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

Should you visit Tallinn or Bilbao?

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

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

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Tallinn and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Tallinn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Tallinn different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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

Tallinn is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tallinn. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Bilbao.

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.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Tallinn offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Bilbao?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tallinn and Bilbao.

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 Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for Families?

Tallinn and Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Tallinn is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Bilbao are notable destinations for students.

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

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Tallinn and Bilbao.

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

The public transit in Bilbao can get you to most places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Tallinn or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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 Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao, you'll find nightlife 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 Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao 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 Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Bilbao?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Tallinn