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

Should you visit Saaremaa or London?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or London, 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. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See London travel costs.

Saaremaa and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although Saaremaa and London are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. London is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

Big Ben

How is Saaremaa different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between London 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 London?

London is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Saaremaa is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Saaremaa is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and London can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Nightlife?

London is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beach. However, London 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or London?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or London More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Saaremaa and London.

With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Families?

London is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

London is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Saaremaa or London Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

London is a great destination for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or London?

Both Saaremaa and London have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in Saaremaa or London?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

London is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or London?

Saaremaa 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.

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. 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.

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or London?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and London, 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 London?

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 Saaremaa or London in the Summer?

Both London and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is around the same temperature as London in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than London. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or London in the Autumn?

Both London and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is cooler than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and London averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as London. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in October than London. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and London. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than London. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than London during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than London. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as London. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than London in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than London. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than London. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Saaremaa