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

Should you visit Tallinn or Flam?

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

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

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Tallinn and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn. Although Tallinn and Flam are popular destinations, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Flam and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Tallinn. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

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

Flam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Tallinn has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Tallinn offers plenty to see. 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.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Flam. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Flam?

Tallinn is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for Families?

Flam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Flam is very family-friendly. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. 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.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Flam 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 Flam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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 Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tallinn or Flam Better for Students?

Tallinn is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam 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.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Tallinn can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Tallinn or Flam a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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.

Flam is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Flam 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 Flam.

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

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

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.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village 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 Flam?

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.

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flam has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint 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.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flam?

The whimsical 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 Flam. Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Flam?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Flam, 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 Flam?

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 Flam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Flam. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Flam in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Flam. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Flam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Flam. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tallinn is cooler than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam 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 Flam because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Flam can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Flam. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Flam in the Spring?

Both Flam and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Flam. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Flam and Tallinn