Top 3 Itineraries in Tartu

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Tartu.

If you only have a few days, Tartu weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Tartu offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Tartu are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Tartu’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Tartu offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Estonia's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Tartu truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Tartu belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Tartu are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Tartu and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Tartu itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Tartu for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Tartu without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Tartu!

A scenic 14-day road trip through Narva, Pärnu, Keila-Joa, Tallinn, and Tõrva is one of the best ways to experience Estonia. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 14-day itinerary means that Tartu can easily be combined with other top destinations in Estonia without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Narva, Pärnu, Keila-Joa, Tallinn, and Tõrva by public transport, renting a car in Estonia opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 14 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Tallinn

• Arrival city: Tallinn
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Tallinn, e.g., Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn
• Sightseeing: Freedom Square

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Tallinn. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Tallinn

• Destinations: Tallinn
• Driving distance: 25.07 km, approx. 1 hour and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Tallinn, e.g., Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn
• Sightseeing: Kadriorg Art Museum, Japanese Garden, Estonian Art Museum (KUMU), Tallinn Botanic Garden, and Kadriorg Park
• Recommended tour: 3-Hour Private Tour of Tallinn

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Kadriorg Art Museum, Japanese Garden, Estonian Art Museum (KUMU), Tallinn Botanic Garden, and Kadriorg Park. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Tallinn, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Tallinn

• Destinations: Tallinn
• Driving distance: 14.34 km, approx. 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Tallinn, e.g., Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn
• Sightseeing: Kohtuotsa viewing platform, Patkuli Viewing Platform, Town Hall Square, Tallinn Town Hall, and Tallinn Zoo
• Recommended tour: Tallinn Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Spend the day exploring Kohtuotsa viewing platform, Patkuli Viewing Platform, Town Hall Square, Tallinn Town Hall, and Tallinn Zoo. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Keila-Joa, Tallinn, and Rummu

• Destinations: Keila-Joa, Tallinn, and Rummu
• Driving distance: 131.16 km, approx. 2 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Haapsalu, e.g., Spa Hotel Laine
• Sightseeing: Keila waterfall, Rusalka Memorial, RUMMU, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Lennusadam

Continue your journey through Keila-Joa, Tallinn, and Rummu, where you can explore Keila waterfall, Rusalka Memorial, RUMMU, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Lennusadam. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Haapsalu.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Haapsalu and Haapsalu linn

• Destinations: Haapsalu and Haapsalu linn
• Driving distance: 132.53 km, approx. 2 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Pärnu, e.g., ESTONIA Resort Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: Haapsalu Castle, Ilon's Wonderland, Haapsalu linnuse vaateplatvorm, Ungru lossi varemed, and Haeska linnuvaatlustorn

Drive through Haapsalu and Haapsalu linn, stopping to visit Haapsalu Castle, Ilon's Wonderland, Haapsalu linnuse vaateplatvorm, Ungru lossi varemed, and Haeska linnuvaatlustorn. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Pärnu.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Pärnu

• Destinations: Pärnu
• Driving distance: 8.19 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Pärnu, e.g., ESTONIA Resort Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: MiniZoo, Valli Park, Rannapark, Rannaniidu matkarada, and Pärnu muul

Spend time discovering MiniZoo, Valli Park, Rannapark, Rannaniidu matkarada, and Pärnu muul, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Pärnu, Häädemeeste vald, and Tori vald

• Destinations: Pärnu, Häädemeeste vald, and Tori vald
• Driving distance: 91.54 km, approx. 1 hour and 49 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Pärnu, e.g., ESTONIA Resort Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: Lotte Village Theme Park, Soomaa National Park, and Pärnu Beach
• Recommended tour: Self-guided canoe trip in Soomaa national park

Explore Lotte Village Theme Park, Soomaa National Park, and Pärnu Beach at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Pärnu, Tõrva, Simmuli, Tindi, and Otepää vald

• Destinations: Pärnu, Tõrva, Simmuli, Tindi, and Otepää vald
• Driving distance: 220.69 km, approx. 3 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Võru, e.g., Georgi Hotell
• Sightseeing: Hinni Canyon, Helme caves, Harimäe vaatetorn, and Rõuge watchtower "Pesapuu"

Continue your road trip through Pärnu, Tõrva, Simmuli, Tindi, and Otepää vald, enjoying the flexibility to explore Hinni Canyon, Helme caves, Harimäe vaatetorn, and Rõuge watchtower "Pesapuu" and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Võru.

Day 9: Wander Through Võru, Taevaskoja, and Plessi

• Destinations: Võru, Taevaskoja, and Plessi
• Driving distance: 141.72 km, approx. 2 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tartu, e.g., V Spa Hotel Conference Centre
• Sightseeing: Ruins of Vastseliina Episcopal Castle, Võru linna keskväljak, Kreutzwald Memorial Museum, Taevaskoja Neitsikoobas, and Suur Taevaskoda

Visit Ruins of Vastseliina Episcopal Castle, Võru linna keskväljak, Kreutzwald Memorial Museum, Taevaskoja Neitsikoobas, and Suur Taevaskoda as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Tartu.

Day 10: Uncover Tartu

• Destinations: Tartu
• Driving distance: 8.14 km, approx. 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tartu, e.g., V Spa Hotel Conference Centre
• Sightseeing: Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu, AHHAA Science Centre, Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ), Ruins of Tartu Cathedral, and Town Hall Square

Continue your exploration of Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu, AHHAA Science Centre, Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ), Ruins of Tartu Cathedral, and Town Hall Square, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Elistvere, Tartu, Sillamäe, Kuremäe, and Tartu vald

• Destinations: Elistvere, Tartu, Sillamäe, Kuremäe, and Tartu vald
• Driving distance: 194.64 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Narva, e.g., Piramida Apartments
• Sightseeing: Pukhitsa convent, Elistvere Animal Park, Estonian National Museum, and Majakovski trepistik

Take in the highlights of Pukhitsa convent, Elistvere Animal Park, Estonian National Museum, and Majakovski trepistik, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Narva.

Day 12: Travel Through Narva

• Destinations: Narva
• Driving distance: 3.97 km, approx. 57 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Narva, e.g., Piramida Apartments
• Sightseeing: Pimeaed, Victoria Bastion Casemates, Narva Town Hall, River Promenade, and Narva Muuseum

Take the opportunity to explore Pimeaed, Victoria Bastion Casemates, Narva Town Hall, River Promenade, and Narva Muuseum, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Narva, Rakvere, Toila, and Toila vald

• Destinations: Narva, Rakvere, Toila, and Toila vald
• Driving distance: 223.44 km, approx. 3 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Tallinn, e.g., Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn
• Sightseeing: Toila-Oru Park, Aurochs Statue, Rakvere Linnus, and Valaste Waterfall
• Recommended tour: Guided Old Town Tallinn Historical Walking Tour

Explore Toila-Oru Park, Aurochs Statue, Rakvere Linnus, and Valaste Waterfall as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Tallinn.

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Tallinn

• Departure city: Tallinn
• Driving distance: 606 metres, approx. 7 minutes
• Sightseeing: Viru Gate

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Tallinn. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1074 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Tartu.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Tartu for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Tartu with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Tartu without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Tartu

Arrive in Tartu and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Town Hall Square.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. JOYCE is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Tartu's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Tartu by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Aura Waterpark and AHHAA Science Centre.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Tartu. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Tartu in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Tartu

Spend your last few hours in Tartu soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Tartu, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Tartu travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Tartu offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Tartu itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Tartu weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Tartu

Arrive in Tartu around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Town Hall Square, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Tartu’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Tartu with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit University of Tartu Museum early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ), stopping by Estonian National Museum for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Tartu and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Tartu

No itinerary in Tartu is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu.
• Afternoon: Explore St. Paul's Church and St. John Church, Tartu, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Tartu

Make the most of your last few hours in Tartu before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Tartu. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Tartu itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Tartu, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Tartu for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Tartu in a way that feels truly unforgettable!