A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Copenhagen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tartu or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen 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 cultural, historical, and lively university town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Tartu or Copenhagen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for nightlife.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Tartu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Tartu or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Both Tartu and Copenhagen have great 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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Copenhagen?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen Better for Families?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Copenhagen

For backpackers, both Tartu and Copenhagen are great 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 Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Tartu or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Tartu is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Tartu is a very popular university town for students. 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.

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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


Is Tartu or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Tartu
Copenhagen

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Copenhagen?

In either Tartu or Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than Tartu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-5 days is enough time in Copenhagen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Tartu or Copenhagen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Copenhagen 2-5

One day in Tartu or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back 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 Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

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.

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Copenhagen?

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 friendly destination of Copenhagen. 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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen is €194. 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 Copenhagen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Copenhagen 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Copenhagen 168
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Copenhagen

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen


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 Copenhagen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Copenhagen 67

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Copenhagen hotel or address to Malmö City - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $258
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $210
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen city to Fredericia Cruise Port: $170
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $148
  • Departure Transfer: Copenhagen to Airport CPH by Luxuy Van: $135
  • Copenhagen Port, Airport & City Private Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $125
  • Private Luxury Van Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen: $125
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $125
  • Luxury Vehicule Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen CPH: $125
  • Private Direct Transfer From Copenhagen to Malmo: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Copenhagen?

Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen 57
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 Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $150
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $150
  • The Award-Winning PRIVATE Copenhagen Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Copenhagen 29
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.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $28
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $143
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $129
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $202
  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $238

Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    8.00
  • Coffee
    13

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $63
  • Amitylux 3h Small-Group max 10 people Biking Tour Copenhagen: $83
  • Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
  • 1-Hour Private Segway Tour Copenhagen: $75
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $79
  • 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $79
  • 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $59
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $120
  • 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour including a Rosenborg Castle Ticket : $225
  • 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour with a Canal Tour ticket: $175
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Copenhagen Food & Drink: $158
  • 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Copenhagen 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Copenhagen: $45


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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Copenhagen?

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

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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Copenhagen. The summer months attract visitors to Tartu because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

In July, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Copenhagen. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tartu or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Copenhagen. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tartu is much colder than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Copenhagen. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tartu or Copenhagen in the Winter?

Both Copenhagen and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Tartu or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Tartu can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tartu is generally cooler than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Copenhagen. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Tartu

Tartu Copenhagen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 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) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)