Tartu is essentially large, yet at the same time just the right size and compact
There is something for everyone here! Here are the main reasons that make Tartu special. Enjoy exploring!
1. A colourful combination of cultural heritage and modernness
Tartu, as the oldest city in the Baltics, offers exciting sights every step of the way, especially in the city centre, which is a unique national heritage conservation area. Here you can find examples of styles from medieval times to present-day modern architecture that are complemented with cosy cafes and unique restaurants, urban nature and the lively buzz of the student city. Tartu is the cradle of Estonian culture – from here the national university originated and the first newspapers and cultural societies started their work. In the year 1869, the first Estonian national song festival took place in Tartu and the first professional theatre (Vanemuine) began its work here in 1870. The National Archives and the Ministry of Education and Research are also located here, as well as various important cultural institutions. The most important among them is the over a century-old Estonian National Museum where history is intertwined with innovation. The museum’s permanent exhibitions of the cultural history of Estonian and Finno-Ugric nations are represented through both physical exhibits as well as novel smart solutions, creating a bond between the older and younger generations.
2. Tartu has a sustainable mindset
Tartu’s enchanting nature outside the city and lush green spaces throughout the town make it a pleasant destination. However, lush nature alone doesn’t make a destination green! Meeting climate goals and sustainable development are key. Tartu’s leadership in this area is evidenced by its platinum-level recognition in the Green Destinations programme, in which Tartu has participated since 2020. The city and county are home to many sustainability-minded businesses with Green Key, Green Museum, or other well-known certifications that recognise their sustainable practices. All public events in Tartu follow the guidelines for organising environmentally friendly events. Tartu is among the European Commission’s 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.
3. A favourable research and business environment
Tartu is known as Estonia’s education and research hub. A well-functioning education system, successful high schools and vocational education, renowned and respected universities led by the University of Tartu, a compact business environment, and various support structures—all these create a favourable foundation for the rapid and smart development of entrepreneurship. Alongside medicine and biotechnology, the fields of information technology and electronics are also very well developed in Tartu.
Many start-ups have originated in Tartu, continuously supported by the city’s entrepreneurial landscape. In addition to the hundreds of local and international conferences, seminars, and workshops held annually across various fields, Tartu, in collaboration with the city, organises the largest business festival in the Baltics, sTARTUp Day. This event brings together specialists from around the world as well as entrepreneurial enthusiasts who are still planning their start-up ventures.
If you’re looking for a suitable destination for remote work, Tartu and South Estonia offer a wide range of solutions. In the centre of Tartu, you can conveniently use the fully-equipped public workspace at sTARTUp Hub, as well as various options in accommodation establishments. Alternatively, you can escape all distractions and work in nature—smaller rural areas in Estonia are also well-covered by mobile networks.
Tartu has a bit of everything. World-class science during the day and an irresistible buzz in the evenings
4. Events for every taste
Throughout the year, Tartu hosts a variety of events to suit every taste—there’s something for enthusiasts of history, music, literature, theatre, film, science, and sports. The city showcases its many, sometimes quirky facets through events such as the UIT city festival, the Estonian Theatre Festival DRAAMA, lively student days in spring and autumn, the tARTuFF film festival, the Stencibility street art festival, the Aparaaditehas festival, and more. Key city-organised events include Tartu City Day, the Tartu Food and Wine Festival, and Christmas Town Tartu. Additionally, various fairs and exhibitions are held. Tartu offers excellent opportunities for organising conferences, with a number of them taking place here. For the best overview of events happening in Tartu and South Estonia, check out the Tartu and South Estonia Culture Window.
5. A county full of flavour
Tartu is the centre of South Estonian flavours. Here you will come upon plenty of cosy cafes and diverse restaurants, on whose menus authentic Estonian food as well as dishes from different nations can be found. This area is known for various events that value good and healthy food. Thus, in February, Tasty Tartu restaurant month attracts food gourmets with exciting special menus in the city’s restaurants, the summertime Tartu Food and Wine Festival brings together countless delicacies and seasonal bounties of nature from the best of what the small producers in South Estonia have to offer, and home-café days are growing in popularity both in the city and all over the county. The selection of all restaurants, cafés, and food experiences can be found on the page Eat and Drink.
6. Distinctive neighbourhoods
In the wooden districts of Karlova and Supilinn, the exciting history of the neighbourhoods, striking architecture, and vibrant street art come together—this is the “little wooden town,” known for its old wooden houses and slightly eccentric atmosphere. In spring, both locals and visitors have the opportunity to participate in neighbourhood days. Tartu has 18 districts and one picturesque area. You can learn more about the districts here.
7. Vibrant street art
As you stroll along both the main streets and smaller side roads, you’ll often encounter interesting masterpieces, including quotes and poems. Several city tours and a street art map have been created to introduce the street art scene. Additionally, Tartu hosts its own internationally renowned street art festival, Stencibility, which brings together specialists in the field and offers exploration and participation opportunities for all visitors.
Everything in Tartu is within your reach. Just 15 minutes to almost anywhere! By foot, on a city bike, or with the new and convenient buses.
8. In Tartu, you truly relax
Tartu is a great place to take a break and savour the moment. For relaxation, you can visit the V Spa water and sauna world and the Aura Centre water park and health club in the city centre, where you can swim, enjoy the sauna, or take in the view of the city centre. Water attractions also entertain the little ones in the family. Along the banks of the Emajõgi River, which runs through the city, you’ll find cosy cafés, and you can enjoy the views from both boat and ship rides. Everything is close by, so there’s no need to rush—just do exactly what your heart desires!
9. There are activities for the whole family.
Tartu is the best place in Estonia for a family vacation. The safe and cohesive city environment offers activities for family members of all ages and provides opportunities for learning and development together. Both in the city and the surrounding county, there are numerous playgrounds and parks, exciting museums with interactive exhibits, imaginative playrooms, and fun water attractions. You’ll find giant mammoths, small ducklings, toys and craft rooms, trampolines, climbing trees, and much more. Most importantly, because Tartu is compact, everything is conveniently close by, and you can do a lot in a short time. You can explore all the family-friendly museums and attractions here.
10. Many opportunities for active recreation
There are exciting sports activities and adrenaline-pumping challenges for both adults and children here. Cyclists and rollerbladers will enjoy routes that even extend into Northern Latvia. Adventure enthusiasts can test their skills in adventure parks, on the water, and on the karting track.
Experience a dizzying thrill at the Upside Down House, where everything is turned, and the house is also tilted for an even greater sensory illusion. For adrenaline-pumping experiences, try the various escape rooms and paintball battles. Or more tranquil adventure numerous hiking trails are to explore.
In Tartu City and Tartu County, engaging events take place in every season, where both adults and children can compete. The most famous are the Tartu Marathon’s ski, bike, running, and rollerblading marathons. Rally Estonia attracts international celebrities and many spectators to Tartu.
