Tartu on a Budget: 3-Day Wanderlust Guide

Discover the charms of Tartu without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Tartu, a charming university city in Estonia, offers plenty of affordable options for anyone on a limited budget. Wander through the quaint old town, sample local cuisine at the many budget-friendly cafes, and explore the fascinating museums and galleries. To save on accommodation, consider staying in a budget hostel or guesthouse.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Wanderlust in Tartu

  • Stroll around the historic city center and glimpse the town hall and the University of Tartu’s stunning main building.
  • Tap into Tartu's rich history and culture by visiting the Estonian National Museum.
  • Escape the city limits with a leisurely walk through the lush botanical gardens of the University of Tartu.
  • Have a hearty meal of locally sourced meat dishes like blood sausages, haggis, or smoke-flavored salmon at Meat Market Steak & Cocktail.
  • Stay: Hektor Design Hostel, a trendy and budget-friendly industrial-style hostel located in the heart of Tartu.
Day 2

Tartu's Science Wonderlands

  • Feed your brain at the interactive Ahhaa Science Center, from exploring the human brain to the magic of flight.
  • Visit the Tartu Observatory and enjoy a guided tour of the starry skies at the oldest operating observatory in Estonia.
  • Revel in the beauty of Art Museum of Estonia's Kumu Art Museum and witness contemporary Estonian art at its finest.
  • Experience the nightlife in Tartu with a visit to the Püssirohukelder, a cellar bar that serves its drinks in test tubes and petri dishes.
  • Eat: Start the day with a visit to Werner Cafe & Bistro, which offers a lovely brunch of organic, locally grown ingredients.
Day 3

Escape to the Wilderness

  • Travel to the stunning lake of Peipsi and take a walk on the wild side through Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve.
  • Visit the Alatskivi Castle and be transported back in time with its stunning neo-gothic architecture and beautifully preserved interiors.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Tartu Marzipan Museum and learn about the centuries-old confectionery tradition in Estonia.
  • Taste Tartu's eclectic coffee scene at Café Truffe and try their signature mushroom latte.
  • Stay: Draakon Hotel, a heritage-themed hotel in an excellent location, perfect for those on a limited budget.
  • Tartu is a city that will surprise and delight at every turn. With enough culture and history to satisfy any traveler, it also boasts a wild and untouched landscape that is simply breathtaking. You will never look at cities the same way again.

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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