Welcome to Tartu, a leafy university city built around the banks of the Emajõgi River – a spot that comes alive in the summer as all manner of food, drink and entertainment venues spring up along its banks. Second in size only to Tallinn, Tartu is often referred to as Estonia’s spiritual and intellectual heart, yet once you arrive you'll find that it’s also a surprisingly compact place. With everything within easy reach that means there's plenty of time to explore – even on a short break – and there’s always something to see or do thanks to the creative types who are drawn here by its unique charm. There’s plenty of history to be found here too though, from the imposing buildings in the Town Hall Square to the green space of Toomemägi park – a gift from Emperor Paul I to the University of Tartu.
For 2024, Tartu has been awarded the title ‘City of Culture’; a yearlong celebration designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures across the continent. Tartu has chosen the ‘The Art of Survival’ as the underlying theme for its celebrations and, with a varied programme of 300 events taking place across the year, 2024 is surely the perfect time to explore this wonderful city.
Join us on a tour of the area and its Michelin-recommended establishments: restaurants Joyce and Hõlm and the Lydia Hotel.
Reilly Opelka's Miami Covers the (Food) Court
The tennis ace champions the unique on and off the court.
Bidni olive oil, a one-of-a-kind product from Malta
Perhaps the least known Maltese agricultural commodity is the indigenous Bidni olive, which is used to produce a unique monovarietal olive oil with a sophisticated terroir profile.
16 Romantic Islands Every Food-Lover Needs to Visit
Trade cookie-cutter island getaways for romantic escapes with MICHELIN-worthy dining in stunning natural settings. The journey is as memorable as the meals awaiting you at the destination.
Luke Tennie’s LA is Rooted in His Love for Cooking
The “Shrinking” actor shares his favorite spots.