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

Should you visit Tallinn or Wellington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Wellington, 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 charming, quaint, and whimsical 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Tallinn and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Wellington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wellington than Tallinn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wellington is better known for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Tallinn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Wellington and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Also, Wellington is famous for Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

How is Tallinn different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Tallinn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

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

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Wellington.

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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a very popular place for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Wellington has hiking trails worth exploring. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Wellington?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Tallinn and Wellington.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tallinn is extremely popular 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Tallinn or Wellington Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and Wellington are notable destinations for students.

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

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Tallinn and Wellington.

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

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Tallinn or Wellington a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallinn and Wellington. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tallinn than in Wellington. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Wellington.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Tallinn, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Tallinn, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Wellington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Wellington?

Tallinn, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Wellington?

Tallinn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington is in Pacific, 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 Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Wellington?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tallinn has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tallinn or Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tallinn is around the same temperature as Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Wellington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin April. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Wellington. The winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Wellington. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. Tallinn is much colder than Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wellingtonin October. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Tallinn