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

Should you visit Tartu or Hanoi?

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 Hanoi 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. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Tartu and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Hanoi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tartu is known for its impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hanoi is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Hanoi offers plenty to do in the evening. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Tartu or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

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 Hanoi?

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

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi More Beautiful?

Tartu is a university town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or Hanoi Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Hanoi are good 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.

Hanoi is a family-friendly place to visit. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Tartu or Hanoi Better for Couples?

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

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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 Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Tartu or Hanoi Better for Students?

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

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 Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

Tartu is a university town with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Tartu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Tartu or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Tartu is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable university town. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Hanoi?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Hanoi?

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Hanoi?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Hanoi?

You'll find nightlife around the lively destination of Tartu. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical big city of Hanoi. 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 Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Hanoi, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu is in Europe and Hanoi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu than you might in Hanoi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tartu Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Hanoi?

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

Tartu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Hanoi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Hanoi. The summer months attract visitors to Tartu because of the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

In July, Tartu is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Hanoi. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Tartu or Hanoi in the Autumn?

Both Hanoi and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tartu is much colder than Hanoi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Tartu or Hanoi in the Winter?

Both Hanoi and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Hanoi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Tartu usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Hanoi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Hanoi. Many visitors come to Tartu in the spring for the natural beauty. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tartu can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Tartu