Tartu, Estonia

Tartu

Estonia's lively university town, with a leaning house on the town square.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Tartu

Day 1

  1. MorningStart at the town hall square, with its kissing-students fountain and the leaning house.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Estonian National Museum, or walk Toome hill to the cathedral ruins and the old observatory.
  3. EveningJoin the students in the bars and cafés of Supilinn, the 'soup town' of wooden houses.

Day 2

Visit Lake Peipus and its Old Believer villages, famous for onions.

What to eat

Kama, a traditional grain dessert, and an Estonian A. Le Coq beer, brewed in Tartu.

Local tips

Make the most of Tartu

Beat the crowds

Tartu is calm, lively during the university term.

Best photo spot

The Town Hall Square with the Kissing Students fountain.

Getting there

Trains from Tallinn take about 2 hours.

Don't miss nearby

Lake Peipus and the Old Believers' villages along its shore.

Good to know

Tartu is Estonia's university town and a European Capital of Culture in 2024. The leaning house on the main square is a fun photo.

Plan your visit

Getting to Tartu

Getting there

  • Tartu Airport (TAY)8 km away
  • Tallinn Airport (TLL)160 km away
  • Tallinn165 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryEstonia

Questions

Tartu: good to know

Is Tartu worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Estonia's lively university town, with a leaning house on the town square.

How many days do you need in Tartu?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Tartu?

You can visit all year. Tartu is calm, lively during the university term.

How do you get to Tartu?

The nearest airport is Tartu Airport (TAY), about 8 km away. Trains from Tallinn take about 2 hours.

What is there to see near Tartu?

Nearby hidden places include Pärnu (130 km), Lahemaa National Park (142 km) and Cēsis (147 km).

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