A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Oxford for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tallinn or Oxford?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tallinn is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Both Tallinn and Oxford 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 Oxford area. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Oxford.

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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Tallinn has a world-famous historical 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Oxford?

Tallinn is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for Families?

Tallinn and Oxford 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Oxford are both superb 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 Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Tallinn or Oxford Better for Students?

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

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

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

Tallinn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Tallinn or Oxford a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable city. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Oxford?

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

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

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.

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town 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 Oxford?

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.

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

Five days in Tallinn or Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a great place to explore. 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Oxford?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In July, Tallinn is generally around the same temperature as Oxford. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Oxford. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Oxford. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than Oxford. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Oxford. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Oxford during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Oxford. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Oxford. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Oxford. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Tallinn