A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Istanbul for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallinn or Istanbul?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Istanbul, 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 historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Istanbul?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Tallinn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is famous for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque.

How is Tallinn different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Istanbul are world-renowned. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Istanbul is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Is Tallinn or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Istanbul both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Istanbul?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Tallinn and Istanbul.

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 Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Is Tallinn or Istanbul Better for Families?

Istanbul 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, Istanbul is very family-friendly. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Istanbul are both superb 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 Istanbul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Is Tallinn or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Istanbul are both amazing destinations 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.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

Is Tallinn or Istanbul Better for Students?

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

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Istanbul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Tallinn or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Istanbul is a very walkable city. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Istanbul?

Both Tallinn and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Tallinn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

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

Couples should spend more time in Istanbul than Tallinn. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Istanbul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Tallinn 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 Istanbul.

One day in Tallinn or Istanbul?

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.

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Tallinn or Istanbul?

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.

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or Istanbul?

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.

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?

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 Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Istanbul. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Istanbul. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Tallinn