Exploring Tartu: A Weekend Getaway with iBestTravel
In our A Total Trip series, writers document what they spent on a recent getaway. In this edition, Daniel James Clarke shows us how far his money went on a long weekend in Tartu, Estonia.
I’m a travel writer based in the Algarve, Portugal. Last year, eager to explore more of the Baltic and Nordic countries, my best friend and I set off on an overland odyssey from Spain to Scandinavia. Our goal was to reach the Arctic Circle by train.
Originally, we had overlooked Estonia’s second city, but learned during our travels that Tartu would be one of 2024’s European Capitals of Culture. Consequently, we decided to take a detour and uncover the city’s rich cultural offerings over a weekend.
Having previously explored nearby Lithuania and Latvia, I expected Estonia to be more expensive. However, Tartu pleasantly surprised us with its affordability. Here’s a breakdown of our expenses.
Pre-trip Spending
Accommodation: €94.50 for three nights in a private twin room (shared bathroom) at a modern and spotless hostel.
Bus Ticket: €7 from Valga, located on the Estonia-Latvia border.
Total: €54.25 each
Day-to-Day Spending
Thursday
Afternoon: After dropping our backpacks, we headed toward the old town. The short walk led us through Ülejõe Park, adorned with sculptures of Estonian cultural figures, crossing the Emajõgi River to the Town Hall Square. This vibrant area is the heart of Estonia’s oldest city, surrounded by classical architecture, with decorations proclaiming #Tartu2024 evident everywhere.
I was excited to see The Kissing Students fountain, a romantic symbol of Tartu, but it was under renovation for a planned “mass kissing occasion” in 2024.
Dinner: We continued to Püssirohukelder, an 18th-century gunpowder cellar, transformed into a lively pub and music venue. We shared Baltic Sea blue mussels and mulgipuder, a hearty traditional Estonian dish made of potatoes and smoked meat served in a bread loaf. With an IPA and a Limonaad Traditsiooniline, the total was €14.25 each.
Total: €14.25
Friday
Breakfast: We were drawn to Crepp, a cozy café with a candle-lit ambiance, where we enjoyed a galette stuffed with smoked salmon and a crêpe loaded with locally foraged bilberries. With one French Press and a cappuccino, our breakfast totaled €14 each.
Morning Sightseeing: Wandering through the old town, we admired Tartu University, established in 1632, and visited St. John’s Church (free entry). We also explored the Botanical Gardens (free), followed by a coffee (euro €3) in a nearby bakery.
Since we weren’t hungry, we skipped lunch and instead tried honey-infused mead-style beer at a local brewery (€4.80).
Afternoon Museum Visit: With rain in the forecast, we sought refuge in the University of Tartu Museum (€10), learning about the city’s intellectual heritage and notable alumni. The grand library’s volumes enticed us before we ventured up the tower for panoramic views.
Evening Concert: After attempting to obtain tickets for the Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra, we landed last-minute returns for €22 each at the box office. The acoustics in the intimate venue were remarkable, and complimentary champagne was a delightful surprise.
Dinner: Following the concert, we dined at a homely restaurant where we savored Baltic mussels, a juicy burger, fried Baltic herring, and a liter of wine, totaling €30.50 each.
Total: €84.30
Saturday
Breakfast: We indulged at Pihlaka, known for its range of delectable Estonian cakes, where we savored honey and plum cake, with drinks totaling €2.98 each.
Museum and Lunch: Taking the bus (€1.50) to the Estonian National Museum was worth every cent. Although the entrance fee of €14 seemed steep, the tour was a full-day experience, featuring interactive displays that brought Estonia’s history to life. The café at the museum offered a delightful lunch special at only €8.
Dinner and Drinks: Before our final dinner, we visited a local brewery pub for a four-glass beer flight (€4 each). Our evening concluded at a bustling pub where two beers, fried dumplings, and pork tenderloins cost us €22.90 each.
Total: €54.88
Sunday
Breakfast: On our last day, we enjoyed breakfast at a café near the bus station, where two plates of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, bacon, coffee, and fresh juice totaled €13.35 each.
Total: €13.35
The Final Tally
Total Cost: €221.03 each.
Day-to-Day Spending: €166.78 each (including accommodation and bus fare).
Overall, Tartu proved to be an affordable destination offering excellent value for dining, though drinks could add up. While hostels are available, there are reasonable hotel options too. With many free and low-cost activities planned for the Tartu 2024 cultural program, visiting this city promises to be even more rewarding.
