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

Should you visit Tallinn or Cambridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Cambridge, 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 charming, quaint, and whimsical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a beautiful, collegiate, and scholarly university town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Cambridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Cambridge. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tallinn is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Cambridge and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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

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

Cambridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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 Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Tallinn has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Cambridge?

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

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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge Better for Families?

Tallinn and Cambridge are both nice 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 Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Cambridge 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 Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge Better for Students?

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

Cambridge is a great destination for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

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

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

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Tallinn or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Cambridge 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 Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, you'll find nightlife and food. This university town 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 Cambridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Cambridge, 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 Cambridge has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge 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 Cambridge?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. 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 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Cambridge?

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