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

Should you visit Tallinn or Salzburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Salzburg, 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 historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tallinn and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Salzburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Tallinn. While Tallinn is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its food, music, and shopping, while Tallinn is known for its nightlife. Tallinn is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

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

Salzburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tallinn offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Tallinn or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Tallinn is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Salzburg. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Tallinn is not a live music destination.

Is Tallinn or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Salzburg both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Salzburg?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Tallinn or Salzburg Better for Families?

Salzburg 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, Salzburg is very family-friendly. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is terrific for backpackers. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a very popular city to visit 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.

Salzburg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Is Tallinn or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Salzburg is a great destination for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Tallinn and Salzburg.

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

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Tallinn or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Tallinn is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Salzburg?

In either Tallinn or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

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

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

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 Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

A weekend in Tallinn or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or Salzburg?

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.

Salzburg 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 Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Salzburg?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tallinn or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Salzburg. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the summer, Tallinn is cooler than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. Tallinn is much colder than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Salzburg. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Tallinn