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

Should you visit Tartu or Bergen?

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 Bergen 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 lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. 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 Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bergen than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bergen is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm, while Tartu attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bergen is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. It is also well known for Bryggen. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bergen is a city 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 Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bergen is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bergen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

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 Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tartu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Tartu or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Bergen?

Bergen is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Tartu or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tartu is a very popular university town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Tartu or Bergen Better for Students?

Tartu is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Tartu. 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Tartu has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Is Tartu or Bergen a more walkable city?

Tartu and Bergen are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Bergen. In our opinion, Bergen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergen than Tartu. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tartu than Bergen 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 Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nostalgic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tartu or Bergen?

Tartu 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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 Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. 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.

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

A week in Tartu or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Tartu. This university town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Bergen, we can see that Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Bergen. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Tartu is cooler than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Bergen in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is cooler than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Tartu