TARTU, THE CITY OF GOOD THOUGHTS

Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia, is a unique university and cultural city in southern Estonia that hosts many exciting events throughout the year and impresses with both medieval and modern architecture. It’s a safe compact city, perfect for families with children.

CULTURE

Tartu’s cultural life owes a lot to Tartu University (est. 1632). The student life, bohemian vibe, wonderful street art and neighbourhoods of wooden houses create a good atmosphere. Supilinn (’Soup Town’), for example, is close to the centre and easy to visit on foot, by bike or even a scooter, as is Karlova with its cosy cafes.

ART
 A traditional art experience can be had at the Tartu Kunstimuuseum or Tartu’s numerous art galleries.

THEATRE

A fundamental part of Tartu’s cultural life is Vanemuine Theatre where masterpieces of different genres – such as Phantom of the Opera, Carmen, The Master and Margarita and Mamma Mia! – are performed, some of them with subtitles for foreign guests.

MUSEUMS

Tartu is famous also for its museums: Tartu University Museum, Old Observatory, The City Museum, the Beer Museum. The grand Estonian National Museum with electronic tickets adaptable to a visitor’s interest is definitely worth a visit.

FAMILY

Tartu is also a playful city, perfect for families with children. A must-see is the UNICEF recognized Tartu Toy Museum with its displays of toys from different countries and times.

SCIENCE

The Baltics’ largest Science Centre AHHAA provides entertainment for hours. A math room, workshops, historical medicine collection, science theatre and planetarium are just a few examples of the fun it offers. 

HISTORY

At the Tartu University Natural History Museum observe where butterflies stay the night or look the first Estonian captured jackal in the eye. Near Tartu, visit the Aviation Museum, the Estonian Agricultural Museum or the Ice Age Centre.

SHOPPING

Tartu shopping centres: Tasku, Kvartal, Lõunakeskus, Tartu Kaubamaja.