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

Should you visit Tallinn or Rotterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Rotterdam, 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Tallinn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rotterdam is more popular for its big city activities, while Tallinn is known for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Tallinn different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Both Tallinn and Rotterdam offer a number of good 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 Rotterdam area. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Rotterdam.

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.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tallinn and Rotterdam.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Tallinn is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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 budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Tallinn and Rotterdam.

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

The public transit in Rotterdam can get you to most places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Tallinn or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Rotterdam is very walkable. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port 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 Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Rotterdam 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. Tallinn is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Tallinn