A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Aalborg for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tartu or Aalborg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Aalborg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a historical, lively, and intellectual university town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Aalborg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Aalborg than Tartu. Aalborg is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Aalborg is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm, while Tartu is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Aalborg is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Also, Aalborg is famous for the Utzon Center. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aalborg and Tartu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tartu or Aalborg?

Aalborg is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aalborg. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tartu or Aalborg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Aalborg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Tartu and Aalborg.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Aalborg offers plenty to do in the evening. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Aalborg?

Aalborg is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Aalborg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Aalborg are notable to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Aalborg is a family-friendly place to visit. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Aalborg is a town with good options for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Aalborg is a good town for couples to visit. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Tartu is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Tartu or Aalborg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tartu and Aalborg both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Aalborg has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system around town.

Is Tartu or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Tartu is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Aalborg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Aalborg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Aalborg. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aalborg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tartu than Aalborg 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 Tartu.

One day in Tartu or Aalborg?

In Tartu, you'll find nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Aalborg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This town 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.

A weekend in Tartu or Aalborg?

In Tartu, you'll find 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 Tartu has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Tartu or Aalborg?

Tartu 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.

Aalborg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aalborg. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Aalborg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Aalborg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, and The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Aalborg?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Aalborg, 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 Tartu or Aalborg?

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 Tartu or Aalborg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Aalborg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is around the same temperature as Aalborg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Aalborg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than Aalborg. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Aalborg in the Autumn?

Both Aalborg and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Tartu is generally cooler than Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Aalborg in the Winter?

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

Aalborg can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Aalborg in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Aalborg fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Aalborg. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Aalborg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Aalborg. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tartu is cooler than Aalborg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Aalborg averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aalborg and Tartu