A Travel Price Comparison for Estonia Tallinn vs. Saaremaa for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Tallinn or Saaremaa?

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

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

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a calm, peaceful, and relaxed island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Tallinn and Saaremaa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Saaremaa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn. Although Tallinn and Saaremaa are both popular with visitors, Tallinn has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saaremaa is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Saaremaa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Saaremaa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Tallinn for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for its Old Town?

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

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Saaremaa?

Tallinn is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for Families?

Tallinn and Saaremaa are both good 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 Saaremaa. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Saaremaa is a good city to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa Better for Students?

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Tallinn or Saaremaa a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable city. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Saaremaa or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Saaremaa?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Saaremaa. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Saaremaa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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.

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island 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 Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa 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 10-Day Tours in Estonia, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Estonia.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Saaremaa, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Saaremaa?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Saaremaa. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Saaremaa during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Saaremaa. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Saaremaa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tallinn is generally cooler than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Saaremaa. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 101 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tallinn or Saaremaa in the Winter?

Both Saaremaa and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for the cuisine.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. Tallinn is much colder than Saaremaa in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Saaremaa during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Saaremaa. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Saaremaa in the Spring?

Both Saaremaa and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Tallinn is a little warmer than Saaremaa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 4°C (38°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saaremaa. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in April than Saaremaa. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Tallinn