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

Should you visit Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur 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. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Tartu and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Tartu. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is more popular for its historical sights. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Tartu different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Kuala Lumpur offers plenty to do in the evening. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Tartu or Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Tartu or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

For students, both Tartu and Kuala Lumpur are fantastic places to visit.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

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

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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

Is Tartu or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Tartu and Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this historical university town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

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

Tartu is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

Tartu is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming big city of Kuala Lumpur. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu is in Europe and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Kuala Lumpur?

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

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

Should I visit Tartu or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Kuala Lumpur. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tartu is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Kuala Lumpur. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Tartu