Tartu Old City

Tartu Old City is a compact, walkable district that embodies the city's rich history and lively university culture. The centerpiece is Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), dominated by the pastel-colored Tartu Town Hall and the famous 'Kissing Students' fountain. Cobblestone streets radiate outward, lined with cafes, boutiques, and historic buildings. Highlights include the 13th-century St. John's Church with its unique terracotta figures, the ruins of Tartu Cathedral on Toome Hill, and the University of Tartu's main building. The area buzzes with students and locals, especially in warmer months when outdoor terraces fill up. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with many sights within a few blocks. The Old City also hosts festivals like the Tartu Hanseatic Days, adding to its medieval charm.

Don't miss

• Town Hall Square with the 'Kissing Students' fountain and pastel Town Hall
• St. John's Church (Jaani Kirik), a medieval brick church with hundreds of terracotta sculptures
• Toome Hill (Toomemägi), a park with cathedral ruins, observatory, and angel bridge
• University of Tartu main building, a neoclassical landmark from 1809
• The old stone bridge (Kivisild), a historic bridge over the Emajõgi River

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Tartu Old City

Cheapest way inHistorical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City4.9★ · 392 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Most bookedDubrovnik Combo Tour: Old Town & Ancient City Walls4.8★ · 1,117 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate History Old Town and City Wall Tour in Dubrovnik5★ · 56 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$110 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and hills.
• Stop at a cafe on Town Hall Square for people-watching.
• The view from Toome Hill over the city is a great photo spot.
• Many shops and museums are closed on Sundays; plan accordingly.

A bit of history

Tartu's Old City dates back to the 13th century when it was a Hanseatic trading hub. The Town Hall Square has been the center of civic life since the Middle Ages, though many buildings were rebuilt after fires and WWII.