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

Should you visit Tartu or Bremen?

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

Bremen

Bremen is a lively, historic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Bremen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Tartu or Bremen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bremen than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bremen is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also well known for The Historic Marktplatz. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Tartu different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tartu
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Bremen

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

Bremen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

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 Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Bremen

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

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.

Bremen offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is Tartu or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Bremen

Bremen is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town.

Bremen offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Bremen?

Tartu
Bremen

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Bremen Better for Families?

Tartu
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen Better for Couples?

Tartu
Bremen

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

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

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 Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Bremen

Tartu is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Tartu or Bremen Better for Students?

Tartu
Bremen

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for students. However, Bremen is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Tartu
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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


Is Tartu or Bremen a more walkable city?

Tartu
Bremen

Bremen 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.

Bremen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Bremen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bremen 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 Bremen.


  • How many days in Tartu or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Tartu or Bremen?

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 Bremen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen. 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 Bremen?

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.

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

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 colorful destination of Bremen. 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen or Tartu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, while the average daily cost in Bremen is €147. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tartu and Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Bremen 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Bremen 152
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Bremen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tartu


Hotels in Bremen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tartu Hotel Prices and Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Bremen 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen and Tartu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tartu 37
    Bremen 36
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Bremen 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR & KENNEL VISIT: $75
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $142
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $234

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ) : $51
  • Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $196
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $221
  • Bremen Schnoor Area Tour: $24
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $35
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $48
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Bremen's Underground Guided Tour: $17
  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Bremen 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tartu is around the same temperature as Bremen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bremen. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bremen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Bremen. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Bremen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Bremen averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Bremen during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Bremen. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bremen in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Bremen. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Bremen. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bremen in the Spring?

Both Bremen and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. Tartu is much colder than Bremen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bremen. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Tartu

Tartu Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)