Tucked away at the top of continental Europe, Tallinn and Riga are the plucky, booming capitals of two of the eurozone’s newest nations (Estonia and Latvia, respectively) — both already firmly on the radar of savvy European travelers, but still murky Soviet-laden mysteries to most Americans.

Separated by less than 200 miles and sharing centuries of similar history, Riga and Tallinn look undeniably similar on paper — but in reality, these Baltic beauties are markedly different. Storybook-pretty Tallinn has for years had the economic and entrepreneurial upper hand, thanks in part to Estonia’s strong ties to its rich northern neighbor Finland.

Meanwhile much larger Riga is the more lively and cosmopolitan of the two, and is blessed with the planet’s most glorious array of Art Nouveau architecture.

What the cities do share is oodles of Old Town charm; a northern-tempered populace that’s friendly but rather reserved; a half century of former Soviet dominance that left its mark and a sizable Russian community; a post-Soviet reputation for affordability that’s pulled in throngs of boozy Brits; and surprisingly rich, distinct and ever-evolving cultural and dining scenes that are now drawing sophisticated global attention and travelers.

Of course given their 50-minute-flight proximity to each other, you should drop in on both Riga and Tallinn. But if you only have time for one, or you’re deciding how to best split your time between them, which one’s more for you?

Claims to fame

Tallinn: Picture-perfect Old Town; birthplace of Skype; capital of the world’s only country to offer e-residency.

Riga: Most Art Nouveau architecture of any world city; birthplace of Mikhail Baryshnikov and Sergei Eisenstein; hosted continent-wide LGBT event EuroPride in June.

Quick history

Both: Founded in the 13th century; ruled by streams of Germans, Danes, Swedes and Russians until independence in 1918; half a century of Nazi and Soviet overlordship starting in 1940, followed by second independence in 1991.

Getting around

Both: Old The Old Towns are highly walkable; 1-day public transport passes are roughly $5.50 in each.

Must-see sights

Tallinn: Stroll the unbelievably adorable Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site; climb Toompea Hill for its spectacular city views; check out the massive family-friendly maritime museum Seaplane Harbour.

Riga: Walk down Alberta iela, the city’s most beautiful Art Nouveau street; blend and buy with locals at the big and bustling Riga Central Market; climb to the top of historic St. Peter’s Church for a fantastic view of the surrounding Old Town.

Best museums

Tallinn: Kumu, the Baltics’ largest art museum, showcases the best of Estonian art since the 18th century; Kiek in de Kök traces Tallinn’s history since its founding in 1219.

Riga: The Occupation Museum of Latvia surveys the country’s centuries of tough treatment under streams of empires; the Art Nouveau Museum presents the restored Jugendstil interior of an architect’s home circa 1903.

Best Soviet nostalgia

Tallinn: As Tallinn’s first Soviet-era hotel for foreigners, the Viru was fertile ground for KGB snoopery; that legacy’s now preserved in the small but interesting top floor KGB Museum, which comes with great guides and terrific city views.

Riga: Recently opened to the public, the big and ominous KGB Corner House was, as the Soviet spy organization’s Latvian nerve center, the grim site of thousands of interrogations and hundreds of executions.

Hipster neighborhood

Tallinn: Once home to fishermen and factory workers, the seaside Kalamaja district and its colorful wooden houses are now filled with young creative types.

Riga: Literally “Peace Street,” Miera iela used to be known mostly for its cemeteries, but it’s now the active hub of the city’s arty and start-up class.

Hotels

Tallinn: For small hotel luxury in a medieval setting, the Old Town’s Schlössle Hotel (from $240) is unmatched; equally medieval but more central and affordable is the boutique-y Merchant’s House Hotel (from $150).

Riga: Built as the Central Bank of Latvia in 1877, the Grand Palace Hotel (from $250) now offers the country’s finest accommodations; easier on the wallet is the charming and well-situated Old City Boutique Hotel (from $110), formerly a 17th century warehouse.

Dining

Tallinn: Strong and diverse scene excelling in quirky takes on traditional Baltic cuisine, as at nANo (the downhome domain of local celeb Beatrice Fenice, Estonia’s first Playboy bunny) and the eclectically decorated Manna La Roosa; no Michelin-starred restaurants in town yet, but the elegant Russian-French fusion at Tchaikovsky is a worthy contender.

Riga: Boldly experimental scene that spawned the notorious (but now sadly defunct) medical-fetish-themed Hospitalis; the Michelin-level Vincents leads the current restaurant pack at the top end and is the favorite of Riga-visiting celebrities and royalty, while trendy waterfront seafood eatery Aqua Luna is more modestly priced.

Nightlife

Tallinn: Lively scene where international-style bohemianism (NoKu Klubi) merges with offbeat theme venues (Depeche Mode Bar, a living homage to the band) and no-frills old school Russian hangouts like Kolm Lõvi.

Riga: Surprisingly hip and eclectic scene where of-the-moment hangouts include the Soviet-style Gauja and Chomsky, the arty Cita Puse, and late night electronic dance den One One.

Uber available?

Tallinn: Yes.

Riga: No.

How’s the Wi-Fi?

Both: Abundant; well-marked free hotspots abound citywide; Riga claims Europe’s largest number of free wifi hotspots per capita.