A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Turku for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tartu or Turku?

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 Turku 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.

Where Should I go: Tartu or Turku?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Finland.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Turku?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Turku, 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 Turku?

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 Turku in the Summer?

Both Turku 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.

In July, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Turku. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Turku fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Turku. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Turku during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Turku receives 262 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Turku. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Turku receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Turku in the Autumn?

Both Turku 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.

Tartu is around the same temperature as Turku in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Turku fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Turku. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Turku receives 90 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Turku. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Turku receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Turku in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Turku. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is around the same temperature as Turku. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Turku averages at about -6°C (20°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Turku during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Turku receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Turku. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Turku receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Turku in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Turku. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty.

Turku can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In April, Tartu is generally much warmer than Turku. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Turku fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Turku. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Turku receives 182 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Turku. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Turku receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Turku and Tartu