Should you visit Germany or Estonia?
Germany and Estonia are two very different countries. Germany is much larger than Estonia, and it's also more expensive. Each country has interesting places to visit, but consider what you're looking for in a vacation, as well as the amount of time you have before you choose where to go.
Germany is a large country with diverse landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, and charming towns. Despite its large size, it is a very efficient country to visit. Trains and buses are reliable and run like clockwork. The cities are very clean and modern and the facilities are comfortable. If you hope to explore Germany in great depth, it's worth having more time. There are so many places worth visiting, even with the efficient transportation, you'll need a lot to time to really soak up the country.
Estonia is in the Baltics, which is a fascinating and affordable part of Europe to visit. The top tourist destination is Tallinn, which is a beautiful place to visit. It's a charming city with a unique history and an impressive and well-preserved old town. The area around the hill of Toompea is covered with cobblestoned streets and charming medieval houses and the lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill. This area is surrounded by a city wall and there are several nice parks outside the wall. Tallinn has many churches and historical sights that you can visit, as well as budget restaurants and a relatively vibrant nightlife scene.
Saaremaa is another popular destination in Estonia. It's the largest Estonian island and it has a rural and "frozen in time" kind of feel. The capital of the island is Kuressaare and there are several charming villages spread throughout. The villages are known for their stone fences, houses with thatched roofs, and windmills.
Which country is cheaper, Estonia or Germany?
Should I visit Germany or Estonia? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Estonia can cost you about €714 (per person), while a week in Germany may cost you around €1,061. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Estonia or Germany can really add to your travel budget.
Accommodation is often cheaper in Estonia compared to Germany (€42 vs. €75). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Compare hotel prices here: Germany Hotel Prices and Estonia Hotel Prices.
Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Estonia and Germany to find the cheapest accommodation here: Estonia hostels and Germany hostels.
When comparing food in Germany vs. Estonia they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Germany (€40) are often cheaper than Estonia (€33).
When is the best time to visit Germany and Estonia?
Hanover
Germany is a beautiful country to visit year around, but temperatures are most comfortable and crowds less intense during the spring and fall seasons. These shoulder seasons are good options if you don't want to pay peak prices and wish to avoid the heaviest crowds. If you do plan to visit during the summer months, Germany has several destinations that have slightly cooler climates that might be more pleasant.
Winter is also a beautiful time to visit Germany. In general, prices tend to be a bit cheaper during this season, but great off season discounts have become harder to find. Even during the coldest winter months, many hotels have become popular with business travelers or tour groups, which drives the prices up. Deals on airline tickets can still be found during these low times. The holiday season around Christmas can also be a more expensive time to visit as vacationers head to the area.
Estonia is best visited during the warmer months from late spring through summer. This is when the weather is most pleasant and it's a nice time to be outside. The summers are short though, with temperatures starting to cool off as early as the beginning of September. Fall can be a beautiful time of year but expect colder temperatures. Snow can fall as early as mid November and as winter progresses it can become quite frigid. Many tourist facilities close in the fall months and don't reopen again until April or sometimes May.
Why is Germany more expensive than Estonia?
Germany is all around a more expensive country to visit than Estonia. It has a higher cost of living which makes accommodation, food, and entertainment all more expensive. Germany is also a significantly larger country, so transportation costs can be significantly higher.
Estonia has a much lower cost of living than Germany, and this helps to keep costs affordable for visitors. Estonia also does not use the euro, so the exchange rate often comes out in the travelers favor. You can expect to pay a fraction of the cost in Estonia for meals, accommodation, and transportation compared to what you might pay in Germany.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Germany and Estonia?
Tallinn
In Germany, cities like Berlin can be a bit more expensive than the countryside. In some cases though, there may only be one hostel and a few small hotels in a town. This lack of competition may drive prices up and limit your options, particular for budget travelers.
Tallinn is probably the most expensive part of Estonia to visit. It is the most popular destination in the country and prices generally reflect that. That being said, you might be caught off guard in some smaller towns and villages, because there is limited accommodation and the places that are available may not be budget friendly. During the low season the availability is even less, so you may find yourself paying more than you would in the larger cities. Saaremaa can also be a bit more expensive than you expect if you decide to hire a rental car. Even so, Estonia is much cheaper when compared to Germany.
How you can save money when visiting Germany and Estonia?
Germany is a large country, so transportation costs can be high. If you travel to less cities you'll keep your costs in check and be able to explore the places you do visit in more depth.
Germany has a variety of affordable food options. There are often food stands where you can buy bratwurst or other local favorites for a fraction of the price of eating in a sit down restaurant.
There is no shortage of accommodation options in both Germany and Estonia. There are a wide variety of hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, so you should have no trouble finding an affordable place to stay, particularly if you book well in advance.
Eat at local eateries, particularly near universities. Restaurants that cater to students are usually quite cheap and fast. They offer a local flavor for a fraction of the price you would pay in more touristy areas.
Buy locally. Whether you're renting a car or looking for accommodation, find a locally owned place. The prices are usually better and then your money stays in the local economy.
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.
