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

Should you visit Tallinn or Albufeira?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Albufeira, 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a quaint, whimsical, and historical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a party hard, vibrant, and touristy resort town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Tallinn and Albufeira: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Albufeira?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albufeira than Tallinn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albufeira is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is well known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Albufeira is well known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Also, Albufeira is famous for Praia da Falesia.

How is Tallinn different from Albufeira?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Albufeira has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

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 Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira 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.

Albufeira is a world class party destination. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

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 Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Albufeira offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Albufeira to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Albufeira are among the best in the world. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Tallinn is revered around the world. 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.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Hiking?

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

Albufeira has hiking trails worth exploring. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Albufeira?

Tallinn is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options 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.

Albufeira has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Families?

Tallinn and Albufeira are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Couples?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Albufeira has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Albufeira are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tallinn is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Albufeira is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira Better for Students?

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

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

Albufeira is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is a great destination for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Tallinn or Albufeira a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

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

Should I spend more time in Albufeira or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Albufeira?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Albufeira?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Albufeira, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or Albufeira?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Albufeira, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or Albufeira?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Albufeira is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albufeira has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Albufeira?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albufeira. In Albufeira, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira 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 Tallinn Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Albufeira?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Albufeira, 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 Tallinn or Albufeira?

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 Tallinn or Albufeira in the Summer?

Both Albufeira and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tallinn is much colder than Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Albufeira in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Albufeira. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Albufeira. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Albufeira in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Albufeira. The winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Albufeira. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Albufeira in the Spring?

Both Albufeira and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. Tallinn is much colder than Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Albufeira. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Tallinn