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

Should you visit Tallinn or Beijing?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Beijing, 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Beijing?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Tallinn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Tallinn is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City.

How is Tallinn different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallinn. 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.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Beijing.

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Beijing is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Tallinn or Beijing Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Tallinn offers plenty to see. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Beijing?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tallinn and Beijing.

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 Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Tallinn or Beijing Better for Families?

Tallinn and Beijing are both good 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 Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Tallinn or Beijing Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Tallinn or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a very popular city to visit 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Tallinn or Beijing Better for Students?

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

Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Tallinn and Beijing.

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

The public transit in Beijing can get you to most places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Tallinn or Beijing a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Beijing?

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

Couples should spend more time in Tallinn than Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing?

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Beijing?

In Tallinn, 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 Tallinn has to offer.

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Beijing?

Tallinn 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.

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Beijing?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Beijing?

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

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 Beijing in the Summer?

Both Beijing and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Beijing. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Beijing. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Beijing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Beijing. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Beijing. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Tallinn