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

Should you visit Tartu or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt 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 intellectual, student-oriented, and cultural university town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun 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 skiing, nightlife, and food.

Tartu and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Zermatt?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is more popular for its historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

The Matterhorn

How is Tartu different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tartu or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Tartu is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Tartu is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tartu or Zermatt?

Zermatt is adequate for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Zermatt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Is Tartu or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu is not a resort destination.

In Zermatt, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Tartu is not a resort destination.

Is Tartu or Zermatt Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Around Zermatt visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Zermatt?

Zermatt is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Zermatt is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Zermatt are superb 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Is Tartu or Zermatt Better for Students?

Tartu is very popular for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Tartu and Zermatt 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.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Tartu or Zermatt a more walkable city?

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

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Zermatt?

In either Tartu or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Zermatt?

In Tartu, you'll find nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Zermatt?

In Tartu, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tartu has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Zermatt?

Tartu is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. In Zermatt, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Zermatt?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Zermatt?

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

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zermatt. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Zermatt. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Zermatt. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Zermatt. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zermatt during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Tartu