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

Should you visit Tallinn or Porto?

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

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

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Tallinn. While Tallinn is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Porto and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Tallinn different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Porto.

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.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Tallinn or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Porto?

Tallinn is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Tallinn or Porto Better for Families?

Porto 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, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Porto are both excellent 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 Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Tallinn or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Porto are both terrific 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.

Porto is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Is Tallinn or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Tallinn and Porto.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Is Tallinn or Porto a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Porto is a very walkable city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Porto?

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

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

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

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

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port 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 Porto?

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.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Porto?

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.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint 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 Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Porto?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Porto. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Porto. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Porto. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Tallinn is much colder than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Porto. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Porto. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Porto. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Tallinn