki
Helsinki is well-served by its public transit system. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services. For quick, cost-effective travel, stick to public transportation, but taxis and rideshares are always available when needed.
Helsinki is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€22) per person, per day, on local transportation in Helsinki. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Helsinki is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
€22
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- VIP Transfer Helsinki for $178 details
- Private Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport for $75 details
- Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL for $71 details
How much does it cost to go to Helsinki? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Helsinki will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Helsinki
Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Helsinki by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Helsinki can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Helsinki is $62 (€59) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
€59
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Helsinki is around $62 (€59) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $147. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Helsinki are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Helsinki has many cosmopolitan and trendy restaurants that serve so much more than the typical meat and potato dishes. They are generally expensive though, so be prepared to pay for them. Lunch is a great time to try a new restaurant if you're on a tight budget because many places have lunch sets that are less than ten euros. These are usually served between 10:30am and 2pm. Other budget options include fast food and some smaller Finnish eateries. There are some good pizza and kebab places that are relatively cheap, and the Unicafe is a chain that is owned by the Helsinki University student union. It has several locations and offers full meals for less than ten euros.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Helsinki, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings for $162 details
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki for $105 details
- PRIVATE Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit and transfers for $168 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Helsinki
It's easy to see why people visit Helsinki, given its museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Helsinki typically cost an average of $28 (€27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
€27
Helsinki has many interesting sights that range from eclectic churches to elaborate museusms. Some popular places to visit include Lutheran Cathedral, the Church in the Rock, Uspenski Cathedral, the Design Museum, Ateneum Art Museum, the National Museum of Finland and the Helsinki City Musesum. You can see many of these places by visiting Helskinki in one day, perhaps from Tallinn or on a longer trip through the rest of the country.
One summer sight worth visiting is Suomenlinna, which was once considered the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic. It dates back to the mid 1700s and today it has many old buildings, very few cars, and only a small number of residents. There are also some restaurants, cafes, theaters and museums. If you're in town during nice weather, pack a picnic.
There are some interesting and fun activities that you can enjoy while you're in Helsinki. The Vintage tram ride is an interesting way to get around the city center. There are several amusement parks that some people enjoy visiting as well. Popular festivals include Lux Helsinki, Vappu, Helsinki-paiva, Juhannus among many others.
Museums and Attractions:
Helsinki is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Helsinki. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Helsinki private tour with a city planner for $140 details
- Redrib survival suit experience for $145 details
- Walking tour with a Wilderness Guide for $59 details
Nightlife Budget in Helsinki
When it comes to nightlife, Helsinki has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Helsinki per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
€16
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 27, 2024
Traveling in Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
Helsinki is one of the world's most northern capitals, making its winters long, dark and cold. Winter weather can be expected from November all the way through March and temperatures average about 5 degrees Celsius. There's a bitter wind chill that makes it feel even colder and the occasional snowfall often melts into a gray slush. Summer is the time to visit Helsinki. It's short and really starts in early June and runs through late August. Maximum daily temperatures hover around 22 degrees Celsius but do occasional reach 27 degrees Celsius. Daylight hours are long during this time and there is almost no darkness from early June until mid July.
Neighborhoods & Around
Each of Helsinki's neighborhoods has its own vibe and character. The downtown area, called the center, is where you'll find lots of shops, department stores and offices. There are some beautiful squares and nice cathedrals as well. The Toolo neighborhood has old residential buildings that are designed with art deco. There are some cafes on Museokatu and a market square called Toolontori. Kruununhaka is an old district with many antique and design shops. Kallio is situated between Hakaniemi and Sornainen and is an interesting place to visit.
Helsinki is also bordered on three sides by the ocean. There are many small islands that are easy to reach by boat including Korkeasaari which is the Zoo Island, Seurasaari Open Air Museum Island, Suomenlinna Fortress Island and many more. There's a ferry that travels to some of the islands from the Market Place.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.