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

Should you visit Tallinn or Helsinki?

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

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

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Helsinki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Helsinki?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Tallinn, Tallinn has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tallinn is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Also, Tallinn is famous for The Old Town. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Helsinki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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

Both Tallinn and Helsinki offer a number of notable 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 Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Tallinn is revered around 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Helsinki?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tallinn and Helsinki.

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 Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki Better for Families?

Helsinki 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, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Helsinki are both high quality 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 Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki Better for Students?

Helsinki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Tallinn and Helsinki.

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

The public transit in Helsinki can get you to most places easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Tallinn or Helsinki a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Helsinki or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Helsinki?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Helsinki. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Helsinki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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.

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Helsinki?

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.

In Helsinki, 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 Helsinki has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Helsinki?

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.

Helsinki 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 Helsinki?

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 Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. 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 Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Helsinki, 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 Helsinki?

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 Helsinki in the Summer?

Both Helsinki and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is around the same temperature as Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Helsinki in the Autumn?

Both Helsinki and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallinn is a little warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Helsinki. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Helsinki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Helsinki. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tallinn is generally a little warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Helsinki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Helsinki. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during spring. Tallinn is a little warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Tallinn