Discover Tartu – Things to See and Do During Your Stay

Tartu is Estonia’s second-largest city and is widely known as a university, culture and science city. It is compact, easy to get around and offers plenty to see and do – whether you are interested in sports, science, Estonian culture, food, shopping or simply relaxing between matches.

Start in the heart of Tartu

One of the best places to begin exploring is Tartu Old Town and Town Hall Square. The historic centre is compact and easy to discover on foot, with cafés, restaurants, shops and many of Tartu’s best-known landmarks within a short walking distance.

As the tournament takes place in January, visitors can also experience Tartu in its winter atmosphere. During the winter season, Town Hall Square is transformed into an outdoor skating area around the famous Kissing Students fountain, offering a unique opportunity to go skating right in the middle of the city.

A short walk from the square takes you to Toomemägi, a historic park on a hill overlooking the city. Here you can see the ruins of the medieval Tartu Cathedral, historic university buildings and enjoy one of the most atmospheric walks in the city.

The city centre is also home to the Vanemuine Theatre, shopping centres and a wide range of restaurants and cafés, making it an easy place to spend a free afternoon or evening.

Discover Estonia's sporting history

For floorball players and sports fans, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum should be high on the list.

Located only a few minutes' walk from Town Hall Square, it is the largest sports museum in the Baltic States. Alongside exhibitions about Estonia's sporting history and its greatest athletes, the museum includes more than ten interactive attractions, making it much more than a traditional museum visit.

It is an especially fitting destination during an international sporting event in Tartu.

Experiment at Science Centre AHHAA

Another of Tartu's best-known attractions is Science Centre AHHAA, located close to the city centre.

AHHAA is the largest science centre in the Baltic States and is built around hands-on experiences. Visitors can explore interactive technology and nature exhibitions, attend science demonstrations and discover the centre's spherical planetarium. It is suitable not only for younger visitors but also for teams and adults looking for something different to do between matches.

Experience Estonian history at the Estonian National Museum

For anyone wanting to understand Estonia and its people, the Estonian National Museum (ERM) is one of the most important places to visit in Tartu.

The museum is located in the Raadi area in an architecturally striking building surrounded by open space and the historic Raadi Manor park. Its exhibitions introduce Estonian culture, everyday life and history.

A visit to ERM can easily be combined with another unusual Tartu attraction nearby – the Upside Down House. Inside, furniture and everyday objects appear to be hanging above you, creating plenty of opportunities for unusual team photos. The attraction is only a short distance from the National Museum.

Discover Tartu's creative side

Tartu also has a strong creative and alternative cultural scene, and Aparaaditehas Creative City is one of its centres.

The former factory complex has been transformed into an area filled with restaurants, cafés, design shops, studios and cultural spaces. Concerts, exhibitions, markets and other events regularly take place here, making Aparaaditehas a good choice for spending a relaxed evening and getting a different feel for the city.

Nearby you can also visit TYPA Printing and Paper Arts Centre, where historic printing equipment is still in use. TYPA combines a museum with workshops and creative activities, allowing visitors to discover traditional printing and papermaking techniques.

Escape winter for a moment at the Botanical Garden

If January weather becomes a little too cold, the University of Tartu Botanical Garden offers a particularly pleasant escape.

The garden has been operating for more than two centuries, while its indoor greenhouses contain plants from different climate zones. Visitors can walk through palm, tropical and desert sections and see hundreds of plant species from around the world – all while staying warm indoors.

Shopping at Lõunakeskus

Visitors looking for shopping, entertainment or simply somewhere to spend a few hours can head to Lõunakeskus, one of Estonia's largest shopping centres.

Located a short drive or bus ride from the centre of Tartu, Lõunakeskus includes a large selection of shops, restaurants and other services. The centre is connected with central Tartu by public transport, including its dedicated express connection.

Swimming, spa and recovery

After several days of floorball, some recovery time may be very welcome.

Aura Centre offers swimming, a water park and sauna facilities. Its main swimming pool is 50 metres long, while the water park includes slides, pools and relaxation areas.

For a more spa-focused experience, V Spa is located right in the city centre in the Kvartal shopping centre. Its central location makes it particularly convenient to combine a spa visit with dinner, shopping or a walk through central Tartu.

Around the tournament venue

The tournament itself takes place at the Estonian University of Life Sciences Sports Hall (EMÜ Sports Hall).

The venue is located away from the busiest part of the city centre and is surrounded by the university campus and green areas. The wider Tähtvere and university area is well known for outdoor recreational opportunities, including walking, running and winter sports routes. This makes the surroundings of the venue a good option for anyone wanting some fresh air, a light walk or outdoor recovery between games.

Eating out – or ordering in

Tartu has a particularly strong café and restaurant culture. The city centre, Old Town and major shopping centres all offer a wide range of restaurants, from quick and inexpensive meals to international cuisine and more traditional Estonian food.

Easy to explore

One of Tartu's biggest advantages is its size. Many attractions in the city centre can be reached on foot, while the rest of the city is well connected by local buses. Taxis and app-based transport make travelling between the hotel, sports hall and attractions simple as well.

Whether you have one free hour between matches, an evening to explore or an entire free day, Tartu offers plenty of opportunities to make your visit more than just a sporting trip.

Welcome to Tartu – and enjoy your stay!