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

Should you visit Tallinn or Oslo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Oslo, 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 in Tallinn as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Tallinn travel costs.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife. See Oslo travel costs.

Tallinn and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Tallinn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its big city activities, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also well known for The Royal Palace.

How is Tallinn different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Both Tallinn and Oslo offer a number of nice 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 Oslo area. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Tallinn or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Tallinn has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Tallinn or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Oslo?

Tallinn is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Tallinn or Oslo More Beautiful?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Tallinn as well. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallinn or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo 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.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

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

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Tallinn or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Tallinn or Oslo Better for Students?

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

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

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

Oslo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Oslo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Tallinn or Oslo a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Oslo 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.

Oslo is a very walkable city. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Oslo?

In either Tallinn or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Oslo?

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.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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.

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Oslo?

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 Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Oslo. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In July, Tallinn is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Oslo. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tallinn is around the same temperature as Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Oslo. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tallinn or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Oslo. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally cooler than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Oslo. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Tallinn