A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Hamburg for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Hamburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saaremaa and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg. Although Saaremaa and Hamburg are popular destinations, Hamburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Hamburg is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saaremaa is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Saaremaa is an experience not to be missed. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its music scene. However, Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Hamburg is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Saaremaa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Hamburg are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Hamburg is a good island to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Students?

Hamburg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Hamburg is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Hamburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Saaremaa 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 Hamburg.

One day in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The port city of Hamburg offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saaremaa has to offer.

Hamburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hamburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. 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.

Hamburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

A week in Saaremaa or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Hamburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Hamburg, 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 Saaremaa or Hamburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Hamburg. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is cooler than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Hamburg. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Saaremaa