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

Should you visit Tartu or Zurich?

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 Zurich 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 historical, lively, and intellectual university town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Tartu and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Tartu and Zurich.

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.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Is Tartu or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for its music scene. However, Tartu is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Tartu is not a live music destination.

Is Tartu or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich?

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

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tartu is a great university town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Tartu or Zurich Better for Students?

For students, both Tartu and Zurich are fantastic 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.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Tartu or Zurich a more walkable city?

Tartu and Zurich are very good 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.

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Zurich?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tartu or Zurich?

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 Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich. 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 Zurich?

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.

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the intellectual 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 liberal destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. 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 Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tartu is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Zurich. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tartu is much colder than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Zurich. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Tartu