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

Should you visit Tallinn or Kaunas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Kaunas, 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and food.

Tallinn and Kaunas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Kaunas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn. Although Tallinn and Kaunas are roughly the same size, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kaunas is known for its big city activities. Tallinn is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Kaunas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Tallinn and Kaunas 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 Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tallinn has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Kaunas?

Tallinn is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for Families?

Tallinn and Kaunas are both good destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kaunas. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for Couples?

Tallinn is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Tallinn is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Kaunas are good destinations for students.

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

Kaunas is popular with students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

Tallinn is notable for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Tallinn or Kaunas a more walkable city?

Tallinn is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Kaunas or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Kaunas?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Kaunas, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Kaunas?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Kaunas has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Kaunas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Kaunas 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 Kaunas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the whimsical destination of Tallinn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Kaunas. 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Kaunas?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Kaunas, 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 Kaunas?

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 Kaunas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Kaunas. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is around the same temperature as Kaunas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kaunas averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Kaunas. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 256 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kaunas. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kaunas in the Autumn?

Both Kaunas and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tallinn is generally cooler than Kaunas. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Kaunas fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kaunas during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Kaunas. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kaunas in the Winter?

Both Kaunas and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. Tallinn is around the same temperature as Kaunas in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Kaunas fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Kaunas. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 40 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in January than Kaunas. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kaunas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Kaunas. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Kaunas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Kaunas averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kaunas during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 175 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Kaunas. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kaunas and Tallinn