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

Should you visit Tallinn or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Kotor, 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. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Tallinn and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Tallinn and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Tallinn is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Tallinn different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Tallinn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Kotor both have terrific 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.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Kotor?

Tallinn is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Tallinn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Families?

Tallinn and Kotor are both nice 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Kotor are both excellent 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 Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tallinn is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Tallinn or Kotor Better for Students?

Tallinn is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Tallinn or Kotor a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Kotor are terrific when it comes to walkability.

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.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Kotor. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Kotor. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than Kotor 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 Kotor?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Kotor?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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.

A week in Tallinn or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Kotor?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Tallinn is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Kotor. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kotor in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Kotor. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Tallinn