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

Should you visit Tartu or Helsinki?

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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Helsinki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Helsinki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Helsinki than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Helsinki is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Helsinki is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. It is also home to The Helsinki Cathedral. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Helsinki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Helsinki is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

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 Helsinki Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tartu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Tartu or Helsinki Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Helsinki?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki Better for Families?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Tartu or Helsinki Better for Students?

Tartu is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Helsinki is a great 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 Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Tartu or Helsinki a more walkable city?

Tartu is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable university town. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Helsinki or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Helsinki?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Helsinki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Helsinki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Helsinki.

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

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

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

The university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. 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 Helsinki?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tartu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Tartu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Tartu or Helsinki?

Tartu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Helsinki. 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 Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Helsinki, 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 Helsinki?

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 Helsinki in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Helsinki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Helsinki. 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 Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tartu is around the same temperature as Helsinki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Helsinki in the Winter?

Both Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the winter, Tartu is cooler than Helsinki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Helsinki averages at about -6°C (21°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Helsinki in the Spring?

Both Helsinki 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 Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Tartu can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tartu is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Tartu