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

Should you visit Tartu or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Ljubljana?

You'll generally find more things to do in Ljubljana than Tartu. Ljubljana is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ljubljana is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife. Ljubljana is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Also, Ljubljana is famous for The Ljubljana Castle. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ljubljana. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Ljubljana is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

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 Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a great university town for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Tartu or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Both Tartu and Ljubljana have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Ljubljana?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana Better for Families?

Tartu is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Tartu or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Ljubljana is a good capital city for couples to visit. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

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 Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Ljubljana are high quality 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Tartu or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

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.

Ljubljana is a good university town to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Tartu and Ljubljana both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Tartu or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Tartu and Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is very walkable. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife around the university town of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tartu has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife around the intellectual destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the cultural university town of Tartu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Tartu is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Ljubljana. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Ljubljana. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Ljubljana. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Tartu