tartu old city

the whole city centre of Tartu is cool: the park, some nice churches, the toy museum, the hall square.. the visit is taking 2 hours more or less, but it is absolutely worth a visit.

We came on a day trip via the train froTallinn, only about 2 hours and €10, the trains are very efficient.We followed the city guide round the old town and had a great time, so much to see, many statues & monuments. Walking at times was difficult due to the snow & ice but don't let that put you off.

Lovely to walk around the old city although it was bitterly cold and under snow. the architecture is gorgeous and a lot smaller than Tallin Old Town.There's loads of restaurants around so you can taste many different local dishes at resonable prices.

There's a really interesting night life and the houses and the main square are really cozy. You can have good coffees in the city centre near the main square or if you go at night you can go for drinks with your friends. People used to drink outside of the bars.

The square is nicely decorated. Holiday atmosphere. Great ambiance. A pleasant place for a stroll in the evening.

Tartu old city is a lovely place to walk around as the buildings are pretty, the Christmas lights give the place a magical feel, there is restaurants to find, coffee to drink and beer to taste.You can experience the heritage and check out the impressive sights of the city when you walk up to the University.

It was so nice walk between the buildings, and more with the Christmas lights. It's well maintained and charming corners

Though the Tartu down-town is small it is very nice and has one particular atmosphere big cities don't have. It took just a half day long relaxed walk and we covered it all, but we certainly enjoyed walking along Tartu old streets, climbing the hills and checking on its impressive, I must say, sights!The central square, the one where the town-hall is looks smart and elegant. To have a meal or at least a cup of coffe in one of the numerous cafes on the square is the must do during Tartu weekend!I guess big cities citizens can appreciate the quiet charm of the pictures center of the Tartu.

Very friendly and quiet place, but with lots of restaurants and market a walk away. Old town with students are very interesting.

you can spend a day in Tartu and do all that. Plus pick one or two museums of your choice. The old town has most restaurants concentrated on the Town Hall Square (Raekojaplats) and they are all good value for money. Shopping can be done in one of the two major shopping centres (and a third one is being built now and will be ready in 2015). The Citizen's Home Museum (http://linnamuuseum.tartu.ee/?m=6&page=front&change_lang=en) is definitely worth a visit (but often forgotten by tourists). It shows a house of a middle class Estonian family. Also the Estonian national museum is interesting and shows the cultural and historical aspects of Estonia. Equally forgotten but definitely interesting is the KGB-museum (off Riia Avenue) where you can visit the house where the KGB detained and tortured Estonians. Chilling, sad and depressing: but that's the KGB for you (or any secret police force).When in Estonia in July, watch out for the Hansadays (Hansapäevad) in Tartu: then the old part of Tartu is one big market, stretching even across the bridge to the other side of the river.And when it's hot, Tartu has a true beach with swimming area across the footpath bridge. Crowded but still good for a cooling swim!

The old town is small and friendly, with lots of restaurants and lovely botanical garden, the big market is a short walk away, and so are the big shopping malls

Visiting from our summer stay in Tallinn, we drove to Tartu to celebrate our 35 wedding anniversary. Loved it all. Quiet, I am sure it is not that way when the students come back, but it was quiet while we were there. Smaller than Tallinn's Old Town, it is easy to walk around and not tire so easily.Many terrific restaurants! Recommend La Dolce Vita, excellent.Friendly shop owners, a rarity in Europe it seems. Be sure and go up Toome Hill and walk across the bridge on the other side of town, over the canal. There are boat ride tours but beware they are closed on Monday as are several other attractions, unfortunately.See the Leaning House and Town Hall...the university is right there in Old Town too. Several good museums.Love!

Interesting old town by the river, well worth wandering around for a couple of hours. Nicely complemented by the park rising up the hill behind the old town and offering views over the town.

The old city is quite beautiful and interesting. There are many young people in Tartu because it is like the "University Capital", some might say so it has a very cool vibe.

a lot of youth in weekends on the streets and bars, if it is still warm, nice place to enjoy, can be much fun and not at all less interesting than in famous tourist centers