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

Should you visit Tartu or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg 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 historical, lively, and intellectual university town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heidelberg than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Heidelberg is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Heidelberg and Tartu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Tartu and Heidelberg.

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.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Tartu or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an amazing town 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.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

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 Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Heidelberg are nice 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Tartu or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a great town for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

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 Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Heidelberg are very good 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 Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Is Tartu or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Tartu is a very popular place to visit 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.

Heidelberg is a good university town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg is a great town 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 Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Tartu or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Tartu and Heidelberg are very good 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.

Heidelberg is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Heidelberg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Heidelberg?

With nightlife around the historical 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 Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this character-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg?

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.

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg?

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 nightlife and food around the charming destination of Heidelberg. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is cooler than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. Tartu is much colder than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Tartu