Aparaaditehas is a former factory complex transformed into one of Tartu’s main cultural and creative centres. It brings together restaurants, cafés, galleries, design shops, studios, offices and event venues, with a year-round programme of concerts, exhibitions, markets, workshops and community events. The wider creative district also includes the TYPA printing and paper arts centre and other former industrial buildings that have been given new cultural and community uses.
Tartu
A colourful combination of cultural heritage and modernity
Photo © Tanel Kindsigo
Why visit Tartu
Tartu is Estonia’s leading university city and a compact cultural centre where historic architecture, creative neighbourhoods, green spaces and the Emajõgi River meet.
Visitors can explore museums, local food, street art and community life in the city, while the landscapes and traditions of South Estonia are always close by.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Discover what Tartu has to offer, not only for your green destination travel but also for your next event.
Tartu, together with Southern Estonia, was European Capital of Culture in 2024. The title year was guided by the creative concept Arts of Survival, built around uniqueness, sustainability, awareness and co-creation. The programme created long-term cultural cooperation and initiatives that continue beyond the official title year.
Culture & Local Life
Tartu is the cradle of Estonian culture. The national university originated here and the first newspapers and cultural societies were established. The first Estonian national song festival took place in Tartu and the first professional theatre (Vanemuine) began its work here.
One of the most important cultural institutions in Tartu is the Estonian National Museum where history is intertwined with innovation. It is over a century old. The museum’s permanent exhibitions of the cultural history of Estonian and Finno-Ugric nations are represented through physical exhibits as well as novel smart solutions, creating a bond between the older and younger generations.
Photo © Tanel Kindsigo
Photo © Sixten Sepp
Getting there
Tartu is easy to reach from both Tallinn and Riga. Regular trains and buses connect the city with Tallinn, while direct train and bus services are also available from Riga. Tartu Airport has flights to and from Helsinki, offering convenient connections to other international destinations. Visitors should consult the official Visit Tartu transport page for current timetables and booking information.
Photo © Mana Kaasik
Getting around
Tartu is compact and easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys, visitors can use the city’s biomethane-powered buses or Tartu Smart Bike Share, which includes both electric and regular bicycles. Public transport and bike-share access are integrated through Tartu’s travel-card system. Up-to-date information about tickets, routes and bike-share services is available on the City of Tartu’s official website.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
The Great Emajõgi snaking through the city, the natural Toome Hill foreland, the botanical garden situated in the city centre as well as numerous parks all enrich urban nature. They offer possibilities to enjoy a green holiday in Tartu without leaving the city.
Photo © Jane Est
Photo © Mana Kaasik
Sustainability
Tartu combines ambitious climate goals with practical solutions for residents and visitors. The city is part of the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and supports lower-impact mobility through walking, cycling, Smart Bike Share and biomethane-powered public transport. Tartu has participated in the Green Destinations programme since 2020 and renewed its Platinum Award in 2026. Visitors are encouraged to choose environmentally certified services, local products and responsible ways of exploring the city and region.
Photo © Visit Tartu
Tartu through the seasons
Tartu is worth discovering throughout the year. Spring brings lively streets and riverside walks, while summer is filled with festivals, outdoor cafés and events. In autumn, the university city comes alive with students and cultural activities, and winter offers cosy cafés, museums and a peaceful, atmospheric city centre.
Travel tips from our editors
Photo © Ruth Pindus
Street Art
There aren’t very many cities in Europe where graffiti is created in cooperation with city authorities. With its colourful and versatile street art, Tartu is just one of these cities. While strolling down main streets and smaller side streets, you will often encounter interesting masterpieces or slogans with graffiti motifs and drawings. Special city tours have been created for viewing street art.
Photo © Evelin Pihlak
Wooden Architecture
Tartu is diverse in terms of its architecture and the character of each of its city districts, for example the historic and majestic old town Annelinn which mainly consists of 5-and 9-storey Soviet-era apartment buildings, as well as the bohemian wooden districts Karlova and Supilinn (Soup Town). The last two are especially interesting to visit as the exciting history, eye-catching architecture and colourful street art of the neighbourhoods meet. It is truly a “little wooden city”, known for its old wooden houses and an eccentric atmosphere. In spring, both locals and visitors to the city have the opportunity to take part in the neighbourhood festivals.
Photo © Katrin Press
City full of flavours
Tartu is the centre of South Estonian flavours. The city has plenty of cozy cafes and diverse restaurants, where authentic Estonian food as well as dishes from different nations can be found. This area is known for various events that promote good and healthy food. In February, Tasty Tartu restaurant month attracts gourmets by offering exciting special menus. The summertime Tartu Food and Wine Festival brings together countless delicacies and seasonal foods from the best that small producers in South Estonia have to offer. Home-café days are growing in popularity both in the city and all over the county.
Photo © Kiur Kaasik
Aparaaditehas Creative City
Photo © Jaak Nilson
Historic barges Jõmmu and Suur Sume
Traditional Emajõgi–Peipsi barges carried goods on Estonia’s inland waterways for more than 600 years. The Emajõgi Barge Society revived this heritage with the single-masted Jõmmu, launched in 2006, and the larger two-masted Suur Sume, launched in September 2024. Their home port is Lodjakoda, a historical shipbuilding centre, museum and visitor attraction on the banks of the Emajõgi. Visitors can learn about traditional shipbuilding and take seasonal trips on the historic vessels.
Sustainability Recognitions
Tartu received the Green Destination Platinum Award in 2026.
Visit other destinations nearby