A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Tallinn for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Tallinn?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Tallinn. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Tallinn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Tallinn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Tallinn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Tallinn is known for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Athens and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Tallinn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Tallinn?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallinn. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Tallinn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Athens and Tallinn.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Tallinn?

Tallinn is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Couples?

Tallinn is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Tallinn is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Tallinn are world-class places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Tallinn is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Is Athens or Tallinn Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens and Tallinn both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Athens or Tallinn a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Tallinn is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Tallinn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tallinn or Athens?

How long in Athens or Tallinn?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Tallinn. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Tallinn.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Tallinn 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Tallinn?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Tallinn?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Tallinn 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.

Five days in Athens or Tallinn?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Athens or Tallinn?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Tallinn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Tallinn, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Tallinn?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Tallinn, 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 Athens or Tallinn?

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 Athens or Tallinn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Tallinn. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Tallinn. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Tallinn fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Tallinn during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Tallinn receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Tallinn. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Tallinn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Tallinn. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Tallinn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Tallinn fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Tallinn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallinn receives 92 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Tallinn. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Tallinn in the Winter?

Both Tallinn and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Tallinn averages at about -5°C (22°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Tallinn during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tallinn receives 25 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallinn. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Tallinn in the Spring?

Both Tallinn and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Tallinn. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Tallinn fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Tallinn. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallinn receives 186 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Tallinn. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tallinn and Athens