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

Should you visit Tartu or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg 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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Tartu and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Hamburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, food, music, and shopping, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights. Hamburg is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hamburg is a great port 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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Hamburg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

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 Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Hamburg offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Tartu or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its music scene. However, Tartu is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Tartu is not a live music destination.

Is Tartu or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Hamburg?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg is a great port 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 Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

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

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Tartu or Hamburg Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg is a great port 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Tartu or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Tartu and Hamburg are superb 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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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

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.

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Hamburg?

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 museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Hamburg. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tartu this time of the year. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tartu or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Hamburg. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.

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

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Tartu