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

Should you visit Tartu or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. It's also known for nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Tartu and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is more popular for its historical sights. Queenstown is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Tartu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tartu or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for skiing. However, Tartu is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Tartu is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tartu or Queenstown?

Queenstown is adequate for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Queenstown offers plenty to do in the evening. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Tartu or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Queenstown?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown 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, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

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 Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Tartu is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Tartu is a very popular place to visit 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.

Queenstown is a very popular university town for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Tartu and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Tartu or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Tartu and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Queenstown?

Both Tartu and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Queenstown?

With nightlife around the cultural university town of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tartu, one day is sufficent for most.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife around the destination of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Queenstown?

Tartu, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a fun place to experience. In Queenstown, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Queenstown?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this spirited destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Queenstown?

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