A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur, 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful 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 Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Tallinn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Tallinn different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Kuala Lumpur.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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.

Is Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur is very family-friendly. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Kuala Lumpur are both great 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 Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Tallinn. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

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

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

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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

Is Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

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

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

Tallinn is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. 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 Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn is in Europe and Kuala Lumpur is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallinn Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Tallinn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Tallinn is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Kuala Lumpur. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Kuala Lumpur. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Tallinn