A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Lagos for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Tallinn or Lagos?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Lagos, 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Tallinn and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Tallinn and Lagos are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is famous for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Lagos is famous for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade.

How is Tallinn different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Lagos.

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.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Lagos?

Tallinn is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Lagos are both world-class 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.

Lagos is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Tallinn or Lagos Better for Students?

Tallinn is a good destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Tallinn or Lagos a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Lagos?

In either Tallinn or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

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

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort 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 Lagos?

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.

In Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical 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 Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Lagos?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Lagos. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tallinn is much colder than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lagos. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Lagos. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Tallinn usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lagos. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Tallinn