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

Should you visit Tallinn or Nagano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Nagano, 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 a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Tallinn and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Nagano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Tallinn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Nagano and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Tallinn different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Tallinn. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tallinn is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Tallinn is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallinn or Nagano?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Nagano.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

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

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Nagano.

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.

Nagano is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Tallinn has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano 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 Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Nagano?

Tallinn is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano 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, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Tallinn or Nagano Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Nagano are notable destinations for students.

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

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Is Tallinn or Nagano 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, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Tallinn or Nagano a more walkable city?

Tallinn is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Nagano?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Tallinn than Nagano. 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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint 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 Nagano. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Nagano, 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. Even though Tallinn is in Europe and Nagano is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Nagano?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Nagano. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is cooler than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Nagano. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Nagano. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. Tallinn is much colder than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Tallinn