10 Best things to do in Tartu, Estonia, in 1 day or more

Introduction

In June 2022, we set off on a 2-week road trip through the Baltic States. Starting in Vilnius, Lithuania, we rented a car and made our way north, exploring as much as we could on the way to Tallinn, Estonia—with plenty of memorable stops along the way, including Latvia.

Tartu was our first stop in Estonia, and we spent our 10th and 11th days of the trip discovering this peaceful and charming city.

Although it’s the second largest city in Estonia, Tartu feels small and relaxed, with around 91,400 inhabitants spread over 38.8 km². It’s best known as the intellectual heart of the country, thanks to the historic University of Tartu, founded in the 17th century. But there’s more to it than just student life—Tartu is also loved for its café-filled Town Hall Square, the famous Kissing Students Fountain, and the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, perched in the peaceful Toomemägi Park.

If you’re planning a trip through the Baltic States and thinking of stopping in Tartu, here’s everything you shouldn’t miss in Estonia’s most easygoing city.

Read: The Perfect 2-Week Baltic States Itinerary

Getting there

Getting to Tartu is easy and convenient, whether you’re coming by car, bus, train, or even by plane.

If you’re driving, all major roads from Estonia and Latvia connect directly to Tartu. We arrived from the Gauja National Park, north to Riga in Latvia. And along the way stopped at the Sangaste Castle and Otepää in Estonia.

For those arriving by air, Tartu Airport offers flights from nearby major cities like Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and Helsinki. While it’s a small airport, you can rent a car directly from the Airport through several well-known rental agencies (just be sure to book in advance, as options may be limited). Once you land, there’s also an airport shuttle bus that departs about 15 minutes after each flight arrival. It will drop you off anywhere in the city, and a ticket costs €5.

You can also decide to land in Tallin, and then drive to Tartu. It takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes (186 km) along well-maintained highways. It’s a smooth and scenic drive, making a road trip through Estonia a great option if you want the flexibility to explore along the way.

The city is also well connected by bus. The main bus station is located in the city center, and there are more than 50 daily departures between Tallinn and Tartu.

Prefer the train? The Tartu Railway Station, located in a charming historical building just 1.5 km from the city center, has daily train service to Tallinn, Valga, and Koidula. It’s a relaxed, comfortable, and scenic way to travel.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Moving Around

Once you’re in Tartu’s city center, getting around is super easy. The town is compact and walkable, so you can comfortably explore all the main sights on foot. Even if you decide to go beyond the spots we mention in this guide, the additional places are still within reasonable walking distance or just a short bike or scooter ride away.

It’s a relaxed city with a laid-back pace, so strolling from one spot to the next is part of the charm.

Check our Google Map of the Baltic States

When to Visit

Tartu is a lovely year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you’re after. Here’s what each season offers:

• Spring (April to June): Spring brings a fresh energy to the city. Trees and flowers start to bloom, café terraces begin to open, and students return to the streets. It’s a great time to explore the Old Town and parks without the summer crowds, though early spring can still be a bit chilly.
• Summer (July to August): Summer is the best time to visit Tartu if you’re after warm weather and a lively atmosphere. The city comes to life with outdoor festivals, concerts, and open-air cafés. It’s also the ideal time to enjoy riverside walks and park picnics, with long daylight hours and temperatures averaging 20–25°C.
• Autumn (September to October): Early autumn is peaceful and scenic, with colorful leaves and a slower pace. Students return to university, so there’s a lively feel, but the city isn’t crowded. It’s a great time for cultural visits, cozy cafés, and museum hopping.
• Winter (November to March): It gets cold and snowy in winter, but if you don’t mind the chill, the city has a quiet, romantic charm. Think snowy rooftops, warm coffee shops, and festive lights in December. Just make sure to bundle up, as temperatures can drop well below freezing.

Our recommendation: Visit between May and September for the most pleasant weather and a vibrant city vibe, especially if you enjoy exploring outdoors.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

We stayed one night in Tartu, which gave us plenty of time to explore the city—a bit in the afternoon when we arrived and the rest the following morning. Since we were only there for a short stay, we used street parking right in front of our hotel, which was easy and convenient.

• (€) Looming Hostel: A creative and eco-friendly hostel with a relaxed vibe. Perfect for budget travelers who like a bit of personality in their stay.
• (€€) Estonishing Stay Premium Lofts: Modern and stylish loft-style apartments with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a small kitchen—ideal for couples or longer stays.
• (€€€) Antonius Hotel: Located right in the heart of the city, this elegant boutique hotel offers classic rooms, excellent service, and a touch of luxury with views of the university and Old Town.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tartu

What to Eat

Tartu may be small, but it has a surprising number of great cafés, restaurants, and pubs—many of them with a creative or historical twist.

• Gunpowder Cellar (Püssirohukelder): One of the most unique places we visited in Tartu, the Gunpowder Cellar is a beer restaurant located in a 300-year-old vaulted cellar with soaring brick arches and a ceiling height of 10.2 meters—officially the highest pub ceiling in the world. Once used to store gunpowder, the space is now home to hearty local dishes, a great beer selection, and a cozy, historic atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit for the experience alone.
• Werner Café-Lounge: An institution in Tartu, Werner is a charming café that’s been around since 1895. It’s the perfect place for coffee, cakes, or even brunch in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Their pastries and layered cakes are especially worth a try.
• Krempel: A local favorite for breakfast, brunch, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Krempel has a modern, artsy vibe and offers fresh, seasonal food with a twist. Great spot if you’re looking for something a little more contemporary and relaxed.
• Ülikooli Kohvik: Located near the university, this café-restaurant has a classic feel and is a good place for a traditional Estonian meal or a quiet coffee break while soaking in Tartu’s intellectual vibe.
• Hektor Café: If you’re staying near the train station or in the Karlova district, this trendy café attached to Hektor Design Hostel offers great coffee, snacks, and a laid-back coworking-friendly vibe.

Best things to do in Tartu

Start Your Visit at Tartu’s Charming Town Hall Square

One of the best ways to begin your time in Tartu is by heading straight to the Town Hall Square—a picturesque, lively plaza that forms the heart of the city. Lined with colorful buildings, cafés, and restaurants, the square is a perfect place to sit back with a coffee or beer and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

It’s also a popular venue for events and festivals, including the Tartu Hanseatic Days, which bring the square to life with music, market stalls, and medieval flair.

At the far end of the square, keep an eye out for the National Geographic yellow window frame—part of a series of scenic points across the Baltics. You’ll even find a sign showing exactly where the National Geographic photo was taken. It’s a fun little detail to spot while you explore.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tartu

Don’t Miss the Iconic Kissing Students Fountain

Right in the middle of Town Hall Square, you’ll find one of Tartu’s most beloved landmarks—the Kissing Students Fountain. Built in 1948, this charming sculpture has become one of the most recognized symbols of the city.

It features a couple sharing a kiss under an umbrella, perfectly capturing the youthful, romantic spirit of this university town. Over the years, it has become a popular photo spot—especially for newlyweds, who traditionally stand beside the fountain to wish for luck in their future together.

Check our Google Map of the Baltic States

Stroll Through Tartu’s Old Streets and Uueturu Park

After enjoying Town Hall Square and the Kissing Students Fountain, take some time to simply wander through Tartu’s charming city center. The streets are small, quiet, and full of character, with colorful buildings, hidden courtyards, and local shops tucked into corners.

For a bit of greenery, cross the nearby bridge and head over to Ülejõe Park on the other side of the Emajõgi River. It’s a peaceful spot with walking paths, river views, and plenty of space to relax. Whether you want a calm picnic or just a quiet place to sit under the trees, it’s a nice contrast to the buzz of the town center.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tartu

Visit the Historic University of Tartu

No visit to Tartu is complete without seeing the University of Tartu, the oldest and largest higher education institution in Estonia. Founded in 1632 during Swedish rule, it has been the center of Estonian academic life for nearly four centuries.

The main building is one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Estonia, with its grand white columns and symmetrical design standing proudly just a short walk from Town Hall Square. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s well worth admiring from the outside—and you’ll feel the student spirit all around, as the university is still very much at the heart of the city today.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Step Inside the Unique St. John’s Church

Every city visit feels more complete with a stop at its local church—and in Tartu, that’s St. John’s Church. This impressive Brick Gothic Lutheran church is dedicated to John the Baptist and is one of the most distinctive churches in the Baltics.

What makes it special is the hundreds of terracotta sculptures adorning the building—many of which date back to the 14th century. It’s a peaceful place to step inside, take in the architecture, and reflect, whether you’re drawn by faith, history, or curiosity.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Explore the Beautiful Botanical Garden of Tartu

One of our favorite things to do in Tartu was visiting the University of Tartu Botanical Garden. It’s a peaceful, beautifully designed space that feels like a world of its own—right in the heart of the city.

The garden is split into two parts: an outdoor botanical garden, which is free to visit, and an indoor greenhouse section that requires a small entrance fee. The entire garden features more than 10,000 species and plant varieties, including rare and protected plants, exotic rainforest and desert species, and carefully curated decorative plants.

We only visited the outdoor section, and honestly, it was already amazing—and absolutely huge! It’s the perfect place to take a slow stroll, enjoy some quiet, and discover a different side of Tartu. Highly recommended for nature lovers or anyone looking for a calm break from sightseeing.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Walk Through History at Toomemägi (Cathedral Hill Park)

Toomemägi, also known as Cathedral Hill Park, is a peaceful green space perched on a small hill just above Tartu’s city center. More than just a park, this hill marks the very beginnings of Tartu—by the 7th century CE, local inhabitants had already built wooden fortifications here.

In medieval times, Toomemägi became the site of a bishop’s castle, making it one of the most historically significant spots in the city. Today, the park is a lovely place to walk, with tree-lined paths, sculptures, and views over the city. It’s also home to the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, one of the town’s most iconic and atmospheric sites.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tartu

Explore the Ruins of Tartu Cathedral

Whether you call it Tartu Cathedral, Dorpat Cathedral, or Tartu Toomkirik, this impressive red-brick ruin is one of the top things to see in the city—and a must-visit while you’re in Toomemägi Park.

Originally built as a Catholic cathedral, it now stands as a dramatic and beautiful ruin, giving visitors a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. There are three parts to explore when you visit:

• The cathedral ruins themselves, which are free to wander and incredibly atmospheric.
• The towers, which you can climb for a small fee to get sweeping views over Tartu.
• The University of Tartu Museum, located inside part of the reconstructed structure, which also serves as a venue for university receptions and special events.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the cathedral’s scale and quiet beauty make it one of the most memorable places in the city.

Check our Google Map of the Baltic States

More things to do in Tartu

If you’re planning to stay a bit longer or just want to explore beyond the main sights, here are a couple of extra spots we had on our list and think are well worth checking out:

• Supilinn: Also known as the “Soup Town”, Supilinn is a quirky and colorful neighborhood just north of the city center. It’s known for its wooden houses with charming, decorative façades and its creative, slightly bohemian feel. A short walk through the area gives you a different perspective on Tartu’s architecture and local life.
• Jänese Matkarada: If you’re craving a bit more nature, head out to the Jänese Hiking Trail (Jänese matkarada), which follows the river and leads into a quiet northern park. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk, and in summer, there’s even a place where you can swim in the river. Perfect for escaping the city without actually leaving it.
• Upside Down House: If you’re looking for something quirky, the Upside Down House in Tartu is a fun stop. Everything inside is flipped on its head—literally. Walking through feels like stepping into another world, and it makes for some pretty hilarious photos.

Read: The Perfect 2-Week Baltic States Itinerary