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

Should you visit Ios or Tallinn?

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

Should I visit Ios or Tallinn? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a striking, touristy, and backpacker-friendly island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Tallinn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Tallinn?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Tallinn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Tallinn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Ios and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site.

How is Ios different from Tallinn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Tallinn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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

Ios is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ios has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Tallinn Better for Nightlife?

Ios 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.

Ios is a world class party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Tallinn Better for Resorts?

Ios is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Beaches?

Ios is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Tallinn has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Tallinn?

Tallinn is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Tallinn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Families?

Tallinn is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Tallinn is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Tallinn make for a very good place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Ios or Tallinn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ios and Tallinn are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

A large number of backpackers visit Tallinn, as it is a very popular island for 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 Ios or Tallinn Better for Students?

Tallinn is a popular place for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Tallinn is a good city to visit for students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Both Ios and Tallinn offer very good public transit options.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Ios or Tallinn a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallinn or Ios?

How long in Ios or Tallinn?

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

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

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

One day in Ios or Tallinn?

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the whimsical destination of Tallinn, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Tallinn?

In Ios, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Many people visit Tallinn for a weekend. With food and shopping around the charming city of Tallinn, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Tallinn?

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Tallinn offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ios or Tallinn?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Tallinn, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Tallinn, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Tallinn?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.