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

Should you visit Tartu or Bratislava?

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 Bratislava 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's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a historical, under-rated, and genuine city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Bratislava: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Bratislava?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bratislava than Tartu. Bratislava is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university. Bratislava is well known for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting. Also, Bratislava is famous for The Bratislava Castle.

How is Tartu different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Bratislava is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

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 Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Tartu and Bratislava.

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.

Bratislava offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

Is Tartu or Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

Both Tartu and Bratislava 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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Bratislava?

Bratislava is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Bratislava has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

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 Bratislava Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Bratislava 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.

Bratislava is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Is Tartu or Bratislava Better for Couples?

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

Bratislava is a good city for couples to visit. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

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 Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Bratislava are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bratislava. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

Is Tartu or Bratislava Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for students. However, Bratislava is not popular with 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.

Bratislava is not popular with students.

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

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

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

Is Tartu or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Bratislava is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its walkability.

Bratislava is a very easy city to get around on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Bratislava?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Bratislava?

With nightlife around the cultural university town of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tartu, one day is sufficent for most.

In Bratislava, 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tartu or Bratislava?

With nightlife around the destination of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

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

Tartu, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bratislava is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Bratislava. 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 Bratislava?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Bratislava. 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 in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava 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 Bratislava in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Bratislava. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bratislava averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tartu or Bratislava in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Bratislava in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bratislava can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. Tartu is much colder than Bratislava in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Bratislava. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Bratislava in the Spring?

Both Bratislava 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Bratislava. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Bratislava averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Tartu