A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Vienna for Old Town, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tartu or Vienna?

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 Vienna 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Tartu and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its nightlife. Vienna is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Tartu different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Tartu is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tartu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Tartu or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tartu is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Tartu is not a live music destination.

Is Tartu or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town.

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Vienna?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Vienna are good 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.

Vienna is a family-friendly place to visit. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Tartu or Vienna Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many 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.

Vienna is a good university town to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Tartu or Vienna Better for Students?

For students, both Tartu and Vienna are first-rate places to visit.

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.

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Tartu or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its walkability.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Vienna?

In either Tartu or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Tartu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Vienna?

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.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the lively 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classical destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Vienna. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tartu is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Vienna. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Vienna. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Tartu is much colder than Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Vienna. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Tartu