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

Should you visit Tallinn or Zadar?

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

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

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Tallinn and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tallinn than Zadar. Tallinn is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tallinn is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Tallinn is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Also, Tallinn is famous for The Old Town. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallinn is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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 Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

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

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

Zadar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

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 Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Tallinn offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Zadar is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Zadar. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Zadar?

Tallinn is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Families?

Tallinn and Zadar 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 Zadar. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Zadar 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 Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Tallinn or Zadar Better for Students?

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

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

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

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

Tallinn is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Tallinn or Zadar a more walkable city?

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

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Zadar?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Zadar, 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 Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Zadar?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

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

Tallinn is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar 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 Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar 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 Zadar this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Zadar. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. Tallinn is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Tallinn