Estonia

Tartu, Estonia’s vibrant second city and the 2024 European Capital of Culture, is brimming with incredible things to do. Whether you have one day or a long weekend, you’ll want to focus on its historic Old Town, creative neighbourhoods, and world-class museums. The absolute best things to do in Tartu include exploring the historic Toome Hill with its magnificent Cathedral Ruins, visiting the excellent Estonian National Museum, wandering through the charming wooden house districts of Supilinn and Karlova, and soaking up the atmosphere at the central Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square). But knowing what to do is only the first step. To make the most of your trip, you’ll need the details: how to group these sights into a perfect itinerary, where to find the best local food, and how to get around the city like a pro. Read on for my complete guide, including a 2-day itinerary and practical travel tips to help you plan your perfect adventure in this Baltic gem. Feature Detail Country Estonia Population ~ 97,759 (2024) Location 186 km SE of Tallinn River Emajõgi River runs through the city Famous For University of Tartu (founded 1632) Cultural Role Known as Estonia’s “cultural heart & student city” 2024 Highlight One of European Capitals of Culture 2024 Introduction: Why Tartu Should Be on Your Baltic Itinerary While medieval Tallinn often steals the spotlight, Estonia’s true intellectual and cultural heart beats in its second city: Tartu. Tucked away in the country’s southeastern corner on the banks of the Emajõgi river, Tartu is home to the nation’s oldest and largest university, infusing the city with a youthful, vibrant energy. It’s a captivating place where grand 19th-century neoclassical buildings stand alongside charming traditional wooden homes, creating a cityscape distinctly different from Tallinn. As the European Capital of Culture in 2024, there has never been a more compelling time to visit. Tartu offers a rich tapestry of excellent museums, art galleries, and a year-round calendar of festivals and concerts. It’s a city that promises a deep and authentic Estonian experience, away from the largest tourist crowds. Why You’ll Love Tartu Best time to visit: Period Why It’s Good Things to Watch Out / Notes Late June to mid-August Warmest weather, long daylight, ideal for outdoor activities. Peak tourist season, prices higher, occasional rain showers. May & September Mild weather, fewer crowds, good balance. Cooler nights, more chance of rain. Winter (Dec – Feb) Quiet, snowy landscapes, cozy indoor experiences Very cold, short daylight, many outdoor sites may be closed Getting Your Bearings: A Quick Guide to Tartu’s Neighborhoods Tartu is a wonderfully compact city, with most sights within easy walking distance. To help you get oriented, here are the main areas you’ll be exploring: Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tartu’s Old Town Your adventure begins in the beautifully preserved historic centre. 1. Start at Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) This central square is the perfect place to start your exploration. Historically a major trading area, it is now framed by beautiful 18th and 19th-century buildings constructed after the Great Fire of 1775. The square hosts events year-round, from summer festivals to a charming Christmas market and ice rink in winter. 2. Marvel at the Tartu Town Hall Dominating the square is the colourful, neoclassical Town Hall. In front of it stands one of Tartu’s most iconic symbols: the statue of the kissing students, a nod to the city’s academic soul. 3. Admire the Leaning House of Tartu Just off the square, you’ll find an architectural oddity. The Leaning House of Tartu tilts noticeably because it was built on unstable ground—one side rests on the old city wall’s foundations, while the other was built on logs that sank over time. 4. Climb Toome Hill for History and Views A short walk from the square leads to Toome Hill, a historic stronghold since the 7th century. Emperor Paul I gifted the hill to Tartu University in the 19th century, and it was transformed into a park with academic buildings. Today, it’s a peaceful green space offering fantastic views. 5. Explore the Tartu Cathedral Ruins On Toome Hill stand the impressive ruins of Tartu Cathedral. Once one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe, this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece was destroyed during the Livonian War. Its towering remains are a powerful sight. 6. Dive into History at the University of Tartu Museum Housed within a restored section of the cathedral ruins, this excellent and interactive museum is a must-visit. It chronicles the history of the university since the 17th century, which is intrinsically linked to the history of Tartu itself. 7. Gaze at the Stars at the Tartu Old Observatory Also located on Toome Hill, the Old Observatory was an active astronomical facility until 1964 and now serves as a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of science. 8. Stroll Along the Emajõgi Riverfront The banks of the Emajõgi river offer a lovely place for a walk, with green park areas on both sides and plenty of outdoor cafes to enjoy during the summer months. 9. Taste Local Life at the Tartu Market Hall Housed in its original 1938 Soviet building, the recently renovated market hall is the perfect place to find local products. Sample smoked fish from the river, browse homemade pickles, or pick up some delicious Estonian honey. 10. Confront the Past at the KGB Cell Museum Like in Tallinn, Tartu’s former KGB headquarters now houses a museum in its cellars. This informative and sobering exhibit covers Estonia’s difficult 20th-century history, including the Nazi and Soviet occupations, deportations, and the local resistance movement. Beyond the Centre: Exploring Tartu’s Creative Soul To truly understand Tartu, you need to wander beyond the Old Town. 11. Get Lost in Supilinn (Soup Town) One of Tartu’s most unique features is its abundance of traditional wooden homes, and Supilinn is the best place to see them. This 18th-century neighbourhood earned its name from its streets, which are named after soup ingredients like peas, beans,