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

Should you visit Tallinn or Bergen?

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

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

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Both Tallinn and Bergen offer a number of good 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 Bergen area. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Tallinn or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Tallinn or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Tallinn has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Bergen?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Tallinn and Bergen.

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 Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Tallinn or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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, Bergen is very family-friendly. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Bergen are both very good to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Tallinn or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Tallinn or Bergen Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Bergen are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Bergen is popular with students. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Tallinn and Bergen.

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

The public transit in Bergen can get you to most places easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Tallinn or Bergen a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Bergen?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Bergen?

Tallinn 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.

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

Five days in Tallinn or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Bergen is a great place to explore. 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 Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the whimsical destination of Tallinn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Bergen?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tallinn is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Tallinn is generally cooler than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Bergen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Tallinn