Choosing between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki for your next vacation can be challenging, as both cities offer unique experiences and attractions. Here’s a comparison based on various parameters, rated on a scale of 1 to 10, to help you decide.
1. General Cost of Travel
Saint Petersburg: 8
Saint Petersburg offers relatively affordable accommodations, dining, and transportation options. It’s a budget-friendly destination compared to many Western European cities.
Helsinki: 6
Helsinki is more expensive, with higher costs for accommodations, dining, and transportation. However, you can find budget options if you plan accordingly.
2. Safety
Saint Petersburg: 8
Saint Petersburg is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, petty crime can occur. Staying cautious and aware of your surroundings is advisable.
Helsinki: 9
Helsinki is known for its safety, with low crime rates and a very tourist-friendly environment.
3. How Easy to Get To?
Saint Petersburg: 7
Saint Petersburg has an international airport and is well-connected by train and bus to other major cities in Russia and Europe. The visa process can be a bit complex for some travelers.
Helsinki: 9
Helsinki is easily accessible with its international airport, major ferry connections, and efficient railway system. The city is well-connected to other European destinations.
4. Must-See Spots and Cultural Life
Saint Petersburg: 9
Saint Petersburg boasts cultural landmarks like the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and the Mariinsky Theatre. The city’s cultural life is vibrant and diverse.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki offers attractions like the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Cathedral, and numerous design museums. The cultural scene is modern and innovative.
5. Eating and Drinking
Saint Petersburg: 9
The city offers a mix of traditional Russian cuisine and international dining options. There are many affordable and high-quality restaurants and cafes.
Helsinki: 7
Helsinki’s food scene is known for its Nordic cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Dining can be pricey, but the quality is generally high.
6. Accommodation
Saint Petersburg: 8
Saint Petersburg has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Quality and service are generally good.
Helsinki: 7
Helsinki offers various accommodation options, though they tend to be on the pricier side. The quality is consistently high.
7. Unique Experiences
Saint Petersburg: 9
Unique experiences in Saint Petersburg include the White Nights Festival, canal cruises, and exploring imperial palaces and gardens.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki offers unique experiences like saunas, archipelago cruises, and design district tours. The city’s blend of nature and urban life is distinctive.
8. Museums
Saint Petersburg: 10
Saint Petersburg is home to world-class museums like the Hermitage and the Russian Museum. The city’s rich history and art collections are unparalleled.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki has excellent museums, including the National Museum of Finland and the Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum. The focus on design and modern art is notable.
9. History and Architecture
Saint Petersburg: 10
The city’s history and architecture are rich and varied, with influences from the Russian Empire and European styles. Iconic sites include the Winter Palace and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
Helsinki: 7
Helsinki’s architecture is a mix of neoclassical and modern styles. Notable buildings include the Helsinki Cathedral and Finlandia Hall.
10. Nature and City Surroundings
Saint Petersburg: 8
Saint Petersburg has beautiful parks and gardens, and the nearby countryside offers picturesque landscapes. However, nature is less integrated into the urban environment.
Helsinki: 8.5
Helsinki is surrounded by nature, with numerous parks, forests, and waterways. The nearby archipelago offers stunning natural escapes.
11. How Well Locals Speak English?
Saint Petersburg: 6
English proficiency in Saint Petersburg is improving, especially among younger generations and in tourist areas. However, it can still be challenging in some places.
Helsinki: 9
English is widely spoken in Helsinki, making it easy for tourists to communicate and navigate the city.
12. Overtourism Score
Saint Petersburg: 6
Saint Petersburg can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially around major attractions. However, it’s less overwhelming compared to some Western European cities.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki experiences less overtourism, offering a more relaxed and uncrowded experience even during peak seasons.
13. Weather and Travel Seasons
Saint Petersburg: 6
Saint Petersburg has long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The best time to visit is during the White Nights in late spring and early summer.
Helsinki: 6.5
Helsinki has a similar climate to Saint Petersburg but is slightly milder. Summer is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and long daylight hours.
14. Public Transportation and Accessibility
Saint Petersburg: 8
The city has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams. Accessibility is improving but can still be challenging in some areas.
Helsinki: 9
Helsinki boasts an efficient and well-connected public transportation system. The city is highly accessible, with many facilities designed for people with disabilities.
15. Length of Stay
Saint Petersburg: 8.5
A stay of 5-7 days in Saint Petersburg is ideal to explore the main attractions and soak in the city’s rich culture and history.
Helsinki: 7
Helsinki can be thoroughly enjoyed in 3-5 days, allowing time to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings.
16. Atmosphere and Vibe
Saint Petersburg: 9
The city’s atmosphere is grand and historic, with a touch of imperial elegance. It’s lively and culturally rich, offering a unique blend of old and new.
Helsinki: 7
Helsinki has a modern and relaxed vibe, with a focus on design, nature, and innovation. The city is clean, welcoming, and offers a laid-back atmosphere.
17. Traveling with Children
Saint Petersburg: 7
Saint Petersburg has several family-friendly attractions, including parks, museums, and theatres. However, navigating the city with young children can be challenging due to the crowds and public transport.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki is very family-friendly, with numerous parks, playgrounds, and child-friendly museums. The city’s accessibility and safety make it easy to travel with children.
18. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Saint Petersburg: 8
Wi-Fi is widely available in Saint Petersburg, with many public places and accommodations offering free internet access.
Helsinki: 9
Helsinki has excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, with free internet available in many public areas, cafes, and hotels.
19. Local Hospitality
Saint Petersburg: 7
Locals in Saint Petersburg are generally friendly and helpful, though language barriers can sometimes pose challenges.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki’s residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality. English proficiency makes interactions smoother and more welcoming.
20. Events and Festivals
Saint Petersburg: 9
The city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the White Nights Festival, ballet performances, and classical music concerts.
Helsinki: 8
Helsinki has a vibrant events calendar, with music festivals, design weeks, and seasonal celebrations. The city’s event scene is diverse and lively.
Overall Ratings and Final Score
Saint Petersburg: 80.7
Helsinki: 78.5
Conclusion
Both Saint Petersburg and Helsinki offer unique experiences and attractions, making them excellent travel destinations. Saint Petersburg shines with its rich history, grand architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, while Helsinki impresses with its modern vibe, natural surroundings, and safety. Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal preferences and the kind of experiences you seek. Both cities promise memorable and enriching vacations.