Culture
Tartu’s cultural life owes a lot to Tartu University (est. 1632). The student life, bohemian vibe, wonderful street art and neighbourhoods of wooden houses create a good atmosphere. Supilinn (’Soup Town’), for example, is close to the centre and easy to visit on foot, by bike or even a scooter, as is Karlova with its cosy cafes and creative hub Aparaaditehas.
Art
Fans of street art should consider a tour with Tartu Pseudo Tours. A more traditional art experience can be had at the Tartu Kunstimuuseum or Tartu’s numerous art galleries.
Theatre
A fundamental part of Tartu’s cultural life is Vanemuine Theatre where masterpieces of different genres – such as Phantom of the Opera, Carmen, The Master and Margarita and Mamma Mia! – are performed, some of them with subtitles for foreign guests.
Museums
Tartu is famous also for its museums: Tartu University Museum, Old Observatory, The City Museum, the Beer Museum. The new Estonian National Museum with electronic tickets adaptable to a visitor’s interest and language will open on October 1.
Family
Tartu is also a playful city, perfect for families with children. A must-see is the UNICEF recognized Tartu Toy Museum with its displays of toys from different countries and times.
Science
The Baltics’ largest Science Centre AHHAA provides entertainment for hours. A math room, workshops, historical medicine collection, science theatre and planetarium are just a few examples of the fun it offers. Until the end of October 2016, the exhibition Aha, Let’s Play! is open. From November 25, backstage life of the film world will be explored.
History
At the Tartu University Natural History Museum observe where butterflies stay the night or look the first Estoniancaptured jackal in the eye. Near Tartu, visit the Aviation Museum, the Estonian Agricultural Museum or the Ice Age Centre.
Vacation
For a more active vacation head to the Aura Water Park, Skatetown or the indoor adventure park in Lõunakeskus. V Spa Hotel will open at the end of this year with a wellness-spa of 11 different saunas, hot tubs, children’s pools and other attractions.
Shopping
Tartu shopping centres: Kvartal, Lõunakeskus, Tartu Kaubamaja, Tasku.
You can find information about events in Tartu from www.piletilevi.ee and www.kultuuriaken.tartu.ee.
Tourist information:
Tartu Visitor Centre
Raekoja 1A, Tartu 50089
Ph: +372 744 2111
info@visittartu.com
tartu@visitestonia.com
www.visittartu.com
