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

Should you visit Tartu or Tromso?

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 Tromso 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 cultural, historical, and lively university town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Tromso?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tromso than Tartu. While Tartu is larger than Tromso, Tromso has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tromso is very popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tartu attracts visitors for its nightlife and historical sights. Tromso is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. It is also well known for the Northern Lights. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Tromso has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a great university town for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Tartu or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a great university town for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a great town for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Tromso?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu and Tromso both offer plenty of reasonable 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tartu or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso is a great town 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 Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Tromso is a great town for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Tromso is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a great university town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Tartu or Tromso Better for Students?

Tartu is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Tartu is a very popular university town 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.

Tromso is a good university town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Tartu and Tromso both offer nice 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.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Tartu or Tromso a more walkable city?

Tartu and Tromso are great 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.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Tromso?

Both Tartu and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Tartu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Tartu. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Tromso, 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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Tromso?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tartu because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

Tartu is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tromso. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the autumn, Tartu is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Tromso. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Tromso. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Tromso. Many visitors come to Tartu in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. Tartu can get quite cold in the spring. Tartu is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Tartu