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

Should you visit Tartu or York?

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 York 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See York travel costs.

Tartu and York: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Tartu or York?

You'll generally find more things to do in York than Tartu. York is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Tartu is more popular for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tartu
York

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
York

York is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
York

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

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.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is Tartu or York Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
York

York 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.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York?

Tartu
York

York is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

York has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York More Beautiful?

Tartu
York

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

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

York is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or York Better for Families?

Tartu
York

York is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York Better for Couples?

Tartu
York

York is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
York

For backpackers, both Tartu and York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is Tartu or York Better for Students?

Tartu
York

Tartu is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with 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.

York is not popular with students.


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

Tartu
York

Tartu and York both offer notable 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.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Tartu or York a more walkable city?

Tartu
York

Tartu is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in York or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or York?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Tartu or York?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 York?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 York?

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. This university town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or York?

The lively university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, York or Tartu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tartu Prices
    Estonia Prices
    York Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tartu 132
    York 148

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €132, while the average daily cost in York is €148. 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 York in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    York 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    York 134
Compare Hotels in Tartu and York

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or York? 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 York


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 York Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    York 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or York?

Prices for flights to both York 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 65
    York 64
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 York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $55
  • Party Cruise with Drink, Dinner, and DJ: $64
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    York 13
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: $30
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $142
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $756
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $756

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • Time Traveller's Walking Tour of York - Morning Tour : $22
  • All Creatures Great and Small Tour from York : $76
  • Battlements of History: A Self-Guided Tour of York's City Walls : $12
  • Boat Party Experience with DJ & Drinks in York: $65
  • Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York: $17
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $27
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $65
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $20
  • Evening 'Happy Hour' Boat Cruise For All Ages In York: $20
  • Exclusive York - Private Personally-Designed Walking Tour: $205
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    York 15

Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $41


When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and York, we can see that York 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 York Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tartu or York?

York has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and York, 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 York?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tartu or York in the Summer?

Both York and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is around the same temperature as York. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and York averages at about 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than York. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than York. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    York 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tartu or York in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and York. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than York. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than York during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives more rain than York. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    York 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tartu or York in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as York. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in York can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. Tartu is much colder than York in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and York fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than York. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 61 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than York. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    York 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Tartu or York in the Spring?

Both York and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than York. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and York averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than York during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than York. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    York 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for York and Tartu

Tartu York
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)