Where to Stay in Tartu, One of the Three 2024 European Capitals of Culture

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 20, 2024 11:30 AMNews
Share:
Tartu, Estonia
Tartu, Estonia. Source: unsplash

Tartu, Estonia’s second city and intellectual hub, is a must-visit in 2024 as it has been designated one of the European Capitals of Culture. This accolade brings a year-long celebration with over 1,000 events, exhibitions, and arts projects. With its charming old town, cobblestone streets, neoclassical landmarks, and proximity to the wild landscapes of southern Estonia, Tartu offers a rich and immersive cultural experience. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tartu to make the most of your visit.

1. Art Hotel Pallas

Art Hotel Pallas celebrates Tartu's artistic heritage and its legacy as Estonia’s intellectual center. The hotel occupies the site of Estonia’s first art school, which operated from 1919 to 1944. Vibrant murals by prominent Pallas Art School alumni, such as Karl Pärsimägi and Ado Vabbe, decorate the rooms. The contemporary design and furniture provide a modern yet artistic ambiance.

The gastropub-style restaurant Humal, located next to the hotel, serves as the breakfast venue and offers a contemporary pan-European menu and craft beer. Art Hotel Pallas is a five-minute walk from the historic center and 15 minutes from the bohemian Karlova neighborhood. It’s also close to the main bus terminal, making it convenient for day trips to nearby attractions.

Price: From €80 (£69), B&B.

2. Hotel Antonius

Opposite the University of Tartu’s main building, Hotel Antonius is an opulent, 27-room hotel dating back to 1811. The rooms are adorned with antiques, and the hotel features a regal library. During the summer, the Mediterranean courtyard transforms into a lively café.

Price: From €83 (£71), B&B.

3. Villa Margaretha

Built in 1919 by local photographer Heinrich Riedel and named after his wife, Villa Margaretha is a charming art nouveau villa. The period-inspired interior design includes ornately tiled fireplaces and art nouveau furniture, making it ideal for design enthusiasts. The hotel also features its own sauna.

Price: From €70 (£60).

4. ÖÖD at Metsajärve

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, ÖÖD Hötels offers beautiful, compact cabins with mirrored glass exteriors that blend into their forest surroundings. The ÖÖD at Metsajärve cabin, located a 45-minute drive south of Tartu, is designed for two guests and sits on a riverbank. Guests can enjoy morning yoga sessions or a refreshing plunge into the water after relaxing in the wood-fired sauna.

Price: From €242 (£208).

In Conclusion

Tartu’s diverse accommodations reflect its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you prefer an artistic boutique hotel, a luxurious historical stay, a charming art nouveau villa, or a secluded cabin in nature, Tartu offers a unique and memorable experience for every traveler.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM