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

Should you visit Tallinn or Shanghai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Shanghai, 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty 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 Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Shanghai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Tallinn. Shanghai is bigger than Tallinn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund.

How is Tallinn different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Shanghai are world-renowned. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Shanghai 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, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Tallinn has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Tallinn or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Tallinn is revered around the world. 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Shanghai?

Shanghai 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, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai 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, Shanghai is very family-friendly. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Tallinn. 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 and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Tallinn or Shanghai Better for Students?

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

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

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

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

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

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Tallinn or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Shanghai?

In either Tallinn or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Because Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. 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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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. Even though Tallinn is in Europe and Shanghai is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Shanghai. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is much colder than Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Shanghai. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Tallinn