A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Sydney for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Sydney?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Sydney, 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 calm, peaceful, and relaxed 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, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sydney travel costs.

Saaremaa and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Saaremaa and Sydney are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its small town charm. Sydney is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney 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, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Sydney can be difficult as they are each superb 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, Sydney makes for a great culinary experience. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Saaremaa or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saaremaa or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. 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.

Is Saaremaa or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney is great for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Sydney?

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

Many people travel to Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Sydney More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Saaremaa and Sydney.

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

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Saaremaa or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

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

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

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

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney is top-notch. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Sydney?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Saaremaa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sydney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Sydney. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Saaremaa is cooler than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin January. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Sydneyin January. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin July. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Sydney. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Saaremaa