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

Should you visit Tallinn or Rotorua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Rotorua, 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. Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Tallinn travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rotorua travel costs.

Tallinn and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Rotorua, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rotorua is known for its food and hiking. Tallinn is more touristy than Rotorua and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

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

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tallinn has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Tallinn or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Tallinn offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Rotorua?

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Rotorua are both first-rate 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.

Rotorua is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua Better for Students?

Tallinn is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Tallinn or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Rotorua?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Rotorua than Tallinn. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rotorua that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

In Rotorua, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

In Tallinn, 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 Tallinn has to offer.

In Rotorua, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rotorua has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Rotorua?

Tallinn 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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Rotorua, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn than you might in Rotorua.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Rotorua?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tallinn has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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 Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

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

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotorua in the Winter?

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

Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Rotorua. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rotoruain October. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Tallinn