A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Basel for Old Town, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tallinn or Basel?

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

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

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tallinn than Basel. Tallinn is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tallinn is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Also, Tallinn is famous for The Old Town. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Basel.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Both Tallinn and Basel offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Tallinn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Basel area. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Tallinn has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Basel?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Tallinn and Basel.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. 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.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for Couples?

Tallinn is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Tallinn. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Tallinn or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Tallinn and Basel.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Tallinn or Basel a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Basel are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Basel?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than Basel 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 Basel?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this whimsical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Tallinn or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Basel?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Tallinn or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Basel?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Basel. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

Tallinn is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Basel. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Basel during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Tallinn or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Basel. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Basel. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. Tallinn is much colder than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Basel. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Tallinn