A Travel Price Comparison for Estonia Tartu vs. Saaremaa for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Tartu or Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a peaceful, relaxed, and traditional island. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Tartu and Saaremaa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Saaremaa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tartu. Although Tartu and Saaremaa are popular destinations, Tartu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tartu is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university. It is also well known for Tartu Cathedral. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Tartu different from Saaremaa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saaremaa is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Tartu for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Saaremaa?

Tartu is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Saaremaa are nice to visit with kids.

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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is a great island for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

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.

Saaremaa is a good university town to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa Better for Students?

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Tartu is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Tartu or Saaremaa a more walkable city?

Tartu is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable university town. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Saaremaa or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Saaremaa?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Saaremaa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saaremaa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saaremaa.

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

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

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.

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This island 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Estonia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Saaremaa?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa in the Summer?

Both Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is around the same temperature as Saaremaa in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Saaremaa during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Saaremaa in the Autumn?

Both Saaremaa 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. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

In the autumn, Tartu is cooler than Saaremaa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 101 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Saaremaa in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Saaremaa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Saaremaa. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. Tartu is a little warmer than Saaremaa in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 4°C (38°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in April than Saaremaa. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Tartu