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

Should you visit Tallinn or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Ljubljana, 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 whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a historic, charming, and under-rated capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Ljubljana?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Tallinn. While Tallinn is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its big city activities, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Tallinn different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Both Tallinn and Ljubljana offer a number of nice 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 Ljubljana area. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Tallinn has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its 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.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Ljubljana?

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

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 Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Tallinn offers lots of family activities. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

Tallinn is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Ljubljana is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Ljubljana are nice destinations for students.

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

Ljubljana is popular with students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Tallinn is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

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

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Tallinn or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Tallinn is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its high level of walkability.

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

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallinn and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tallinn than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Ljubljana?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Ljubljana. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Ljubljana. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Tallinn