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

Should you visit Helsinki or Bremen?

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 Bremen 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 in Helsinki as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Helsinki travel costs.

Bremen

Bremen is a beautiful, colorful, and lively city. The beauty of Bremen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Bremen travel costs.

Helsinki and Bremen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Bremen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bremen. Although Helsinki and Bremen are both popular with visitors, Bremen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bremen is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights, while Helsinki is known for its food and impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Bremen is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also home to The Historic Marktplatz.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Helsinki different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Bremen

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

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 Bremen. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.


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

Helsinki
Bremen

Helsinki is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Helsinki is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Helsinki or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Bremen

Bremen 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.

Bremen has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

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 Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Helsinki
Bremen

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

The historic old town of Bremen is revered around the world. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Bremen?

Helsinki
Bremen

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

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 Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Is Helsinki or Bremen More Beautiful?

Helsinki
Bremen

Helsinki is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Helsinki as well. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

Bremen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has a beautiful atmosphere with an old town that feels like you've stepped back in time.

Is Helsinki or Bremen Better for Families?

Helsinki
Bremen

Both Helsinki and Bremen 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.

Bremen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.


Is Helsinki or Bremen Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Bremen

Helsinki is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Helsinki is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Helsinki or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Bremen

Helsinki and Bremen are both good 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Helsinki or Bremen Better for Students?

Helsinki
Bremen

Helsinki is notable for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.


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

Helsinki
Bremen

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Helsinki and Bremen.

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

Bremen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Is Helsinki or Bremen a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Bremen. In our opinion, Helsinki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Helsinki than Bremen. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Helsinki or Bremen?

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 Bremen offers food and shopping. 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 Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-focused 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.

Bremen 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 city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Bremen is €173. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Bremen 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Bremen 152
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Bremen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Helsinki


Hotels in Bremen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Bremen 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $69
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki Hotels to West Harbour Cruise Terminal - Deparure Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer : $69
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer Helsinki airport HEL to Helsinki by Car: $76
  • Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $79
  • Arrival Transfer from Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Minivan: $86
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port by Luxury Van: $102
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki City by Luxury Van: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 59
    Bremen 63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $118
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $203
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $274

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Bremen 34

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour : $11
  • Tove Jansson's Helsinki Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • Helsinki Essentials Walking Tour: Sights, History and Culture: $23
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $32
  • Helsinki Canal Cruise: $33
  • Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $42
  • Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio-Guided Bus Tour: $43
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki: $49
  • Helsinki Walking Tour With a Sociologist: $57

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Best of Bremen Private Walk Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bremen : Must-See Walking tour With A Guide ( Private tour ): $94
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $39
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $65
  • Bremen from above! Rooftop tour with the roof of the Kunsthalle Bremen: $19
  • 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local: $121
  • Advent magic and sparkling lights (Tour in German): $21
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Culinary Old Town Tour – with unique locations: $54
  • Historic old town tour with Geo Epoche: $29
  • Kunsthalle Bremen admission ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Bremen 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $28
  • Private pub crawl with insider-guide & free shots: $334


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Bremen, we can see that Bremen 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 Bremen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Bremen?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Bremen. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Bremen. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Helsinki is around the same temperature as Bremen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bremen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Bremen. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen 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 Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Bremen during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Bremen. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Bremen in the Winter?

Both Bremen 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bremen in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Bremen in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Bremen. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Bremen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Bremen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Bremen averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bremen. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Helsinki

Helsinki Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)