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

Should you visit Tallinn or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Budapest, 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Tallinn and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Tallinn. Budapest is bigger than Tallinn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest 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 Budapest and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Tallinn different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Tallinn is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Budapest.

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.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Tallinn has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Budapest?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Tallinn and Budapest.

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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for Families?

Tallinn and Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Budapest are both excellent 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 Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Budapest are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tallinn is extremely popular 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.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Is Tallinn or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Tallinn or Budapest a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Budapest are terrific 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Budapest?

In either Tallinn or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Tallinn than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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.

One day in Tallinn or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Tallinn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Tallinn or Budapest?

Tallinn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallinn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest 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. 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 Budapest has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Budapest?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Budapest?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Budapest, we can see that Tallinn 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 Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Budapest. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Budapest. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Budapest. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. Tallinn is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Tallinn