Tartu through the eyes of an Estonian

A travel journal to Tartu by maariku

Tartu is the cultural and educational capital of Estonia. Most of the people associate the place with universities, young people, and a very special atmosphere.

  • 6 reviews
The highlights are definitely the old town and a big park called Toomemägi (Dome Hill), right in the centre of it.

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Best Way To Get Around:

Just walk and enjoy. :)
The Gunpowder Cellar is one of the most remarkable places in Tartu. A great cellar built inside a hill, it actually used to hold gunpowder, and now the interior is kept very much in the same line. The food is excellent and represents the German part of Estonian kitchen. The place is also popular for drinking beer -- what is considered a "man's cup" holds a litre of special red house beer. In the evenings, the Cellar has live bands and dancing or karaoke, and it can be extremely crowded. Service is not so great, but the sight itself is worth one visit.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by maariku on December 1, 2004

Püssirohukelder (Gunpowder cellar)
Lossi 28 Tartu, Estonia

Wilde IrishBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Wilde Irish pub consists of a cafeteria, pub, and restaurant. All the parts are different but still have the same style. The atmosphere is cosy, and there are paintings, books, and shelves full of small things. The cafeteria offers a good range of lighter meals, cakes, and hot drinks. The pub is much a like a real Irish pub. And the restaurant, which is located at the winter garden, serves a good variety of meals. Great service. Terraces open in the summertime.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by maariku on December 2, 2004

Wilde Irish
Vallikraavi 4 Tartu, Estonia

Illegaard Jazz ClubBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This bohemian jazz club is situated right in the centre of the town and is a favourite place of many. Though the entrance may be a bit off-putting, the place itself is in a colourfully decorated cellar and is rather cosy (watch out for low ceilings!). Occasionally, it has live performers (entrance fee starting from two euros), and Monday is student improvisation night. Otherwise, entrance is free for great jazz music off the stereo. It has a good cocktail list, but they might be out of some components. :) Beer price: 2 euros. Cuisine: pancakes with fillings!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by maariku on December 1, 2004

Illegaard Jazz Club
Ülikooli 5 Tartu, Estonia

Tartu Toy MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tartu Toy Museum is one of the warmest, most welcoming places in town. The first floor holds a steady exhibition of toys through the times. Many adults find memories of their childhoods there. There is also a chance to play old board games and a souvenir counter.

The second floor features international toys, temporary exhibitions, and a play room, where children can just go and have a try on the rocking horse or even celebrate their birthday.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by maariku on December 1, 2004

Tartu Toy Museum
Lutsu 4 Tartu, Estonia

The establishment consists of three parts: pool, water park, and fitness center. The normal pool is rather big, and there is also a children's pool. Two slides, water attractions, saunas, exercise classes, sun terrace, cafe, massages, tanning beds, cosmetologists, and light therapy are also available.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by maariku on December 1, 2004

Aura keskus - water park
Turu 10 Tartu, Estonia

About the Writer

maariku
maariku
Tartu, Estonia

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