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

Should you visit Tartu or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart 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 lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a commercial, diverse, and dynamic 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 Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Tartu or Stuttgart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stuttgart than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stuttgart is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also well known for The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Tartu different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tartu
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a 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 Stuttgart. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Stuttgart

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Tartu and Stuttgart.

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.

Stuttgart offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Is Tartu or Stuttgart Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Stuttgart

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Stuttgart?

Tartu
Stuttgart

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart Better for Families?

Tartu
Stuttgart

Both Tartu and Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Tartu or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Tartu
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart is a good city for couples to visit. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Stuttgart

Tartu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Is Tartu or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Tartu
Stuttgart

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Tartu. 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.

Stuttgart is very popular with students. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Tartu
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a great city 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Stuttgart. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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


Is Tartu or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Tartu
Stuttgart

Tartu is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tartu than Stuttgart 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.


  • How many days in Tartu or Stuttgart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Stuttgart 2-4

One day in Tartu or Stuttgart?

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.

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

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented 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 Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the student-oriented 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.

Stuttgart is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Stuttgart. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Stuttgart?

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 authentic big city of Stuttgart. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Stuttgart or Tartu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, while the average daily cost in Stuttgart is €164. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tartu and Stuttgart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Stuttgart 101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Stuttgart 202
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Stuttgart

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Stuttgart? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tartu


Hotels in Stuttgart


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tartu Hotel Prices and Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Stuttgart 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Stuttgart?

Prices for flights to both Stuttgart and Tartu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tartu 37
    Stuttgart 37
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Stuttgart 24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $142
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR & KENNEL VISIT: $75
  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $234

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Stuttgart 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Stuttgart?

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

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Stuttgart. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is cooler than Stuttgart in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stuttgart this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Stuttgart. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Stuttgart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Stuttgart. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Stuttgart can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Stuttgart. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Stuttgart in the Spring?

Both Stuttgart and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Stuttgart in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Stuttgart. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Tartu

Tartu Stuttgart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)