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

Should you visit Tallinn or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Hamburg, 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 quaint, whimsical, and historical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tallinn and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Hamburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Tallinn than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Tallinn, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hamburg is known for its music. Tallinn is more touristy than Hamburg and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Both Tallinn and Hamburg offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Tallinn is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Tallinn is not a live music destination.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Tallinn is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Hamburg?

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

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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg 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, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Tallinn is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is renowned for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a very popular city to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Hamburg are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Tallinn and Hamburg.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

The public transit in Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Tallinn or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Tallinn is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Hamburg?

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

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

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

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

In Tallinn, 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 Tallinn has to offer.

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Hamburg?

Tallinn 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.

Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Hamburg?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hamburg. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Hamburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Hamburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Tallinn