Tartu

Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia after Tallinn. It is 186 kilometres (116 miles) southeast of Tallinn and 245 kilometres (152 miles) northeast of Riga, Latvia. Tartu lies on the Emajõgi river, which connects the two largest lakes in Estonia, Lake Võrtsjärv and Lake Peipus.

Tartu, the largest urban centre of southern Estonia, is often considered the “intellectual capital city” of the country, especially as it is home to the nation’s oldest and most renowned university, the University of Tartu (founded in 1632). Tartu also houses the Supreme Court of Estonia, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Estonian National Museum, and the oldest Estonian-language theatre, Vanemuine. It is also the birthplace of the Estonian Song Festivals.

Tartu was the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

Wikipedia

Visit Tartu

Facts about Tartu

Population

As of 2023, Tartu has a population of about 97 000 people and as such is the 2nd biggest city in Estonia. Tartu country has about 160 000 people and also ranks 2nd in Estonia

History

Archaeological evidence of the first permanent settlement on the site of modern Tartu dates to as early as the 5th century AD. From the 13th century until the end of the 19th century, Tartu was known in most of the world by variants of its historical name Dorpat.

Where to go? What to do?

Tartu University

Founded in 1632, it's one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe and a central part of the city's identity. The university’s main building is an impressive neoclassical structure, and its museum offers insights into its storied history.

Toome Hill (Toomemägi):

This historic and scenic park was once the site of a medieval cathedral. Today, it's a beautiful green space that offers excellent views of the city, historical monuments, and the ruins of the cathedral itself.

Tartu Old Town

Full of charming streets, historic buildings, cafes, and shops, the Old Town is a great place to explore on foot. The Town Hall Square, with the Kissing Students fountain, is particularly picturesque.

Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahva Muuseum)

A modern and expansive museum that tells the story of Estonia, its people, and cultures. The building itself is an architectural marvel, and the exhibits are in-depth and immersive.

AHHAA Science Centre

This interactive science museum aims to make science fun and engaging for all ages. It features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and various temporary exhibitions.

Art Museum of Tartu University

Hosting a vast classical and contemporary art collection, this museum showcases Estonian and international works. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Botanical Gardens of Tartu University

Founded in 1803, these are among the oldest botanical gardens in the world. With over 10,000 plant species, the gardens are a peaceful retreat from the city.

Tartu Song Festival Grounds

Known for hosting significant events, including the Tartu Song Festival, these grounds are an important cultural site for Estonia, echoing the country's strong tradition of song festivals.

Tagurpidi Maja (The Upside Down House

A truly unique experience in Tartu, this house is completely inverted - with the exterior and interior furniture and fixtures all upside down. It offers a fun and quirky photo opportunity and a playful perspective on the everyday.

Where to eat?

According to Tripadvisor, Tartu has over 125 restaurants to choose from, which might make choosing your next meal a bit tricky.

Here we have compiled a small list of restaurant recommendations from our organizing committee that ranges from luxurious Michelin mentioned dining, old favourites that have been around for decades to hidden gems you need to know about to find.

High class dining

We will start off our list with Joyce, the nr 1 restaurant in Tartu according to Tripadvisor. Joyce, which is the official restaurant of our conference venue VSpa, is located in a modern shopping centre in the heart of the city. It is a large, split-level brasserie with bold décor, that is both a restaurant as well as a popular cocktail bar with a buzzy vibe. Hõlm is a place where everyone feels welcome. Its kitchen creates unforgettable dining experiences in which every detail is carefully considered, painstakingly prepared and lovingly presented.

Both Joyce and Hõlm are Michelin mentioned restaurants that are also featured in the White Guide Baltics.

Other restaurants that have been recommended by the White Guide Baltics include Antonius, Fii, Cafe Truffe, Kampus and Vilde and Vine. From these, our organizers recommend Antonius for a high class meal surrounded by vaulted columns, Fii for a modern feel, Kampus for street style food and Caffe Truffe for a quiet corner right on the city square. Our gala dinner will be held in Vilde and Vine so all participants will get a chance to enjoy this restaurant together.

Coffee and pastries

Our PhD students would like to recommend a few coffee and pastry places for everyone looking for a treat. Situated right on the city square, Cruffin is a artisan pastry shop that offers both delicious pastries as well as filling pizza slices. Werner is located a bit further away yet it is a timeless classic that started offering it services back in 1895. If you wish to explore Tartu a bit more, Karlova kohv is situated a 20 minute walk away from our main venue yet the coffee and pastries are worth the trip. But if you don’t want to venture that far, Crepp offers coffee and crepes right on Rüütli street and if all day breakfast is more your style, you can venture into Krempel on the same street to enjoy it there.

Best burgers in town

In Estonia, flavour takes center stage in burgers and is cherished above delivery speed. Nonetheless, most will still be handed to you within a few minutes after you order your meal. We suggest you try out Viru Burger that is right in the city center for a delicious snack or BurgerBros for those who wish to venture out further in town.

Pst! Both burger places also offer delivery through Wolt and Bolt food so no need to venture outside if you just want to grab a quick snack in your hotel room after a long conference day! Most other places mentioned in this list can also be delivered right to your doorstep but we recommend venturing out of your hotel room to get more of a feel of Tartu and the student spirit that lives here.

Evening on the riverwalk

Estonian is known for its long white nights and there is no place better to enjoy them than the Emajõe riverwalk. We recommend two vastly different places that both guarantee an amazing evening – Toko for those who wish to enjoy some delicious food and a beautiful view; and Väike-Kuuba for those who just wish to grab a drink by the river. June is the end of the spring semester in Tartu and students are still active around town, so be sure to have plenty of patience if visiting either as finding a place to sit down at might be a bit challenging. Or you could just book a table beforehand through their website.

Something different

If you wish to taste something different, we suggest making a trip to Aparaaditehas which is a 20 minute walk away from our venue. Here you can find one of our PhD student favourite restaurants Kolm Tilli which offers a vast variety of pizzas, street food and ramens. You can also explore the other restaurants in this compound such as Restoran Aparaat.

Hidden gems

Tartu Toy museum

This enchanting museum is a delightful visit for anyone young at heart. It houses an extensive collection of toys throughout the ages, from ancient times to the present, showcasing the cultural and historical development of toys

Tähtvere Leisure Park

Tucked away in the Tähtvere district of Tartu, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to beautiful walking and cycling paths, the park has elaborate playgrounds, sports facilities, and during the winter, snow parks and ski paths. It’s a great way to experience the city like a local

Karlova

A picturesque neighborhood known for its wooden architecture and bohemian atmosphere. Strolling through Karlova, you can discover art studios, small local crafts shops, and cozy cafes. It's the perfect place for those looking to experience the city's artistic side and meet local creatives

The Angel’s Bridge and Devil’s Bridge

While not entirely hidden, these two bridges come with interesting folk stories and offer a picturesque view of the river and the city beyond. Legend has it that crossing the Angel’s Bridge for the first time makes one's wish come true, provided they dare not look back.

Aparaaditehas

Originally an old Soviet-era widget factory that has been transformed into a thriving center for culture and creativity. This industrial complex now houses an eclectic mix of artisan shops, studios for artists and designers, quirky cafes, and restaurants, offering a unique blend of culinary experiences.

Old Observatory

Old Observatory used to be one of the world’s most important centres of astronomy. You can enjoy a comprehensive permanent exhibition about the research of astronomy and space, admire the world’s best telescope and the Arabic Globe, count the falling meteors, and learn about the constellations.