Popular Things to Do and Places to See in Tartu, Estonia

November 17, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2140 Views

Tartu is a wonderful city in Estonia. It is second largest in the country and situated on the banks of river Emajogi, which is also known as Mother River. Many of the places to visit in Tartu are situated alongside this river. Tartu is considered to be the intellectual center of the country owing to several colleges and universities. The University of Tartu is one of the oldest one in the country and in the Baltic states as well. You will find several Tartu tourist attractions in the university campus itself.

Tartu is the oldest city in Estonia. Earliest settlements in the region go back to 5th century A.D. The fortification on Toome Hill date back to 7th century and is one of the finest historical Tartu attractions. The city also has ruins of cathedrals and old houses which are part of early history of the city. You can also explore the museums dedicated to the city and the country to learn more about cultural and political history. If you want to check out old buildings, you should being Tartu sightseeing with the Old Town.

The city is also known for advanced scientific centers as well. The AHHAA Science Center is home to some of the finest scientific exhibitions in the country. It is also the largest science center in the baltic states. Another major aspect of things to see in Tartu are the street arts spread across the city.

This city has a lot to offer to all those who visit Tartu. You get to enjoy history, culture, art, architecture and science. You can easily dedicate a couple of days for Tartu travel while exploring Estonia.

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Table of Contents

The Best 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Tartu

1. AHHAA Science Center (Teaduskeskus AHHAA)

This science center is the largest of its kind in all of Baltic States. The center has several amazing interactive exhibitions to explore. The museum showcases some of the greatest achievements in various fields of science. You will need about 2 hours to explore it when you visit Tartu.

2. Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

One of the best places to begin Tartu sightseeing, this square is considered the heart of the city. The kissing students fountain is one of the biggest attraction here. You should check out several historical buildings around this square as you explore it. It will take you about 20 to 30 minutes for this place.

3. Old Town (Tartu vanalinn)

Some of the finest Tartu attractions are situated in the old town. This part of the city has an altogether different vibe to it. You can explore old buildings, quaint cafes, classic restaurants and more. It will take you about a couple of hour to explore this area.

4. Town Hall (Tartu raekoda)

The town hall is considered a neoclassical gem among places to visit in Tartu. It was first built in 1789 over the previous building which was destroyed in a fire. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for the Town Hall.

5. Tartu Toy Museum (Tartu Mänguasjamuuseum)

One of the most interesting things to see in Tartu is this museum which exhibits several toys from different eras in Estonia. The traditional toys exhibited in the museum give you a good insight into the culture of the country. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

You can book your ticket of Tartu Toy Museum in Advance.

6. St. John’s Church (Jaani kirik)

This Lutheran church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. The church dates back to the 14th century, though it was heavily damaged during the second world war. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

7. Luke Manor (Luke mõis)

This manor was built in 1557 and is one of the few remaining old manors in the country. It is known for it Neo-Baroque style of architecture. You will need about an hour to explore the manor and its complex.

8. Soup Town (Supilinn)

Also known as the Supilinn Neighbourhoods, this area is known for old traditional wooden houses. It is one of the finest historical Tartu tourist attractions. The area got the name soup town as the streets of this districts are named after soup ingredients. You will need about an hour to explore it.

9. Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahva Muuseum)

This museum will tell you about the history of Estonia. You can get deep insight into political and cultural history of the country. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

10. Toome Hill (Toomemägi)

This hill had one of the earliest settlements in the region. There are fortifications going back to the 7th century. It is one of the most important historical Tartu attractions bristle with monuments and statues. You would need about 2 hours to explore the Toome Hill.

11. Noora – National Archives of Estonia (Rahvusarhiiv)

This building is known for its remarkable architecture. The exterior features a labyrinth motif and the interior has a groove motif. Exploring this building is an experience within itself. It will take you about 2 hours for Noora.

12. Tartu Cathedral Ruins (Tartu toomkirik)

These cathedrals built on Toome Hill between 13th and 16th century were damaged during the Livonian war. You can now visit open-air ruins of the cathedrals when you visit Tartu. You will need about an hour to explore these ruins.

13. Museum of KGB Cells (Grey House)

This place was used by the KGB to hold people they suspected. The museum tells how the secret police operated against local people during the soviet occupation of Estonia. You would need 1 hour for this museum.

14. Street Art Hunting

Exploring street art is one of the most fun things to do in Tartu if you enjoy treasure hunts. You will find many of the street arts marked with the location on google maps. If you go on to hunt down the street art, it will take almost the entire day.

15. University of Tartu (Tartu Ülikool)

This historical university was established in 1632 and is oldest in the country. You should visit the university for some wonderful historical buildings in the complex like Old Anatomical Theatre and the Observatory. You will need 2 hours to explore the complex.

16. Emajogi Riverfront

Emajogi is called the Mother River for Estonia. One of the most pleasant experiences during Tartu travel is leisurely walks along the river front. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the parks on the riverfront.

If you are looking for more Tartu tourist attractions check out the section below.

Things to do in Tartu

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Tartu

Tartu Kunsti Museum
Estonian National Museum
University of Tartu Museum
Tartu Toy Museum
University of Tartu Art Museum
Tartu Tahetorn Observatory
Tartu Linna Museum
Estonia Sports and Olympic Museum
Tartu Dome Church
Toomemagi Castle Ruins
TYPA letterpress and paper art center
Tartu Laulupeo Museum
St. John’s Church
Tartu Linnakodaniku Museum
Estonian Literary Museum
Raadi Manor
Oskar Lutsu Maja Museum
Karlova Manor
Olle Museum
Jakob Hurda Monument
St. Virgin Mary’s Dormition Cathedral
Paberi Museum
Baeri Museum
Friedrich Robert Faehimanni Monument
Ropka Manor
Museum of the Estonian National Defense
Monument of Nations
Estonian Agricultural Museum
Estonian Aviation Museum
Ulenurme Manor

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Tartu

Lake Raadi
Ropka-Ihaste looduskaitseala Nature Reserve
Aardla Jarv Lake
Vasula Jarv Lake
Haage Jarv Lake
Kurepalu Jarv Lake
Tuki Rattarada Forest
Ilmatsalu Karevere Nature Park
Ropka Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Tartu

AHHAA Science Center
Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu
Museum of Natural History
Aura Waterpark
KGB Cells Museum
Tagurpidi Maja
VR Tartu 1913
Kissing Hill
Cathedral Hill Park
Tahtvere Spordipark
Rahinge Wakepark

Shopping in Tartu

Tartu Bazaar
Tasku Shopping Center
Kvartal Mall
Kaubamaja Mall

Sightseeing in Tartu

Town Hall Square
Tartu Town Hall
The Kissing Students Fountain
Father and Son Sculpture
Devil’s Bridge
Anne Kanal
Kaarslid Bridge
Inglisild Bridge
Pirogovi Park
Karlova Park
Tartu Keskpark
War of Independence Monument
Barclays Square
Toomemagi Park
Vaksali Park
Vanemuise Park
Peter Pollu Square

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Tartu

Werner Cafe
Truffe
La Dolce Vita
Crepp
Taverna
Pierre
Spargel
Polpo
Aparaat
Krempel
Chez Andre
Vilde Restaurant
Cafe Shakespeare
Antonius

Where to Stay in Tartu?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Tartu. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Tartu.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Tartu

How to Reach Tartu?

By Air

The easiest option for Tartu travel is through city’s airport which goes by the name Ülenurme Airport or simply Tartu Airport. You can get direct flights to and from Helsinki and Tallinn. You have the options of bus and cabs to get to any of the places to visit in Tartu from the airport.

By Road

You can use train to visit Tartu from Tallinn, Tapa, Riga, Valga, Rakvere, Narva, and Koidula. The bus network is far more widespread and connects to several cities, towns and villages in Estonia.

If you plan to drive to the city yourself, you can pick between routes E264, E263, 92 and 2. You will come across several Tartu tourist attractions along the way before you enter the city.

By Water

You can get ferry service to explore Lakes Peipus and Lammijarv among things to do in Tartu.

Image Reference

AHHAA Science Center (Teaduskeskus AHHAA) – Visit Estonia / Flickr
Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) – Makalu / PixaBay
Old Town (Tartu vanalinn) – Guntars Mednis / Wikimedia Commons
Town Hall (Tartu raekoda) – Makalu / PixaBay
Tartu Toy Museum (Tartu Mänguasjamuuseum) – Eesti.pl / Kazimierz Popławski / Flickr
St. John’s Church (Jaani kirik) – Anita / Flickr
Luke Manor (Luke mõis) – Vaido Otsar / Wikimedia Commons
Soup Town (Supilinn) – Maasaak / Wikimedia Commons
Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahva Muuseum) – Arp Karm / Wikimedia Commons
Toome Hill (Toomemägi) – Anita / Flickr
Noora – National Archives of Estonia (Rahvusarhiiv) – Birgitkibal / Wikimedia Commons
Tartu Cathedral Ruins (Tartu toomkirik) – Anita / Flickr
Museum of KGB Cells (Grey House) – Adam Jones / Flickr
Street Art Hunting – Richard Mcall / PixaBay
University of Tartu (Tartu Ülikool) – Tõnu Mauring / Flickr
Emajogi Riverfront – Anita / Flickr