Tartu walking tour & city guide
Estonia's university city and cultural heart.
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Tartu, Estonia's second city, is home to the University of Tartu, founded in 1632 and one of the oldest in northern Europe. Students make up a large part of its population, and the city is considered the intellectual and cultural heart of the country.
Town Hall Square and the university
Tartu's Town Hall Square slopes down toward the Emajõgi river, with the pink Town Hall at the top and the 'Kissing Students' fountain in front. On one side stands a house that leans noticeably, built on the foundations of the old city wall.
The classical main building of the University of Tartu, with its white columns, stands a few streets away. Nearby, the brick Saint John's Church is decorated with hundreds of medieval terracotta figures.
Toome Hill and the National Museum
Toome Hill, a park behind the old town, holds the ruins of a Gothic cathedral, monuments to famous scholars and two bridges, the Angel's Bridge and the Devil's Bridge. Students traditionally gather here on spring nights.
The Estonian National Museum, in a striking modern building on a former Soviet airfield, tells the story of the Estonian people. Tartu was a European Capital of Culture in 2024.
Top sights in Tartu
- 1
Town Hall Square
The square with the 'Kissing Students' fountain.
- 2
University of Tartu
A classical main building from 1809.
- 3
Toome Hill
A park with cathedral ruins and bridges.
- 4
Saint John's Church
A brick church with terracotta sculptures.
- 5
Estonian National Museum
A modern museum of Estonian life.
Food markets & where to eat in Tartu
Tartu Market Hall
A covered market by the river.
Rüütli Street
A pedestrian street of cafés and pubs.
Karlova
A wooden-house district with neighborhood cafés.
Food to try in Tartu
Kama
A mix of roasted grain flours, eaten with buttermilk or as dessert.
Mulgipuder
A porridge of potatoes and barley with bacon.
A. Le Coq beer
Brewed in Tartu since the 19th century.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Tartu
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in TartuCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Tartu.
- eSIM for EstoniaStay online from the moment you land.
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