Tartu, Estonia: 3 Days of Family Fun & Adventure!

Discover the enchantment of Tartu, Estonia - a perfect family escapade in the heart of the Baltic.

19 July 2023

Tartu, Estonia offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the charming Old Town, visit the renowned Tartu University, and enjoy interactive exhibits at the AHHAA Science Center. Make sure to spend a day in the beautiful parks and gardens, such as Toome Hill and the Botanical Gardens, for a fun-filled adventure with your loved ones.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Ancient Ruins and Quirky Bookstores

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the cozy Cafe Werner, offering mouth-watering pastries and locally sourced treats.
  • Immerse yourself in the history of Tartu by visiting the ancient ruins of Tartu Cathedral, where you can imagine knights and kings walking the halls.
  • Explore Toomemägi (Cathedral Hill), a lush green park that offers panoramic views of the city, dotted with quirky sculptures and hidden nooks.
  • Book lovers unite! Discover the whimsical charm of Tartu's bookstores visit the renowned Raamatukoi, where books pile up like mountains, or Ahhaa Science Centre's bookstore, offering quirky scientific literature.
  • Feel like a local and enjoy a cozy dinner at Kivi Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Estonian cuisine with a modern twist.
Day 2

Artistic Delights and Delicious Sweet Treats

  • Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Werner Cafe, indulging in their heavenly waffles topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
  • Immerse yourself in art at the Tartu Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Estonian artworks that will make you ponder, ooh, and aah.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Tartu the historic Printing Museum, where ancient printing presses and intriguing exhibitions await.
  • Take a break and satisfy your sweet tooth at the dreamy and colorful Bonaparte Gelateria, where you can embrace your ice cream cravings with unique flavors like lavender or sea buckthorn.
  • End the day with a scrumptious dinner at Pierre Chocolaterie, a magical place where everything revolves around chocolate. Divine pralines and hot chocolate await!
Day 3

Nature Escapes and Foodie Heaven

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Supelsaksad, a charming cafe nestled in a historic wooden house, offering delicious pancakes and freshly baked bread.
  • Seek serenity in the embrace of nature at the Toomeoru Park, where you can take a peaceful walk along the Emajõgi River or enjoy a picnic amidst towering trees.
  • Unleash your inner foodie and venture into Aparaaditehas, a former Soviet factory transformed into a vibrant foodie hub, brimming with food trucks, restaurants, and local crafts.
  • Visit the University of Tartu Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through beautiful greenhouses, marvel at exotic plants, and embrace the tranquil atmosphere.
  • End your journey with a spectacular dinner at Antonius Restaurant, set in a 16th-century merchant house. Savor gourmet Estonian cuisine and feel like a true noble of Tartu.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tartu by plane is to fly into Tallinn Airport and take a connecting flight to Tartu Airport. Multiple airlines offer daily flights from Tallinn, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Car

The most popular way to reach Tartu is by car. The drive from Tallinn to Tartu takes approximately 2.5 hours via the E263 highway. Car rental is available at Tallinn Airport and in the city center.

Train

There is no direct train service to Tartu, but you can take a train from Tallinn to Tartu. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and there are several departures per day.

Boat

There is no direct boat service to Tartu. However, you can take a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and then continue your journey to Tartu by other means of transportation.

Bus

The best way to get to Tartu by bus is to take a direct bus from Tallinn. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, and there are several departures per day from Tallinn Bus Station.

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Tartu, Estonia offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the charming Old Town, visit the renowned Tartu University, and enjoy interactive exhibits at the AHHAA Science Center. Make sure to spend a day in the beautiful parks and gardens, such as Toome Hill and the Botanical Gardens, for a fun-filled adventure with your loved ones.