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

Should you visit Heraklion or Helsinki?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Helsinki 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Heraklion travel costs.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Helsinki travel costs.

Heraklion and Helsinki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Helsinki?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Heraklion different from Helsinki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Helsinki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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.

Is Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beach. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Helsinki?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Helsinki More Beautiful?

Helsinki is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Heraklion is not a destination known for its beauty.

Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Heraklion is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Families?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Helsinki are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Helsinki Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Helsinki has some very good public transit options. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Helsinki a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Helsinki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Helsinki or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Helsinki?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Helsinki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Helsinki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Helsinki.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Helsinki?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Helsinki?

Heraklion 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the environmentally conscious destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Helsinki?

Heraklion 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the environmentally conscious city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Helsinki?

Heraklion 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 city offers something for everyone.

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Helsinki, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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.

When is the best time to visit Heraklion or Helsinki?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Helsinki in the Summer?

Both Helsinki and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Helsinki in the Autumn?

Both Helsinki and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Helsinki. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Helsinki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Helsinki. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Helsinki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Helsinki. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Heraklion is much warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Heraklion