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

Should you visit Helsinki or Tulum?

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 Tulum 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 nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. You'll find world class beauty in Helsinki as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Helsinki travel costs.

Tulum

Tulum is a archeological, tropical, and active town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Helsinki and Tulum: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Tulum?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Helsinki and Tulum are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Tulum is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Tulum?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tulum are world-renowned. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Tulum both to be great destinations.

Helsinki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Tulum is an experience not to be missed. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tulum is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Beaches?

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

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Tulum?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Tulum.

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 Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Helsinki or Tulum More Beautiful?

Helsinki is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Tulum are great 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.

Tulum is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Helsinki or Tulum Better for Couples?

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

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum 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 Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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 Tulum Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Helsinki or Tulum a more walkable city?

Tulum 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.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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 Tulum Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tulum or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Tulum?

In either Helsinki or Tulum, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tulum.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Tulum?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal 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.

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. 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 Tulum?

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.

Tulum 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.

Five days in Helsinki or Tulum?

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.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the nature-focused 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.

Tulum 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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Tulum, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Tulum is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Tulum?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Tulum, 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Tulum. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In July, Helsinki is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Tulum. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Tulum. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tulum in the Autumn?

Both Tulum and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is much colder than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Tulum. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tulum in the Winter?

Both Tulum and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Helsinki or Tulum in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Tulum. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tulum. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Tulum and Helsinki