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

Should you visit Tallinn or Faro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Faro, 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Tallinn and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn. Although Tallinn and Faro are popular destinations, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Tallinn is more touristy than Faro and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Faro.

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.

Faro is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Resorts?

Faro is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Beaches?

Faro is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Faro?

Tallinn is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Families?

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Tallinn offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Couples?

Tallinn is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Tallinn is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town 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.

Faro is a good city to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Tallinn or Faro Better for Students?

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Tallinn or Faro 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, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Tallinn or Faro a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Faro?

In either Tallinn or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Faro 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 Faro.

Families should spend more time in Tallinn than Faro. 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 Faro. 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 Faro 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 Faro?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Faro, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town 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 Faro?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Faro, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Faro?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the whimsical destination of Tallinn. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Faro?

The quaint city of Tallinn offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Faro?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Faro. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Faro. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Faro. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Faro. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.

Tallinn is much colder than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Faro. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Faro. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Faro. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Faro. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Faro. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Faro. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Faro and Tallinn