Don't use the unsafe browser more than for getting internet access and to verify you got internet access.
If Tor fails to connect you can try obfs4 with a default bridge. If that also fails then you know that the WiFi you use is censored.
Try another public WiFi or as you suggest use a VPN. VPN and Tails are not friends, easiest way around this issue is to use a router with built in VPN (but bought products with VPN are not safe). A better option is to install KickSecure/Whonix where you configure a VPN in KickSecure. This will make the Whonix gateway to route all traffic through the VPN and then to Tor.
If Tor fails to connect you can try obfs4 with a default bridge. If that also fails then you know that the WiFi you use is censored.
Try another public WiFi or as you suggest use a VPN. VPN and Tails are not friends, easiest way around this issue is to use a router with built in VPN (but bought products with VPN are not safe). A better option is to install KickSecure/Whonix where you configure a VPN in KickSecure. This will make the Whonix gateway to route all traffic through the VPN and then to Tor.