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

Should you visit Tallinn or Portland?

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

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

Portland

Portland is a nature-filled, scenic, and laid-back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Tallinn and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Portland. While Portland is larger than Tallinn, Tallinn has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tallinn is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Portland and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Tallinn is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tallinn. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Tallinn is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Tallinn is not a live music destination.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Portland?

Tallinn is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Families?

Tallinn and Portland 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Portland 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.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Tallinn or Portland Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Portland are nice destinations for students.

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

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Is Tallinn or Portland 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, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Tallinn or Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Portland?

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

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

The beautiful city of Tallinn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Portland?

Tallinn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallinn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Portland has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Portland?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland 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 Portland?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn is in Europe and Portland is in North America, 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 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Portland. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Portland. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Portland. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Portland. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Portland. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Tallinn