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

Should you visit Tallinn or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Bruges, 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 whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, charming, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Bruges is known for its food. Tallinn is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

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

Bruges has a huge number of terrific restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Tallinn for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Tallinn or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Bruges both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Bruges has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Bruges?

Tallinn is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tallinn. 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Tallinn or Bruges Better for Families?

Tallinn and Bruges 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 Bruges. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Tallinn or Bruges Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Bruges are both great 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 Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Tallinn or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Tallinn or Bruges Better for Students?

Tallinn is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Tallinn or Bruges a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Bruges are world-class 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 Bruges on foot is easy. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Bruges?

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

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

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

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 Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges, 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 Bruges has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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 Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Bruges?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Bruges. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Bruges. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. Tallinn is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bruges. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Tallinn