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

Should you visit Tartu or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Wellington travel costs.

Tartu and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Wellington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wellington than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Wellington is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Tartu is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Wellington is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also home to Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Wellington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Wellington offers plenty to do in the evening. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Tartu or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a great city for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wellington attract visitors from all over. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a city with good options for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Wellington?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington More Beautiful?

Tartu is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington is a great city 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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

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

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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 Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Wellington are excellent places to visit.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Tartu or Wellington Better for Students?

Tartu is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Tartu or Wellington a more walkable city?

Tartu and Wellington are excellent 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.

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Wellington. In our opinion, Wellington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wellington than Tartu. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Wellington.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Wellington?

With nightlife around the intellectual university town of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tartu, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wellington, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this funky destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife around the destination of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wellington?

Tartu, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wellington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Wellington?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the funky destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Wellington, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu is in Europe and Wellington is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu than you might in Wellington.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tartu Expensive? and Is Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tartu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tartu or Wellington in the Summer?

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

In July, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wellington this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Wellington. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Tartu is much colder than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin April. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington 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 Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tartu can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Wellington in the Spring?

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

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Tartu