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

Should you visit Tartu or Oslo?

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 Oslo 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. It's also known for nightlife.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Tartu. Oslo is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Oslo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

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 Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Tartu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Tartu or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Tartu to see the historical old town. 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Oslo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu and Oslo both offer plenty of respectable spots.

Tartu has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Tartu or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Oslo is a good city for couples to visit. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

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 Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Oslo is a good university town to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Tartu or Oslo Better for Students?

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for students. Also, Oslo 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 Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Tartu or Oslo a more walkable city?

Tartu and Oslo 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.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Oslo?

In either Tartu or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo 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 Oslo.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Each neighborhood in Oslo 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 Oslo?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. This university town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

The lively university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the progressive big city of Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Oslo?

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

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo 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 Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Oslo. 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In October, Tartu is generally cooler than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Oslo. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Oslo in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo 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 Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Tartu is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Oslo. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Tartu