Tartu

University-city buzz, a Gothic hill and Estonias best food scene

Browse Tartu

Tartus best food, sights and places to stay, verified and recreated for the new guide.

Tartu at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Town Hall Square and Tartu Cathedral
Where to stay: Old Town and Aparaaditehas
Local picks: 22 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Tartu

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Eat and Drink in TartuTartus best food and drink, from Michelin-recommended Holm to the Aparaaditehas creative factory and the Gunpowder Cellar.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Tartu: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Tartu, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Tartu

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Old Town

Holm

Tartus Michelin-recommended kitchen, turning local, seasonal produce into the most inventive cooking in southern Estonia.

★ 4.7

€€€

Old Town

Krempel

The easygoing, art-filled cafe and bar that Tartu residents return to again and again.

★ 4.5

€

Old Town

La Dolce Vita

A lively local favourite for generous, wood-fired pizza in the heart of the Old Town.

★ 4.4

€€

Old Town

Meat Market Steak & Cocktail

Black Angus steaks, ribs and a serious cocktail list in a buzzy central dining room.

★ 4.4

€€€

Toomemagi

Pussirohukelder

Hearty Estonian classics like mulgipuder served under the soaring vaults of the historic Gunpowder Cellar.

★ 4.3

€€

Aparaaditehas

Restaurant Aparaat

Modern Estonian plates inside the Aparaaditehas, a repurposed factory full of studios, shops and bars.

★ 4.5

€€

Before you go

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Tartu travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Tartu?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Tartu at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Tartu?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Tartu?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Tartu guide.

What is the best time to visit Tartu?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Tartu is worth visiting year-round.