Is Tartu worth visiting?
Yes, Tartu offers many reasons for a visit. It's a university town everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. During our first trip to Tartu in 2011, we fell in love with the student-friendly personality and university town atmosphere. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a backpacker, this university town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific nightlife and great historical sights.
It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in National Geographic's Best Places to Visit in 2024.
Located in eastern Estonia, Tartu is a beautiful university town with a lively old town and many neoclassical buildings. The city is filled with bustling streets, colorful squares, and an active student population.
3 Reasons to Visit Tartu
1. Nightlife
With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.
2. Historical Sights
The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.
3. Authenticity
Tartu has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Tartu worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Tartu, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable university town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Tartu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 16°C (61°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| September | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Tartu worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Tartu. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Tartu can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery and the historic old town.
Autumn Weather in Tartu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 6°C (43°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| November | 1°C (33°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| December | -4°C (25°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Tartu worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Tartu can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -7°C (19°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Tartu is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to admire the historic sights and enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Tartu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -7°C (19°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| February | -6°C (20°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| March | -2°C (29°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Is Tartu worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Tartu. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Tartu can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Tartu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 5°C (41°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Tartu
Food: Tartu doesn't top the list for most foodies. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.
Shopping: Tartu isn't exactly a shopper's destination. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Tartu might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Tartu here or see if Tartu is expensive here.
Related
What is Tartu most famous for?
Tartu is most famous for its vibrant student population and long running university. It is often described as cultural, historical, lively, intellectual, and student-oriented.
What is the most famous sight in Tartu?
The most popular sight in Tartu is Tartu Cathedral. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Tartu on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Tartu Cathedral and other attractions here.
How touristy is Tartu? Is it a popular university town to visit?
Tartu is an off-the-beaten-path university town that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
- Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
- TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
- Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
- Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
How long should I spend in Tartu?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Tartu is one to three days. Since Tartu has activities such as nightlife and historical sights, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tartu? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tartu?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia and The Best 10-Day Tours in Estonia.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.