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

Should you visit Tartu or Bonn?

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 Bonn 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. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bonn travel costs.

Tartu and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bonn than Tartu. Bonn is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bonn is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Bonn is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Bonn is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

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 Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a great university town for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Tartu or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Both Tartu and Bonn have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Tartu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Bonn?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores 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 Bonn More Beautiful?

Tartu is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Bonn is a city with good options for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Bonn is a good city for couples to visit. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

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 Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a great university town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Tartu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Tartu or Bonn Better for Students?

Tartu is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Tartu or Bonn a more walkable city?

Tartu and Bonn 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.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Bonn?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Bonn?

Tartu 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.

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

Five days in Tartu or Bonn?

You'll find nightlife around the cultural destination of Tartu. This university town 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.

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

A week in Tartu or Bonn?

The lively university town of Tartu offers nightlife. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bonn. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tartu or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bonn. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Bonn. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. Tartu is much colder than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bonn. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Bonn. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Tartu