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

Should you visit Tallinn or Vilnius?

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

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

Vilnius

Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. 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 Vilnius: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Vilnius?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Tallinn than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Tallinn, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Also, Tallinn is famous for The Old Town. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Vilnius?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Both Tallinn and Vilnius offer a number of notable 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 Vilnius area. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Vilnius is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Vilnius?

Tallinn is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Tallinn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for Families?

Tallinn and Vilnius are both notable 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 Vilnius. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for Couples?

Tallinn is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Tallinn is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good 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 Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Vilnius are notable destinations for students.

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

Vilnius is popular with students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Tallinn is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Tallinn or Vilnius a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Vilnius or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Vilnius?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Vilnius. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Vilnius. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-4 days is enough time in Vilnius.

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

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Vilnius, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Vilnius?

In Tallinn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallinn has to offer.

In Vilnius, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Vilnius?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Vilnius is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Vilnius?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vilnius. 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 from Vilnius, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Vilnius?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Vilnius, 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 Vilnius?

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 Vilnius in the Summer?

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

Tallinn is around the same temperature as Vilnius in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Vilnius fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 219 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Vilnius. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Vilnius in the Autumn?

Both Vilnius 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 Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tallinn is cooler than Vilnius. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Vilnius averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vilnius during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Vilnius. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Vilnius in the Winter?

Both Vilnius 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 Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In January, Tallinn is generally around the same temperature as Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Vilnius. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 36 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in January than Vilnius. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Vilnius in the Spring?

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

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Vilnius in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Vilnius fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Tallinn