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

Should you visit Tallinn or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Zagreb, 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 quaint, whimsical, and historical city. The famous beauty of Tallinn is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tallinn travel costs.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Zagreb travel costs.

Tallinn and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Tallinn. Zagreb is bigger than Tallinn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its food and big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Tallinn different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Zagreb. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

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

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

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 Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Zagreb is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Zagreb?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tallinn and Zagreb.

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 Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb More Beautiful?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Tallinn is one of the main draws. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb Better for Families?

Tallinn and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Zagreb is a great city to visit as a student. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Tallinn and Zagreb.

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

The public transit in Zagreb can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Tallinn or Zagreb a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Tallinn on foot is easy. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Zagreb?

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

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

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.

In Zagreb, 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.

A weekend in Tallinn or Zagreb?

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.

In Zagreb, 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 Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Zagreb, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn than you might in Zagreb.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallinn Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Tallinn