Guidebook for Tartu
Drinks & Nightlife
A 100 meters from my place, this is a rock themed pub with a good atmosphere and varied patrons. At night, this would be your first stop on your way to the city centre and your last on your way back.
Krooks
34 JakobiA 100 meters from my place, this is a rock themed pub with a good atmosphere and varied patrons. At night, this would be your first stop on your way to the city centre and your last on your way back.
If you want to try out a nightclub, this small club has beautiful interiors and even more beautiful patrons.
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Club Illusion
97 RaatuseIf you want to try out a nightclub, this small club has beautiful interiors and even more beautiful patrons.
A shot bar with free entry, this place has drained the surrounding nightclubs of their clients and has become the focal point of nightlife for those looking for a fun time with easy hookups.
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Shooters Tartu
4 VallikraaviA shot bar with free entry, this place has drained the surrounding nightclubs of their clients and has become the focal point of nightlife for those looking for a fun time with easy hookups.
A pub and a buffet, a place to meet friends, to play boardgames, to listen to alternative bands or dance on the second floor, this is the embodiment of the carefree student spirit of Tartu.
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Genialistide Klubi
5 MagasiniA pub and a buffet, a place to meet friends, to play boardgames, to listen to alternative bands or dance on the second floor, this is the embodiment of the carefree student spirit of Tartu.
Hard to categorize, Aparaaditehas has a restaurant, a bakery, a bookstore, second-hand stores, it hosts boardgaming events, theater performances, nightclub parties, concerts etc. The hip young place with a very modern vibe.
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Aparaaditehas
42 KastaniHard to categorize, Aparaaditehas has a restaurant, a bakery, a bookstore, second-hand stores, it hosts boardgaming events, theater performances, nightclub parties, concerts etc. The hip young place with a very modern vibe.
The best alternative pub in Tartu. Comes alive around 2AM at night, especially during the latter part of the week. A place to meet hipsters and geeks and babes and bums.
Zavood
30 LaiThe best alternative pub in Tartu. Comes alive around 2AM at night, especially during the latter part of the week. A place to meet hipsters and geeks and babes and bums.
The Club of Different Rooms hosts standup comedy, theatrical performances, EDM events etc (check FB for exact schedules).
Erinevate Tubade Klubi
42 KastaniThe Club of Different Rooms hosts standup comedy, theatrical performances, EDM events etc (check FB for exact schedules).
The Kivi (Stone) pub has a nice atmosphere, good music and cosy places you can hide in, if you are not interested in being front and centre.
Kivi baar
13 RüütliThe Kivi (Stone) pub has a nice atmosphere, good music and cosy places you can hide in, if you are not interested in being front and centre.
One of the staples of Tartu nightlife, the Trepp (Staircase) pub can be reached by fittingly climbing a fairly long staircase.
Trepp
One of the staples of Tartu nightlife, the Trepp (Staircase) pub can be reached by fittingly climbing a fairly long staircase.
The ultimate in hipster chic, this recently popular pub is a wordplay derived from the recently popular area of the town called Karlova where it is located.
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Barlova
29 TäheThe ultimate in hipster chic, this recently popular pub is a wordplay derived from the recently popular area of the town called Karlova where it is located.
Everything Else
The Town Hall on the Town Hall Square, you can find the tourist information centre here during business hours.
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Raekoja plats
Raekoja platsThe Town Hall on the Town Hall Square, you can find the tourist information centre here during business hours.
The main walking street with lots of pubs and cafes. Comes alive especially from Wednesday to Saturday around 10 PM and 4 AM.
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Rüütli
RüütliThe main walking street with lots of pubs and cafes. Comes alive especially from Wednesday to Saturday around 10 PM and 4 AM.
The beautifully restored protestant church sometimes hosts concerts and performances.
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St. John's Church
5 JaaniThe beautifully restored protestant church sometimes hosts concerts and performances.
The Arc Bridge of Tartu is a replacement for a different bridge that was destroyed in WW2 but quickly became a favourite of locals and a symbol of Tartu for many. Walking on top of the bridge is a rite of passage for local students though the legality of that endevour is constantly a bit hazy.
Kaarsild
The Arc Bridge of Tartu is a replacement for a different bridge that was destroyed in WW2 but quickly became a favourite of locals and a symbol of Tartu for many. Walking on top of the bridge is a rite of passage for local students though the legality of that endevour is constantly a bit hazy.
Food Scene
With delicious sweet or salty pancakes, "Crepp" has won the best restaurant of Estonia award more than once. Excellent location on the Rüütli walking street and a nice cozy atmosphere.
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Crepp
16 RüütliWith delicious sweet or salty pancakes, "Crepp" has won the best restaurant of Estonia award more than once. Excellent location on the Rüütli walking street and a nice cozy atmosphere.
Here you can satisfy your craving for fries and burgers, although if you have to go for fast food, I'd rather recommend Hesburger.
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McDonald's
6 TuruHere you can satisfy your craving for fries and burgers, although if you have to go for fast food, I'd rather recommend Hesburger.
A better alternative to MacDonalds, Hesburger is a clone but with arguably better tasting food.
Hesburger Tartu Vabaduse
3 Vabaduse pstA better alternative to MacDonalds, Hesburger is a clone but with arguably better tasting food.
Fantastic royal pancakes with "everything" is a must try. The beautiful French atmosphere and interior design is a bonus.
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Pierre Chocolaterie
12 Raekoja platsFantastic royal pancakes with "everything" is a must try. The beautiful French atmosphere and interior design is a bonus.
Offering excellent Chinese food, this place has been a favourite among locals and guests for almost 15 years.
Hot Pot
6 KüütriOffering excellent Chinese food, this place has been a favourite among locals and guests for almost 15 years.
Werner - An excellent selection of cakes to go with your coffee, this is probably the best and most famous coffee shop in Tartu.
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Cafe-restaurant Werner
11 ÜlikooliWerner - An excellent selection of cakes to go with your coffee, this is probably the best and most famous coffee shop in Tartu.
Chez Andre is a well regarded restaurant in its own right but my personal recommendation is to try the all-you-can eat lunch buffet every weekday between 12-15 for 8 euros (price as of April 2019). A good selection of food and an excellent value.
Chez André kohvikrestoran
3 KüütriChez Andre is a well regarded restaurant in its own right but my personal recommendation is to try the all-you-can eat lunch buffet every weekday between 12-15 for 8 euros (price as of April 2019). A good selection of food and an excellent value.
This pub-restaurant, although a bit out of the centre, offers larger than usual portions for lower then usual prices without skimping on quality.
6Teist Kannu
53 Suur kaarThis pub-restaurant, although a bit out of the centre, offers larger than usual portions for lower then usual prices without skimping on quality.
A popular coffee place with fresh roasted coffee in the Karlova neighbourhood.
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Karlova Kohv
63 TäheA popular coffee place with fresh roasted coffee in the Karlova neighbourhood.
Anna Edasi OÜ
20 TäheA popular cakes and pastries cafe in the Karlova neighbourhood.
Tassikoogid or literally "cupcakes" in translation, this place has some of the most famous cakes in Tartu or maybe even the whole of Estonia.
Tassikoogid
21 TäheTassikoogid or literally "cupcakes" in translation, this place has some of the most famous cakes in Tartu or maybe even the whole of Estonia.
Parks & Nature
Take a walk on the beautiful Dome Hill (Toomemägi). A favourite place for nature lovers and young couples walking hand in hand, this is the perfect quick getaway from city life right in the middle of the town.
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Toomemägi
Take a walk on the beautiful Dome Hill (Toomemägi). A favourite place for nature lovers and young couples walking hand in hand, this is the perfect quick getaway from city life right in the middle of the town.
The outdoor section of the Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu has free entrance and provides a very nice little scenic and romantic walk in a well cared for greenery in the heart of the city. Visiting the house of the tropical gardens is possible for a nominal fee.
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Botanískur garður Háskólans í Tartu
38 LaiThe outdoor section of the Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu has free entrance and provides a very nice little scenic and romantic walk in a well cared for greenery in the heart of the city. Visiting the house of the tropical gardens is possible for a nominal fee.
The Anne canal near the edge of the centre hosts a running trail, an outdoor gym and a sandy beach. This is one of two places in Tartu where people like to go for a swim when weather permits, the other being the sandy beach of Emajõgi further upstream.
Anne kanal
The Anne canal near the edge of the centre hosts a running trail, an outdoor gym and a sandy beach. This is one of two places in Tartu where people like to go for a swim when weather permits, the other being the sandy beach of Emajõgi further upstream.
The Barge House of Tartu sometimes hosts events but by navigating to the place, you will actually be able to discover Tartu's most popular sandy beach by the Emajõgi river, which is right next to it.
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Emajõe Lodjakoda
98 UjulaThe Barge House of Tartu sometimes hosts events but by navigating to the place, you will actually be able to discover Tartu's most popular sandy beach by the Emajõgi river, which is right next to it.
Shopping
Kesklinn VI station
A shopping mall right in the city centre.
A centrally located shopping mall, which also has various places to grab a bite and a movie theater.
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Tasku Centre
2 TuruA centrally located shopping mall, which also has various places to grab a bite and a movie theater.
Lõunakeskus
39 RingteeThe biggest shopping mall in Tartu and the second biggest in Estonia.
Kvartal
2 RiiaThe newest shopping mall in Tartu.
The recently expanded Eeden shopping centre is the main shopping centre of the Annelinn district.
Shopping and leisure centre Eeden
1c Kalda teeThe recently expanded Eeden shopping centre is the main shopping centre of the Annelinn district.
Entertainment & Activities
The "Aura" waterpark is a favourite attraction in Tartu. It has a smaller and warmer pool for kids, a bigger traditional one for swimmers, different water slides and various saunas.
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Aura veekeskus station
The "Aura" waterpark is a favourite attraction in Tartu. It has a smaller and warmer pool for kids, a bigger traditional one for swimmers, different water slides and various saunas.
The newest spa in Tartu, it features various pools and saunas.
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V Spa Hotel and Conference centre
2 RiiaThe newest spa in Tartu, it features various pools and saunas.
A kid-friendly science centre, it features science shows, a planetarium, countless hand-on exhibits and fun for the whole family for a full day.
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AHHAA Vísindasetur
1 SadamaA kid-friendly science centre, it features science shows, a planetarium, countless hand-on exhibits and fun for the whole family for a full day.
Batuudikeskus UP, Tartu
47 VõruThe Trampoline Centre of Tartu is a favourite among kids.
In addition to the Cinamon Cinema in the Tasku shopping centre, there are also cinemas in the Eeden and Lõunakeskus shopping centres, plus a separate cinema called Ekraan, all of which show every movie in their original language (there is no dubbing of foreign movies in Estonia except for kids' movies and cartoons).
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Cinamon TASKU
2 TuruIn addition to the Cinamon Cinema in the Tasku shopping centre, there are also cinemas in the Eeden and Lõunakeskus shopping centres, plus a separate cinema called Ekraan, all of which show every movie in their original language (there is no dubbing of foreign movies in Estonia except for kids' movies and cartoons).
The newly opened Estonian National Musem is as modern as they come, with lots of interactive multimedia exhibits and a day full of exploration and discovery.
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Eistneski þjóðminjasafn
2 Muuseumi teeThe newly opened Estonian National Musem is as modern as they come, with lots of interactive multimedia exhibits and a day full of exploration and discovery.
The upside down house is a favourite place for selfies and those enjoying the thrill of vertigo.
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Tagurpidi Maja
86 RoosiThe upside down house is a favourite place for selfies and those enjoying the thrill of vertigo.
The leaning house of the Tartu Art Museum is Tartu's own tower of Pisa. The downstairs hosts temporary exhibits, the second floor shows some of the best of Estonian classical painting masterpieces.
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Tartu Art Museum
23 RüütliThe leaning house of the Tartu Art Museum is Tartu's own tower of Pisa. The downstairs hosts temporary exhibits, the second floor shows some of the best of Estonian classical painting masterpieces.
The Tartu Observatory has a nice exhibition of the history of astronomy, both in Tartu and in general.
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Old Observatory
8, 51003 UppsalaThe Tartu Observatory has a nice exhibition of the history of astronomy, both in Tartu and in general.
The City Museum of Tartu has beautiful interiors and of course also maps the history of the town from its inception until today.
Tartu Linnamuuseum
23 Narva mntThe City Museum of Tartu has beautiful interiors and of course also maps the history of the town from its inception until today.
KGB Cells Museum
15b RiiaThe KGB Cells Museum gives a glimpse of the horrors of being captured by the KGB.
This tiny museum of classical Greek and Roman sculptures is worth a visit just to soak in the atmosphere of the old university building itself. Be sure to try to visit the main hall as well in case it is open.
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University of Tartu Art Museum
18 ÜlikooliThis tiny museum of classical Greek and Roman sculptures is worth a visit just to soak in the atmosphere of the old university building itself. Be sure to try to visit the main hall as well in case it is open.
This recently renovated and updated museum of natural history is naturally smaller than its counterparts in Paris, London or Berlin, but on the flipside it is actually manageable and possible to see in about a day. Always a hit with children but recommended for anyone with interest in natural world.
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University of Tartu, Museum of Natural History
46 VanemuiseThis recently renovated and updated museum of natural history is naturally smaller than its counterparts in Paris, London or Berlin, but on the flipside it is actually manageable and possible to see in about a day. Always a hit with children but recommended for anyone with interest in natural world.
Unleash your inner Tarzan and conquer the heights in this thrilling yet safe adventure park.
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Tartu Adventure Park Ltd.
126b Narva mntUnleash your inner Tarzan and conquer the heights in this thrilling yet safe adventure park.
The Tartu Toy musem holds a wonderful collection of various toys, both from the Soviet times but also from before and after. Recently a permanent dollhouse exhibition has also been added.
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Tartu Toy Museum
8 LutsuThe Tartu Toy musem holds a wonderful collection of various toys, both from the Soviet times but also from before and after. Recently a permanent dollhouse exhibition has also been added.
The recently opened airsoft shooting range is already a huge hit. The indoor tactical shooting area is used both by local SWAT teams for practice and by kids and families just for fun.
LAHINGURADA OÜ
26 PeetriThe recently opened airsoft shooting range is already a huge hit. The indoor tactical shooting area is used both by local SWAT teams for practice and by kids and families just for fun.