A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. York for Food, Old Town, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallinn or York?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or York, 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and York: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or York?

Both York and Tallinn have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Tallinn is very popular for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York attracts visitors for its food. Tallinn is more touristy than York and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is Tallinn different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is Tallinn or York Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and York both have fantastic 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.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or York?

Tallinn is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tallinn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is Tallinn or York Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York Better for Couples?

Tallinn and York are both very good 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 York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is Tallinn or York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tallinn is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is Tallinn or York Better for Students?

Tallinn is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Tallinn is a good city to visit for students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

York is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Tallinn or York a more walkable city?

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in York or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or York?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 York?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In York, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or York?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the whimsical destination of Tallinn. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

York 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 York?

The charming city of Tallinn offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or York?

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

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 York in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as York. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tallinn is generally around the same temperature as York. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than York. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than York. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or York in the Autumn?

Both York and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 York because of the shopping scene.

Tallinn is much colder than York in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than York during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than York. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or York in the Winter?

Both York and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 York this time of year.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than York. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and York averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than York. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 61 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than York. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or York in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and York. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than York. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than York during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than York. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for York and Tallinn