Tartu on a Budget: Hidden Gems & Local Delights.

Discover Tartu on a budget without compromising the adventure.

21 June 2023

Visiting Tartu, Estonia on a limited budget offers an array of intriguing attractions and experiences. From exploring the historic Tartu Old Town to wandering through the botanical gardens, there are plenty of inexpensive or free things to do. You can also enjoy the local culture by trying traditional Estonian food and visiting the outdoor market at Raekoja Plats.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering Tartu's Hidden Gems

  • Start the day with a coffee and pastry from Werner Cafe & Patisserie, a local favorite.
  • Visit the unique and quirky Aparaaditehas Creative City, a converted Soviet-era factory now housing artist studios, shops, and cafes.
  • Walk through the picturesque Toomemägi park and take in views of the city and ruins of the old cathedral.
  • Explore the Tartu Art Museum, featuring contemporary Estonian art and international exhibits.
  • Have a budget-friendly lunch at the Funky Elephant, serving up delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
  • End the day at the St. John's Church observation deck for stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Bonus tip: Don't miss out on trying Estonia's national dish, black bread and smoked fish, at the Tartu Market.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Tartu

Welcome to the land of endless lakes, forests, and surprisingly good WiFi, where even the weatherman has a sense of humor. And right in the middle of it all is Tartu, your ultimate destination for culture, history, and... wait, what's that smell? Oh, just the world-famous black pudding.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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