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

Should you visit Tartu or Cologne?

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 Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights. Cologne is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Tartu different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Cologne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

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 Cologne Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Cologne offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Tartu or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Cologne?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tartu does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Tartu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tartu or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tartu does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Tartu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tartu or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne 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 Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Tartu or Cologne Better for Students?

Tartu is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Tartu or Cologne a more walkable city?

Tartu and Cologne 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.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Cologne?

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

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

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

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

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.

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne. 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 Cologne?

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.

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

A week in Tartu or Cologne?

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 accessible big city of Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Cologne. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tartu this time of the year. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Cologne. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Cologne. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Tartu