Local shops to explore
Tartu is a city with character, and this is reflected in its distinctive shops. Here you will find plenty of places offering unique souvenirs as well as local art and design – perfect for your loved ones, business partners or simply as a treat for yourself.
To get started, you can stop by the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, where, in addition to free maps and brochures, you will also find a selection of special gift ideas and souvenirs, including official Tartu-themed items. It is a great place to gather inspiration for your visit before heading out to explore the city.
Alongside its many attractions, Tartu is also home to a wide range of lovely shops where you can discover charming souvenirs, local design and thoughtful gift ideas. These small finds are often what help you remember your visit to Tartu long after the trip is over.
Gifts with a cultural touch
In many of Tartu’s museums, charming museum shops welcome visitors alongside the exhibitions. You can visit them without a ticket, so they are well worth stepping into even if you are just passing by.
The cosy shop at Tartu Art Museum awaits discovery right on the corner of Town Hall Square, in the iconic Leaning House. Here, both art lovers and simply curious visitors can find gifts and keepsakes to take home. Although the shop may seem small at first glance, it surprises with a wide selection of products, including art books, posters, postcards, magnets, local designers’ creations and other art-inspired souvenirs that combine beauty with practical value. Notably, the selection of art books is the largest in Southern Estonia.
After exploring the exhibitions at Estonia’s largest museum, it is well worth stopping by the museum shop as well. At the Estonian National Museum shop, you will find a thoughtfully curated selection of Estonian design, traditional handicrafts, jewellery and other items that reflect local culture and stories.
The Tartu City Museum focuses on sharing the story of Tartu. That same sense of place is also carried by the souvenirs in the museum shop, allowing you to take a small piece of Tartu home with you. You can reach the City Museum shop by taking a pleasant walk from Town Hall Square across the Arch Bridge.
The University of Tartu Museum’s shop Toompood is located in Toome Hill Park, on the first floor of the cathedral. Here you can browse books, souvenirs and creations by local designers that introduce the story of Toome Hill, the cathedral and the university. There is something to suit both science and culture enthusiasts, as well as anyone with a sweet tooth.
At the A. Le Coq Beer Museum gift shop, you will find a wide range of A. Le Coq beverages at good prices, along with souvenirs, beer glasses and gift ideas. The shop also offers more playful gift items, as well as A. Le Coq branded clothing and accessories, from caps and T-shirts to stylish bags and jackets.
At the Tartu Toy Museum, you will find a delightful selection of gifts and nostalgic finds for both children and adults. In fact, there are two charming little shops to explore. The main shop is located in the museum’s main building at Lutsu 8, and another lovely shop can be found at the Theatre Home at Lutsu 2.
The AHHAA Science Centre shop offers a wide range of educational and playful products. Here you will discover plenty of exciting ideas for curious children, young people and adults alike, perfect for fun and engaging leisure time.
At the Ice Age Centre, you are welcomed by a lovely souvenir shop where you can find both local products and unique Ice Age-themed gifts. Many of the items are made from recycled materials and have been selected with sustainability and nature-friendliness in mind.
Special finds by local designers
The gift shop Kiiks ja Knihv helps you find presents that are interesting, unusual, totally quirky – and guaranteed to make the recipient smile or burst out laughing. Run by a small family business, the shop creates its own products as well as offers a playful selection of items by other makers.
The studio shop Karud ja Pojad is an art and nostalgia shop with a truly special atmosphere. Here you can purchase unique original works created in the studio, as well as doll art, prints, paintings, ceramics and other art and design pieces by various artists. The shop also features a carefully curated selection of vintage items.
At the Maikro shop, you will find a diverse range of works by the artist Maikro. The shopkeepers’ big dream is to raise funds through the store to support the construction of Mikrogalerii, a gallery dedicated to art programmes.
Offering a bohemian street-style aesthetic, Bepe is a distinctive fashion and design shop located right on Town Hall Square. Here you can find Samelin footwear produced in Tartu, knitwear and linen dresses made in Estonia, as well as jewellery, accessories, bags and much more.
The cosy and charming book room Fahrenheit 451 honours the beauty of old books. Set across two floors, the space is lined from floor to ceiling with bookshelves, making it a true heaven on earth for book lovers.
In the independent bookshop Biblioteek, you will find a carefully curated selection of new and second-hand books. It is also a lovely place to simply spend some time – enjoying tea, coffee or wine and taking part in various events. As a delightful Tartu-specific bonus, Biblioteek features a bookshelf dedicated to works by Tartu’s city writers.
The second floor of Biblioteek is home to the popular record store Biit.me, known for its excellent selection of vinyl.
Located in Alatskivi, Magasiait is a handicraft shop showcasing the work of Estonian artisans. Here you will find lovely rugs, stylish ceramics, jewellery and knitwear – from cosy socks to warm accessories for your hands and feet. One of the shop’s greatest prides is its wide selection of woven baskets. Alongside handicrafts, you can also discover many delicious treats from Magasiait’s farm pantry.
At the Peipsimaa Heritage Centre, visitors are welcomed by products inspired by the handicrafts of the Peipsi region and the Old Believers – hand-printed tablecloths, towels, shirts and aprons. You will also find many other interesting items, including ceramics, books on Old Believer cultural history, fiction, music records and postcards. And of course, local specialities such as Peipsi onions, chicory, tea blends and traditional boiled sugar sweets are also available.
This selection highlights just a small part of Tartu’s many shops. There are plenty more lovely boutiques and places to browse at your own pace and discover local creativity. If you are looking for a gift, a souvenir or quality local design, you will find many different options in Tartu – and something that will remind you of your visit even afterwards.
Find more shopping options in Tartu here.