A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Tromso for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tallinn or Tromso?

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

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

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Tallinn and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Tromso is known for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Tromso and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Tromso is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

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

Tromso has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Tallinn has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Tallinn or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Tallinn offers plenty to see. 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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso 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 Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Tromso?

Tallinn is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tallinn or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso 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, Tromso is very family-friendly. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Tromso are both high quality 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 Tromso frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Tallinn or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Tallinn or Tromso Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Tromso are good destinations for students.

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

Tromso is popular with students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Tallinn is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Tallinn or Tromso a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Tromso?

Both Tallinn and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Tallinn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Tromso?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Tallinn or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Tallinn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Tromso?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Tromso. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Tromso. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Tromso. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Tallinn is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tromso in the Winter?

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

Tromso can be very cold during winter. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. Tallinn is cooler than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Tromso. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Tallinn