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

Should you visit Tartu or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul 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 student-oriented, cultural, and historical university town. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Istanbul travel costs.

Tartu and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Istanbul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Tartu. Istanbul is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul 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, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Tartu and Istanbul.

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.

Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Is Tartu or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 Istanbul?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul More Beautiful?

Istanbul is a great city for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

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

Is Tartu or Istanbul Better for Families?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul Better for Students?

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Tartu is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Tartu or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Tartu and Istanbul are high quality 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.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Istanbul?

Both Tartu and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Istanbul?

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.

Each neighborhood in Istanbul 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 Istanbul?

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 Istanbul. 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 Istanbul?

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.

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Istanbul 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 Istanbul?

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.

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?

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 Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Istanbul. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Istanbul. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Tartu