Charming Tartu is the historic cradle of Estonian scholarship. Located in south-eastern Estonia, it has approx. 97,000 residents. It is well-known for its university, established in 1632 by the Swedish regime, and its vivid student life. The first permanent settlement here is dated to the 5th century AD and Tartu is first mentioned in written source in 1030.

What to do and see in Tartu

Science Centre AHHAA

This amusing science centre is the biggest one in the Baltic states. Its purpose is to make science easily approachable and show scientific details in everyday life, specially for children. The centre has a planetarium, three exhibition halls and a science theatre showing e.g. aspects of the laws of nature, physics and chemistry. There are also workshops and 4D cinema with bouncing seats.

Supilinn

”Soup town” is an old neighbourhood north of the city centre, on the right bank of the Emajogi River. It used to be known as a slum inhabited by poor people, but nowadays it is famous for its charming wooden architecture.

Toomemägi Park

This beautiful green area at the heart of the town is a splendid place to have a picnic or a walk in the nature. The area was a gift from Czar Paul I to the University of Tartu and in the 19th century it was transformed into a park. The area also features the classic Angel’s Bridge (Inglisild) and Devil’s Bridge (Kuradisild) spanning nothing but thin air.

Old Town

The Old Town is without a doubt the most classic part of the city with its narrow pedestrian streets, restaurants, pubs and its Neoclassical architecture that replaced the old burnt down medieval center. Here also lies Tartu’s equivalent for the Pisa’s Leaning Tower, the Leaning House, an art museum (Raekoja plats 18) and the beautiful St. John’s Church.

Emajogi river cruises

Seto Line offers boat trips to beautiful Emajogi River running through the city.  This is a splendid way to get acquainted with Estonian nature. Trips last about 90 minutes. Price info visible here

Shopping 

• Annelinna keskus (Kalda tee 43) is the complex of small boutiques with the big Selver department store. Here one can find beautiful clothes.
• Loov Gallery (Kalevi 13) sells handmade souvenirs by young Estonian craftsmen, from jewelry to paintings.
• Prices vary, but are relatively cheap compared to places like London.
• Located in the city center, there are over 50 shops and service providers including 9 cafés in the Business and Leisure Center Kvartal. In the two-storey car park, there are spaces for 360 cars. The largest wellness spa, hotel and conference center of Estonia are located there.
• In the shopping center Eeden, there are over 70 shops and service providers. The services of the center include a children’s play center, a gym, 2 banks, parcel machine as well as 5 cafés and restaurants.
• Lõunakeskus is the largest shopping and recreation center of Southern Estonia and has over 160 different stores and services. From there, you will find, for example, a 4D-cinema, a driving school for children with electric cars, a gym, the AHHAA Science Centre and much more. There are several fast food outlets, restaurants and cafés.
• Tartu Kaubamaja, opened in 2005 and renovated in 2015, is the most important fashion and beauty center of Southern Estonia, which has over 60 stores.
• Tasku Centre is a smaller shopping center that also features several restaurants.

Photos: Visit Estonia / Jaak Nilson, EAS. Wikimedia Commons with the CC licence / Ehitaja, Geonarva