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

Should you visit Tallinn or Tulum?

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

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

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tulum travel costs.

Tallinn and Tulum: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Tulum?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tallinn and Tulum are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is famous for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Tulum is famous for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins.

How is Tallinn different from Tulum?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tulum are world-renowned. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallinn. 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.

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

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

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tulum is a world class party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is terrific for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Tallinn has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Tulum?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tallinn and Tulum.

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 Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Tallinn or Tulum More Beautiful?

Tallinn is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and 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.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Families?

Tulum 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, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum Better for Couples?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is terrific for backpackers. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Is Tallinn or Tulum Better for Students?

Tallinn is a city with good options for students. However, Tulum 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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Tallinn can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tallinn or Tulum a more walkable city?

Tallinn is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Tulum is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Tulum or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Tulum?

In either Tallinn or Tulum, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tulum.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Tallinn. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than Tulum 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 Tulum?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical 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 Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or Tulum?

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.

Tulum is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Tulum?

You'll find food and shopping around the whimsical 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 Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Tulum, 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. Even though Tallinn is in Europe and Tulum is in North America, 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 Tulum Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Tulum?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and Tulum, 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Tulum. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Tulum. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. Tallinn usually gets less rain in July than Tulum. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tulum in the Autumn?

Both Tulum and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Tulum. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tulum in the Winter?

Both Tulum and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Tulum. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Tulum in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Tulum. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Tulum. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Tulum and Tallinn