Top 31 Things To Do in Tartu 2019 - Best Activities in Tartu

Kaarsild

A test of character

Kaarsild

17

Kaarsild is the arch-shaped pedestrian bridge close to the main square. The legend says that unless you walk over the arch (not the bridge, but the arch) you will not be accepted as a student at the Tartu University. By the way, nowadays the police unfortunately gives fines for these tests of character. Read more ›

by Piret

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Genialistide Klubi

Things To Do 26 3

By Piret

A world of its own

Genialistide Klubi

26

You can't have lived in Tartu and not have heard of the Genialistide klubi. If this place believed in translations, the name would mean something akin to "Genius club", but better. An establishment within subcultures, it makes for a venue where theatre, music, cinema and joy meet. Read more ›

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Toy Museum

Things To Do 10 1

By Piret

Unleash the child inside you

Toy Museum

10

Fun and interesting visit for both children and those who refuse to grow up. Read more ›

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Angel's Bridge & Devil's Bridge

Things To Do 19 1

By Piret

Time for a walk

Angel's Bridge & Devil's Bridge

19

These two bridges are the oldest ones in Tartu, with the Angel Bridge dating back to 1838 and Devil's Bridge to 1913. Read more ›

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Dome Church's ruins

Things To Do 18 1

By Piret

Feel the history

Dome Church's ruins

18

The construction of the Old Dome started already in the 13th century but it was destroyed in a fire in 1624. The preserved part accomodated the university library in the 19th century and now contains the Tartu University History Museum. Read more ›

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Sculpture of Kissing Students

Things To Do 14 1

By Piret

Time for a dip

Sculpture of Kissing Students

14

The statue in the middle of the fountain on Raekoja Square really characterises the romantic and spontaneous student life. The inspiration for the statue was actually the author's newphew who was kissing a girl in the rain. Read more ›

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Wilde & Vilde

Things To Do 12 0

By Piret

Meet the famous gentlemen

Wilde & Vilde

12

On Vallikraavi street there is a fun speculation on literature history. A bronze sculpture of two writers sitting on a bench- Oscar Wilde and Estonia's own Eduard Vilde. Since they represented the same generation they could theoretically have met in 1890's. Read more ›

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Pirogov Park

Things To Do 12 1

By Piret

Time to get your drinks out

Pirogov Park

12

The small park on the foothills of Toomemägi is the traditional gathering place for students of Tartu. Since it's considered a picnic area from 15th of March to 15th of October, then consuming light alcohol is allowed there during those 7 months of the year. Read more ›

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Botanical Garden

Things To Do 15 3

By Piret

Stop and smell the roses

Botanical Garden

15

If you want to stop and smell the roses then that's the place to go to. Tartu Botanical Gardens were founded already in 1803 and in 1806 the moved to the current location. Between the plants you'll find interesting sculptures from Tartu Art Museum's collections. Try finding the "napping bear" or the "drowner". Read more ›

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The banks of Emajõgi

Things To Do 14 2

By Piret

Escape the city

The banks of Emajõgi

14

If it actually is humanly possible to get tired of the big city life in Tartu, just head down to the hiking tracks along the banks of river Emajõgi. You’ll be wandering around wild nature in 15 minutes. Read more ›

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Jaani (St. John's) Church

Things To Do 9 2

By Piret

Go for the view

Jaani (St. John's) Church

9

To be quite honest, the Tartu Jaani church doesn't look like much at first glance. Unless you have a fascination with churches bordering on the morbid, there's a fair chance you'll be underwhelmed by this sanctuary. Pretty as though it may be, it's just a tad bit too... Nordic. So why bother going? Read more ›

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Tartu Art Museum

Things To Do 6 2

By Piret

The Pisa Tower of Tartu

Tartu Art Museum

6

The Tartu Art Museum is housed in the Pisa Tower of Tartu. This oddly leaning building looks as if it was just a little bit tipsy, but then again how sober is art? Today, it offers temporary and varied displays in addition to the permanent Estonian exposition. Read more ›

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Eesti Rahva Muuseum | Estonian National Museum

Things To Do 5 1

By Kristjan

Estonian history throughout times

Eesti Rahva Muuseum | Estonian National Museum

5

Through the Museum’s exhibitions and events, one can take a look at Estonians’ everyday lives and get familiar with local dress, language and customs throughout different periods. Also a very nice and relaxing big area to walk around or play disc golf. Read more ›

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Sacrificial stone & Kissing Hill

Things To Do 5 0

By Piret

Sacrifice some time

Sacrificial stone & Kissing Hill

5

Pre-Christian Estonians used to worship their pagan gods and make sacrifices here. Nowadays, the only sacrificing going on here is when students burn their lecture notes after exams. Read more ›

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Vanemuine

Things To Do 7 1

By Piret

Life is a theatre

Vanemuine

7

You might have heard that us, Estonians, love theatre and every decent town has at least got a stage or two. Vanemuine being the oldest theatre in Estonia could quite easily be called the heart of cultural Tartu. Read more ›

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Von Bock's house

Things To Do 5 0

By Piret

A house with history

Von Bock's house

5

The Von Bock's house with its rich history and nice looks has definitely become one of the most beloved buildings in Tartu. Read more ›

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The Museum Dungeons of the KGB

Things To Do 5 1

By Piret

What lies beneath the surface

The Museum Dungeons of the KGB

5

The Museum Dungeons of the KGB is situated in the former regional KGB headquarters, also notoriously known as the Grey House. Some cells have been restored and some give an overview of the crimes of communist regime, Siberian prison camps and Estonian resistance movement. Read more ›

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Lodjakoda

Things To Do 8 0

By Piret

Ship ahoy!

Lodjakoda

8

While taking a walk along the picturesque bank of Emajõgi, you just might stumble upon a weird looking wooden construction-thingy. Guess what... They’re hiding a real boat under it! Feel free to check out how the building process is coming along or if you are really eager, why not give them a helping hand. Read more ›

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Aura Keskus

Things To Do 6 1

By Piret

Have a splash!

Aura Keskus

6

Their selection of different saunas (it’s a must for a true Estonian experience, I mean, who doesn’t love sitting around naked in 100°C?), water slides, hot tubs and swimming pools should bring a smile to the face of even the neediest of bathers. Read more ›

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Elektriteater

Things To Do 9 1

By Piret

Cinema extraordinaire

Elektriteater

9

Elektriteater screens mainly European and Estonian films of the more curious variety. One of the great things about this place is that they don’t sell popcorn, so you can quietly feast your eyes on the film without someone complementing the soundtrack with their constant munching and crunching. Read more ›

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Town Wall route

Things To Do 5 0

By Piret

Time for a treasure hunt

Town Wall route

5

Unlike Tallinn, Tartu has been somewhat less fortunate as far as medieval landmarks go. With little left standing, you'd have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. And given that the town wall used to be 2 kilometres long and sporting 27 towers, there's a lot of blanks to fill. Read more ›

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TCCI

Things To Do 2 0

By Piret

Get creative

TCCI

2

Tartu Centre for Creative Industries is a hub for people with ideas. Besides incubating creative start-ups they’ve got an art gallery, an Estonian design shop, vintage shop and a cafe – all in a charming old timey wooden house setting. Open-air events take place in a large park behind the houses. Read more ›

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Tartu University lock-up

Things To Do 4 1

By Piret

Lock it up

Tartu University lock-up

4

In the attic of the main building of Tartu University is another intriguing place- the little room where the students who infringed the university's Code of Conduct used to "do time" and left verses or monograms in Latin and german on the walls, ceiling and the doors. Ask about the lock-up in the Univeristy Art Museum. Read more ›

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Karlova manor

Things To Do 4 0

By Piret

The hidden gem

Karlova manor

4

Estonia is the land of excesses, and old manor houses are one of them. Of the 500-odd mansions, many are too far to reach or too unremarkable. The Karlova manor though doesn’t require a longer commute and despite its worn look is a charming sight to behold. Read more ›

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Statue of K. J. Peterson

Things To Do 3 0

By Piret

The father of Estonian language

Statue of K. J. Peterson

3

Kristjan Jaak Peterson was an Estonian writer and poet who died of tuberculosis at the age of 21, having lived a very poor life and was known to have walked from Tartu to Riga and back several times. Read more ›

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Gallery Noorus

Things To Do 2 0

By Piret

Art lives here

Gallery Noorus

2

Tartu is one damn inspirational town, so it’s really no surprise that we have an art academy here. Gallery Noorus is precisely the place the local youth can show off their latest works. Read more ›

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Mikkeli Galerii

Shopping 3 0

By Gerda Kelly

Mikkeli Galerii

3

Look for a sign in big blue letters that says "KUNSTIPOOD", meaning artshop, and you will find Mikkel's Gallery. But it is so much more than that - it's also a gallery and pottery and porcelain studio. You can buy some practical items or beautiful art pieces for your home. Read more ›

by Gerda Kelly

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Estonian Sports Museum

Things To Do 3 0

By Piret

Intellectual exercising

Estonian Sports Museum

3

Here in Estonia everyone is extremely proud of their national heroes. The majority of them being professional athletes, it truly isn’t shocking that we’ve opened a sports museum. Not just opened, it’s actually been there for over 50 years. Offering both an educational and an entertaining experience, this hidden gem is gaining fans day by day. Read more ›

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Tartu Art House

Things To Do 4 0

By Piret

The art mecca

Tartu Art House

4

Art is definitely a thing here in Tartu. By having the biggest amount of bohemian sweaters per capita, it truly is no wonder that there are tons of people living here, who call themselves artists. And those who can’t really draw, try to stay cultural by just absorbing the surrounding creative vibes. Read more ›

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Printing and Paper Museum

Shopping 3 0

By Helen

A museum where you can touch everything

Printing and Paper Museum

3

It is rustic, but still with a warm feeling. A hands on museum where a lot of the machines are working and you can even try them out to make a postcard or notebook. They organise a lot of workshops, too, so there is always a reason to return. Read more ›

by Helen

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Tartu Visitor Center

Things To Do 2 1

By Piret

The official tourist information centre

Tartu Visitor Center

2

The Tartu Visitor Centre is located inside the Town Hall building on the Main Square and provides you with everything you need to know about places in and around Tartu. Loads of maps, brochures and other stuff available for free. Read more ›

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Genialistide Klubi

Angel's Bridge & Devil's Br...

Dome Church's ruins

Crepp

Vilde Restaurant

Püssirohukelder

Püssirohukelder

Illusion

Genialistide Klubi

Tasku Shopping Center

Kalev Chocolate Shop

Tartu market

Things To Do in Tartu

Browse popular tours and discover 31 tips recommended by our locals

Escape the city

The banks of Emajõgi

Meet the famous gentlemen

Wilde & Vilde

Time for a dip

Sculpture of Kissing Students

Feel the history

Dome Church's ruins

A test of character

Kaarsild

Stop and smell the roses

Botanical Garden

Time for a walk

Angel's Bridge & Devil's Bridge

Have a splash!

Aura Keskus

Ship ahoy!

Lodjakoda

Cinema extraordinaire

Elektriteater

Life is a theatre

Vanemuine

Unleash the child inside you

Toy Museum

A world of its own

Genialistide Klubi

Kaarsild

Genialistide Klubi

Toy Museum

Angel's Bridge & Devil's Bridge

Dome Church's ruins

Sculpture of Kissing Students

Wilde & Vilde

Pirogov Park

Botanical Garden

The banks of Emajõgi

Become an influencer!

Jaani (St. John's) Church

Tartu Art Museum

Eesti Rahva Muuseum | Estonian National Museum

Sacrificial stone & Kissing Hill

Vanemuine

Von Bock's house

The Museum Dungeons of the KGB

Lodjakoda

Aura Keskus

Elektriteater

Town Wall route

TCCI

Tartu University lock-up

Karlova manor

Statue of K. J. Peterson

Gallery Noorus

Mikkeli Galerii

Estonian Sports Museum

Tartu Art House

Printing and Paper Museum

Become an influencer!

Tartu Visitor Center

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