This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
Tartu is considered the second-largest city in Estonia and is known for being a student city as it houses one of the world’s top universities. In 2024, it was named the Cultural Capital of Europe, opening the eyes of many tourists as numerous persons flocked to this city to discover its beauty.
In this post, I will give you a few things a student on a tight budget can enjoy without breaking the bank. But first, I will give a brief history of this marvellous city. Over the centuries, Tartu has been known by many names, reflecting its diverse rulers. It was called Tarbatu by ancient Estonians, Yuryev by the Russians, and Dorpat by the Germans, Poles, and Swedes. Its modern name, Tartu, was officially adopted in 1918 when Estonia declared independence. The city of Tartu’s population based on the 2021 census is 95,190 (see here). While this is not very large for a big city, it adds to the charm of the city making it a warm and ‘homey’ atmosphere. The official language is Estonian, but because it is a student city and many students come from all over the world, you can hear different languages throughout the city. Most Estonians I have encountered speak a bit of English, which has its advantages.
The city is walkable and very pedestrian friendly, making it super easy to explore by foot. Without any further delay, here are my top recommendations for experiencing the best of Tartu.
1.Walk along the Emajõgi River
Cost: Free
This is one of my favourite walks in the city, as you can take a relaxing stroll along the river and enjoy the scenery. The Emajõgi River shore path starts at the Turu Bridge, between the Emajõgi River and the Anne Channel. You will be able to see views of the Anne Channel, the Emajõgi River, boat traffic, the Karlova harbour, Estonia’s nature, and perhaps people exercising. The path also crosses several parks where you may spot people socializing. There’s even a small beach where you can relax on the sand and sunbathe, if the weather permits. Additionally, there are many restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.
2. Visit the University of Tartu Museum
Cost: Free
Photo taken at the University of Tartu Museum
The museum is located on Toome hill and free for students of the university. This is a wonderful place where you can explore information about the rich city of Tartu and the history of the university. It also showcases how the university influences Estonia’s culture, economics, and educational system. At the entrance of the museum there are remains from a burial discovered during excavations in the area, which was once the grounds of the medieval Tartu Cathedral. The museum covers several floors and has several rooms to wander into. It was a great experience and a lot to learn.
Adjacent to the museum are the ruins of the Tartu Cathedral. Here you can explore the ruins, take pictures and also climb to the top to get a great view of the city. During my visit, there was a scavenger hunt taking place in celebration of Student’s Week, which added an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
3. Explore Toome Hill Park
Cost: Free
This park is located on Toome hill and here you can walk through the park for free and enjoy Estonia's nature and view the many monuments like Kristjan Jaak or the to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve. This is also a great place to take pictures especially during the fall.
4. Visit the Observatory
Cost: Free
The Observatory is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is located close to the Cathedral. Its free for University of Tartu students. Here you can learn about humanity’s understanding of the Earth and the universe and explore the moving observation tower. The observatory features the largest telescope in Scandinavia—a Zeiss Refractor—and visitors can climb the tower to see this historic instrument up close. They also have many courses and events. They have a permanent exhibition hall which explores astronomy and geodesy. It was a very enticing visit and I really do recommend it.
5. Go to the Botanical Gardens
Cost: Free
Photo taken by Ashley of the Rose Garden at the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Gardens is definitely my favourite spot in Tartu! It was founded in 1803 and this gem offers free access to the outdoor gardens, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll surrounded by vibrant plants and flowers and learn a little more about Estonia botany. There are more than 10,000 species and varieties of plants in this garden. It's a paradise for nature lovers. A highlight for me was the rose garden, I did not know there were so many different types of rose with such vibrant colours. As a student of the local university, you can also enter the greenhouse for a reduced fee and play with the turtles!.
6. Visit Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square)
Cost: Free
The heart of Tartu is the Raekoja Plat. Here you can find the famous Kissing students, Tartu's most famous sculpture created by Mati Karmin in 1998. If you are there at the right time you can hear the bells located on top of the Baroque-influenced Tartu Town Hall ring. They normally ring five times a day. Throughout the year, the square hosts events such as Christmas markets and Student Days, bringing the community together in celebration. For a real-time glimpse of this vibrant location, you can even check out the live Town Hall webcam
Photo taken by Ashley of the Kissing students statue
Bonus
Some of the museums in Tartu offer entry at reduced prices for local university students:
- Estonian National Museum: This is the most famous museum in Tartu and may take a few hours to fully explore but is absolutely worth the time for its in-depth exhibits on Estonian history and culture.
- KGB Cells Museum: Though small, this museum provides a powerful insight into Estonia's past, making it an unforgettable history lesson.
- Tartu Art Museum: Another great cultural gem offering discounted access for students
Additionally, you can volunteer at cultural events to gain free entry to various venues- a great way to enjoy events while giving back. Keep an eye on the ESN Instagram page (@esntartu) for affordable events directed at students.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
Read more blog posts:
- Get to know Estonian universities through virtual tours!
- 7 benefits of studying abroad
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions