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Best Things To Do In Tartu, Estonia: A 2-Day Itinerary

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Are you interested in visiting Estonia’s second city and are wondering about the best things to do in Tartu?

Estonia seems to be popping up more and more as a destination worth visiting on any European travel route, however, there is very little published about the country beyond the medieval charms of Tallinn’s Old Town. While we have already made the case for visiting Tallinn for longer than a day trip and venturing beyond the city walls, we also have developed a substantial argument for exploring outside of the city entirely.

Keen as we always are to see any country beyond its capital city, we set our sites on Estonia’s second-largest city of Tartu and we weren’t disappointed.

Often lauded as the intellectual capital of Estonia, Tartu is home to the country’s largest university (which happens to also be one of Europe’s oldest!) and is a thriving cultural hub — packed to the brim with a young and lively population, a vibrant arts and alternative scene, and a fascinating history.

Though it is, without a doubt, outshined by Tallinn, there are numerous fun and interesting things to do in Tartu, world-class restaurants, a killer craft beer scene, and an altogether more laid-back vibe compared to the Estonian capital. Tartu is a city of surprises and is a must-see destination on any Baltics itinerary !

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Getting To and Around Tartu

Before I jump into what to do in Tartu, we do need to discuss how to get to and around the Estonian city. Tartu is located about 185 kilometres southeast of Tallinn and, because it is the second-largest city in Estonia, connections between the two cities are frequent.

If you are planning on visiting Tartu from Tallinn via public transport, the bus is your best option. While there are trains available, they are less frequent and more expensive than buses (which is generally the case in all three Baltic States ).

Buses bound for Tartu from Tallinn’s main station take roughly 2.5 hours and leave every 15-30 minutes, so there is little need to book in advance if you want to travel more spontaneously. However, it is often cheaper to book bus tickets in advance online.

Though there are a few different bus companies you could take, we like Lux Express ( tickets available here ) as their coaches are comfortable, reliable, have free wifi, and entertainment units on each seat! Their fares are also very affordable, averaging about €10, but can be significantly cheaper if booked in advance.

Tartu is also very accessible from other major cities in Estonia and other surrounding countries. There is also a small airport in Tartu but as of writing in July of 2022, it only serves FinnAir from a very limited list of destinations.

Once you have arrived in Tartu, the best way to get around is on foot. The city itself isn’t all that large and most places of interest are located within walking distance of each other.

However, if there is a place that interests you that isn’t within easy walking distance or you have mobility problems, there is an extensive and easy-to-use bus system in Tartu. You can purchase tickets on the bus or online for €1.50.

If neither walking nor public transport are good options for you, there are taxis in Tartu as well and they are very affordable. While there isn’t Uber operating in the city, you can hail a taxi in almost exactly the same way using the Bolt app, which is also used is every other major Baltic city. It is not customary to hail a cab from the street, so Bolt can be an easier option than calling a taxi.

Top Things To Do In Tartu: A 2-Day Itinerary

Though it may not seem like it due to its small size, there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Tartu, especially if you set your sites beyond the Old Town. Though very few international tourists visit this Estonian city and most of those who do are only there for a short day trip, we would recommend spending at least two full days in Tartu. This will give you enough time to get a good feel of the city and enjoy some of its unique culture and atmosphere.

Day One – Old Town & Karlova

Spend your first day in Tartu exploring the main attractions and learning a bit about the culture of Estonia’s intellectual capital. Everything on this day can easily be reached on foot with nothing more than a twenty-minute walk between sites and activities.

Raekoja Plats

The best place to begin exploring Tartu is its charming main square or Raekoja Plats. The small square is lined with a number of cafes and restaurants, beautiful cobbled streets, and the iconic Kissing Students fountain in front of the Town Hall (which also doubles as the tourist information centre!).

Though the fountain has been there since 1948, the statue that is here currently has only been in place since 1998. It symbolises the tradition for newlyweds and their guests to visit the fountain in order to ensure good luck in their marriage.

On the end opposite the town hall, there is a yellow National Geographic frame, one of 21 such frames in Southern Estonia . It was erected as part of the “Living on the Edge” campaign in order to strengthen the identity of the region and attract tourists.

There are also a number of interesting monuments and statues scattered around Tartu’s Old Town. One thing we loved about the city was that the plaques describing their significance were not only written in Estonian but also in English.

St John’s Church

This gothic brick Lutheran church in the Old Town may not be all that spectacular inside but it is one of the highest buildings in the city and it is possible to climb up the tower for great views over the city, making it one of the top things to do in Tartu.

There aren’t too many stairs and even those who aren’t all that physically fit should be able to climb up, but the stairs can be narrow and dark in some places, so proceed with caution. The fee for entry is €2 for adults and €1.50 for students and other concessions. Children under 7 can enter for free.

The church has existed in some form or another since the 14th century when it was originally erected as a Catholic Church but it later shifted to being part of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church when the nation ceased widely practising Catholicism.

University of Tartu Botanical Garden

If the weather is fine and you fancy strolling around some beautiful gardens for an hour or two, the Tartu Botanical Gardens is a fantastic stop if you’re wondering what to do in Tartu! Part of the university’s school of botany, these gardens are massive and incredibly peaceful to wander through.

There are a number of different gardens to explore plus a lovely duck pond. It is free to enter the outdoor gardens, but the greenhouses do charge an entry fee of €3.

Emajogi River

The Emajogi River, which runs through Tartu between Lake Vortsjarv and Lake Peipsi, is the only navigable river in Estonia and had shaped Tartu through history into the city it is today.

While it is obviously not the only thing that connects Tartu with neighbouring towns and countries these days, there is a lovely riverside to stroll along with many cafes and trendy bars, bench swings, and a lovely park.

It is definitely worth taking a stroll along the river and maybe popping in for a drink at one of the numerous cafes along the banks.

After a stroll along the river, it is time to head out of the Old Town and explore Tartu’s cool and trendy Karlova neighbourhood. This is the epicentre of most of Tartu’s fantastic street art and where the annual Stencibility Street Art Festival takes place. This street art festival is becoming quite famous with hundreds of artists applying each year.

Exploring Karlova was our favourite part of Tartu and if you’re keen to learn more about this alternative area of the city, then we highly recommend taking a Karlova Street Art & History tour with Tartu Pseudo Tours .

We learned way more about the area, the art, and the people who live there from our guide, Maarja, than we would have done had we just wandered around on our own. The tour costs €10 for adults and €8 for students and they require a minimum of five people. Their prices do increase if there are fewer than five on the tour.

Day Two – Museums & Aparaaditehas

On the second day of your Tartu itinerary, take the time to go beyond the main sites of the Old Town and explore some more offbeat attractions in the city. Spend this day digging deeper and visiting a couple of the interesting museums that Tartu has to offer.

The KGB Cells Museum

The KGB Cells Museum is situated a bit outside of the Old Town and is very much worth visiting, especially if you are interested in learning about life in Tartu and Estonia in general during both the Nazi and Soviet occupations. The museum is located in a building known as the “Grey House” which was the former KGB headquarters in Tartu in the 1940s and 1950s.

Though the museum itself isn’t large, it is quite well-curated with a lot of information so I would recommend planning to spend at least one hour here. While the information on the plaques in the museum is printed in Estonian, there are translations available in English and a few other languages so it can be enjoyed by international visitors.

If you’re interested in learning about Estonia’s heartbreaking Soviet past, then a visit to the KGB Cells Museum is one of the best things to do in Tartu.

Estonian Printing & Paper Museum

If the KGB Cells Museum was a bit too heavy for you, then a visit to the Estonian Printing & Paper Museum will be the perfect thing to lift your spirits. This unique museum is one of the only of its kind in this area of Europe and really encapsulated the artistic nature of Tartu.

The €5 entrance fee (€2 for students) includes a 60-minute tour of the museum where you learn how to make paper (and make it yourself!) and also see and learn about their massive collection of printing presses and make some of your own prints as well. The museum also gives you a great insight into how the nature of printing had changed in Estonia in the past couple of decades, especially when compared to the antiquated means used during Soviet times.

Aparaaditehas

After spending the majority of your day in museums, take the time to explore the hip and new creative complex of Aparaaditehas. Similar to the Telliskivi Creative City in Tallinn (they share an owner) and quite reminiscent of the Fabrika complex in Tbilisi, Georgia, this trendy area has a number of cool restaurants, shops, and cafes with a very artistic vibe.

It is housed in a former Soviet Widget factory and the building was abandoned and dodgy until the complex was built there a couple of years ago. Since then, it has made the area surrounding more desirable to live in and given locals a number of more restaurant and hang out options than before.

Because of the popularity of Aparaaditehas, there are talks of creating more such creative complexes in Tartu. As of right now, the reaction by the public to this complex has been generally positive as it has boosted the economy and desirability of this area of Tartu and so far there haven’t been noticeable negative effects of gentrification.

Aparaaditehas is a favourite haunt for young locals to hang out, so follow their lead and browse some of the shops or kick back at a cafe with an excellent Estonian craft beer.

Where to Eat in Tartu

Unsurprisingly, due to both its artistic reputation and large student population, Tartu has a number of great places to eat and drink. While there are definitely some options for those on a shoestring budget (it is a student city, after all), there are also some great high end and inventive restaurants. One thing is certain, it is very hard to eat poorly in Tartu. Here are some of our suggestions for the best places to eat and drink in the city:

Krempel Kohvik – A modern, hip cafe in the Old Town, Krempel Khovik is a great option for a filling but healthy breakfast. They have an extensive menu and serve all three meals per day along with some great coffee. Prices are affordable and it also has a chilled-out atmosphere and fast wifi.

Trikster Tihane – Located in the Aparaaditehas complex, Trikster Tihane is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy lunch, dinner, or snack after spending your day wandering around Tartu. Also, like most everywhere else, they have a wide range of Estonian craft beers to enjoy.

Aparaat – Another great restaurant located in the Aparaaditehas complex, Aparaat is a fantastic option for both lunch or dinner. They offer an affordable set lunch menu and their dinner menu is extensive and tasty. This was one of the first restaurants that opened in the creative complex and is perennially popular amongst locals.

Barlova – If you are looking for the best place to sample Estonian craft beer while chilling out in a cool and relaxing atmosphere, then look no further than Barlova. Located in the trendy Karlova neighbourhood of Tartu, this is one of the best places to grab a beer if you want to experience the true, laid-back culture of Tartu.

Where to Stay in Tartu

Even though Tartu doesn’t have nearly the amount of tourists as Tallinn, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a number of great accommodation options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

Hotel Soho – This cool boutique hotel is located in the heart of Tartu’s Old Town and is a good option for those travelling on a mid-range budget. They have a range of rooms available and also offer breakfasts included in the room rate. Click here to see their availability!

Riia Kvartal Apartment – For travellers who would rather have their own apartment rather than stay in a hotel, this one-bedroom flat in central Tartu is a great option. Conveniently located close to all the city has to offer, the apartment is comfortable and fully furnished. Click here to see their availability

Looming Hostel   – If you are travelling on a budget, then Looming Hostel is a great accommodation option in Tartu. This small, environmentally-friendly hostel has a couple of dorm and private rooms on offer, good common areas, and a nice roof terrace. It is also possible to purchase breakfast at an extra cost. Click here to view their availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other accommodation options in Tartu!

Tartu is a fascinating city filled with interesting and unique things to do. While two days here will give you a good feel for Estonia’s second-largest city, you could easily spend a few more days soaking up the arts and culture of this intellectual capital.

Are you planning on visiting Estonia’s second city? Are you wondering what to do in Tartu? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect Baltics Itinerary: Explore Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hello We ( Canadians) are planning a trip to Tartu in Sept. We are coming on the train from Tallinn and spending a day or two there. What are the must see sites or your suggestions of places to see within maybe 20 min walk from the train station.

Hi Bill, I recommend following the suggestions outlined in this itinerary if you’re going to be spending a couple of days in Tartu. It’s a small city so you’re able to see most of these sites within a 20-30 minute walk of each other. Hope you have a great time!

It felt good reading your post. Info well put and organised. Thank you.

Thanks for your comment, Amit 🙂

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Why Travel to Tartu? Exploring Estonia’s Cultural Gem

Discover why travel to Tartu is a must! Uncover the charm, culture, and experiences waiting for you in this vibrant city. Find out why Tartu should be your next destination.

Tartu, a gem nestled in the heart of Estonia , beckons travelers with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you wander through its cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of its centuries-old university, you’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s charm. In this article, we’ll delve into the myriad reasons why traveling to Tartu is an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression on your soul.

Why Travel to Tartu: Unveiling the Charms

Why Travel to Tartu: Unveiling the Charms reveals the allure of Estonia’s cultural capital. Tartu, nestled along the banks of the Emajõgi River, beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty.

Explore the cobbled streets of its Old Town, where centuries-old buildings house charming cafes, quirky boutiques, and galleries showcasing local art. Discover the rich academic heritage of Tartu at its prestigious university, where the spirit of learning permeates the city’s atmosphere.

Beyond its historic charm, Tartu offers lush green spaces, including the picturesque Toomemägi Park and the tranquil banks of the Emajõgi River, perfect for leisurely strolls or boat rides.

From cultural festivals to vibrant nightlife, Tartu pulsates with energy and excitement, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant cultural scene. Whether wandering through historic streets or exploring its thriving arts community, a journey to Tartu promises to unveil a wealth of charms waiting to be discovered.

Immerse Yourself in History at Tartu University

Immerse Yourself in History at Tartu University beckons travelers to Estonia’s intellectual hub. Why travel to Tartu? This historic institution, founded in 1632, boasts a rich legacy that permeates the city’s cultural landscape.

Stroll through the university’s storied halls, where Nobel laureates once walked, and explore its atmospheric courtyards, where centuries-old traditions still thrive. Discover the treasures of its museums, housing rare artifacts and manuscripts that offer insight into Tartu’s illustrious past.

But Tartu University is more than just a relic of history-it’s a vibrant center of learning and innovation, where students from around the world gather to exchange ideas and pursue academic excellence.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking to broaden your horizons, a visit to Tartu University promises a fascinating journey through time and knowledge, making it a must-see destination for travelers to Estonia.

Indulge Your Senses in Tartu’s Culinary Delights

Indulge Your Senses in Tartu’s Culinary Delights invites travelers to savor Estonia’s gastronomic delights. Why travel to Tartu? This charming city boasts a vibrant food scene that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates local flavors.

From cozy cafes serving up freshly baked pastries to upscale restaurants showcasing innovative Estonian cuisine, Tartu offers something to satisfy every palate. Sample traditional dishes like hearty soups, savory pies, and succulent grilled meats, all prepared with care and passion.

But it’s not just about the food – Tartu’s culinary scene reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal overlooking the picturesque river or exploring the bustling food markets, indulging in Tartu’s culinary delights promises a feast for the senses and a deeper appreciation for Estonian culture.

Explore the Tranquility of Toomemägi Park

Explore the Tranquility of Toomemägi Park invites travelers to discover the serene beauty of Tartu’s green oasis. Why travel to Tartu? Amidst the bustling streets and historic landmarks, Toomemägi Park offers a peaceful retreat where nature and history intertwine.

Wander along winding paths shaded by ancient trees, meander past tranquil ponds, and admire the architectural wonders that dot the park’s landscape. From the iconic ruins of Tartu Cathedral to the majestic Angel’s Bridge, each corner of Toomemägi Park tells a story of Tartu’s rich heritage.

Whether enjoying a leisurely picnic, admiring the seasonal blooms, or simply soaking in the serene ambiance, exploring Toomemägi Park promises a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture at the Tartu Art Museum

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture at the Tartu Art Museum offers a captivating journey into Estonia’s vibrant cultural scene. Why travel to Tartu? This dynamic city boasts a rich artistic heritage, and the Tartu Art Museum stands as a testament to its creative spirit.

Housed in a historic building in the heart of the city, the museum showcases a diverse collection of Estonian and international art spanning centuries. From traditional paintings to contemporary installations, each exhibit offers insight into Tartu’s evolving artistic landscape.

But the museum is more than just a showcase of artwork—it’s a hub of cultural exchange and creativity, hosting workshops, lectures, and special events that engage visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about Tartu’s cultural heritage, a visit to the Tartu Art Museum promises a rewarding experience that will leave you inspired and enriched.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery at the Estonian National Museum

Embark on a Journey of Discovery at the Estonian National Museum invites travelers to delve into Estonia’s rich cultural heritage. Why travel to Tartu? This captivating city is home to the Estonian National Museum, a treasure trove of history, art, and folklore.

Housed in a striking modern building that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, the museum offers an immersive experience that transports visitors through time. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing Estonia’s diverse cultural traditions, from ancient artifacts to contemporary artworks.

But the museum is more than just a repository of artifacts—it’s a gateway to understanding Estonia’s past, present, and future. Through engaging displays, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities, visitors can gain insights into the country’s unique identity and the forces that have shaped it over the centuries.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, intrigued by folklore, or simply curious about Estonia’s cultural heritage, a visit to the Estonian National Museum promises a journey of discovery that will deepen your understanding of this enchanting country.

Experience the Magic of Tartu’s Festivals and Events

Experience the Magic of Tartu’s Festivals and Events beckons travelers to immerse themselves in Estonia’s cultural capital. Why travel to Tartu? Throughout the year, this vibrant city plays host to a dazzling array of festivals and events that showcase its rich heritage and dynamic spirit.

From the vibrant colors of the Hanseatic Days to the enchanting melodies of the Tartu Jazz Festival, there’s always something exciting happening in Tartu. Cultural enthusiasts can indulge in traditional Estonian music and dance at the Folk Dance Festival, while foodies can sample the best of Estonian cuisine at the Street Food Festival.

But it’s not just about entertainment—Tartu’s festivals and events offer a glimpse into the city’s soul, celebrating its history, traditions, and sense of community. Whether you’re joining in the revelry of the Song Festival or marveling at the creativity of the Tartu Light Festival, experiencing the magic of Tartu’s festivals and events promises unforgettable moments and a deeper appreciation for this vibrant city.

Connect with Nature Along the Emajõgi River

Connect with Nature Along the Emajõgi River invites travelers to discover the serene beauty of Tartu’s natural landscapes. Why travel to Tartu ? The Emajõgi River, winding gracefully through the city, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Stroll along the riverbanks, where lush greenery and scenic views provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks or bike rides. Kayak or paddleboard along the gentle currents, immersing yourself in the peaceful rhythm of the water.

But connecting with nature along the Emajõgi River is more than just enjoying the scenery—it’s about experiencing a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation, reconnecting with the natural world and finding solace in its beauty. Whether you’re birdwatching from the riverbanks or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings, a visit to the Emajõgi River promises a refreshing escape into nature’s embrace.

Why Travel to Tartu: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Tartu?

The best time to visit Tartu is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities abound. However, Tartu’s charm extends throughout the year, with each season offering its own unique experiences.

How do I get to Tartu from Tallinn ?

Tartu is easily accessible from Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, by bus, train, or car. The journey takes approximately two and a half to three hours by bus or train, while driving offers the flexibility to explore the scenic countryside along the way.

What are some must-see attractions in Tartu?

Some must-see attractions in Tartu include Tartu University, Toomemägi Park, the Tartu Art Museum, the Estonian National Museum, and the Emajõgi River. Additionally, be sure to explore the charming Old Town and indulge in the local culinary scene.

Is English widely spoken in Tartu?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Tartu, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. You’ll find that most locals are fluent in English and eager to assist visitors with any questions or concerns they may have.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Tartu?

Tartu offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. You can explore the scenic trails of Toomemägi Park, go boating or kayaking on the Emajõgi River, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic in one of the city’s many parks.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Tartu?

Yes, Tartu hosts a wide range of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Tartu Student Days, the Tartu Jazz Festival, and the Estonian Theatre Festival. These events showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene and provide an opportunity to experience local art, music, and cuisine.

Why Travel to Tartu – Conclusion offers a captivating insight into the allure of Estonia’s cultural jewel. Tartu, nestled in the heart of Estonia, beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. From the cobblestone streets of its charming Old Town to the tranquil banks of the Emajõgi River, Tartu exudes a timeless charm that captivates visitors.

Explore its rich academic legacy at Tartu University, where centuries of learning and discovery have shaped the city’s identity. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene, with galleries and theaters showcasing the creativity of local talent. Whether indulging in a leisurely stroll through its picturesque parks or sampling the diverse culinary delights, Tartu offers an authentic Estonian experience that lingers in the memory.

In conclusion, Tartu embodies the essence of Estonia’s cultural heritage, inviting travelers to delve into its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. A visit to Tartu promises a journey of exploration and discovery, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this captivating city and the broader allure of travel to Estonia . Enjoy your  travel to Europe .

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The Best Things to do in Tartu, Estonia

This post is about the best things to do in Tartu Estonia. Tartu is the country’s second biggest city after Tallinn . It is located in the southeastern region on the banks of the Emajõgi river.

Tartu is the academic center of Estonia and will be the European capital of culture in 2024. It’s a compact student city, but there are nevertheless plenty of things to do in Tartu. While often overlooked by travellers to the Baltics, it is a charming place that definitely deserves a visit. 

Why visit Tartu Estonia?

Tartu is home to the largest and oldest university in the country that attracts people from all over Europe. The students make Tartu feel like a young and vibrant city with lots of trendy cafes and restaurants.

At the same time the architecture brings you back to the 19th century. Neoclassical style buildings and traditional wooden homes dominate the city landscape. This makes it a very different place from medieval Tallinn.

It is no surprise that Tartu will be the European capital of culture in 2024. Tartu has a number of excellent museums, art galleries and theaters. In addition, there are many events, festivals and concerts throughout the year. No matter what season you visit the city, there are always plenty of things to do in Tartu.

Things to do in Tartu Estonia

Below you will find a list of the best things to do in Tartu. I suggest spending at least two full days in the city. The center is not that big and most sights are within walking distance. I would suggest one day to see Toome hill and the Old town and another day to visit some of the excellent museums.

Raekoja plats 

Raekoja plats is a great place to start cose to this central square. In addition, most festivals and events happen here. When I was there in winter there was an ice rink and a small Christmas market.

Raekoja plats was the main trading area of Tartu. It is still home to some beautiful 18 and 19th century architecture that was built after the Great Fire of Tartu in 1775.

Tartu town hall

The colourful town hall immediately stands out with in front the statue of the kissings students. It was the third town hall building on the same location. Its Neoclassical style was inspired by the town hall in Narva .

Leaning house of Tartu

Another interesting building is the leaning house of Tartu. The house is leaning sideways due to the uneven ground. Where at one side the building is supported by the foundations of the ancient city wall, the other side is supported by mere logs that sank as groundwater levels went down.

Another historic part of Tartu is Toome hill. The first fortifications were probably already there in the 7th century. With its strategic position overlooking the city of Tartu and the Emajõgi river it was an important stronghold for many years.

Tartu Cathedral Ruins

In the 13th century a large cathedral was built on top of the hill. For many years it was one of the biggest churches in Eastern Europe. It was destroyed in the Livonian war and its impressive ruins are still there to see. 

University of Tartu museum

The University of Tartu museum is an excellent museum well worth a visit. It is all about the history of the university and because of its age, basically the history of Tartu since the 17th century.

And quite an interesting history as well. The museum is fun and interactive and I enjoyed it a lot. It is in a restored section of the Cathedral Ruins.

Tartu Old Observatory

When the Russians took over in the 19th century, emperor Paul I gifted Toome Hill to Tartu University. They built several academic buildings on the hill including the Tartu Observatory.

It was an active observatory till 1964 and is now a museum. 

Explore Tartu’s wooden homes

One of the things I liked about Tartu is that there are still a lot of traditional wooden homes. In Tallinn they are disappearing from the urban landscape, but in Tartu there are still plenty around. 

This makes wandering around the city one of the best things to do in Tartu. There are two neighbourhoods where you can find the most beautiful wooden homes

Supilinn translates as soup town. Street names all carry soup ingredients like pea, potatoes, beans etc. 

The neighbourhood developed in the 18th century and was a poor area. The land was cheap, because it was soggy and floods from the Emajõgi river happened frequently.

Nevertheless, the poor working class managed to build colourful wooden homes with neat gardens that still define Supilinn today as it provides cheap housing to students.

Karlova is another historic district that developed in the 18th century. Land was more expensive here and as a result the wooden homes are bigger and have more stature than the ones in Supilinn.

Karlova also has lots of street art which is another reason to wander the streets of this neighbourhood.

Explore Tartu’s street art

I am not that much into street art, but can certainly enjoy a good work of art that gives colour to the grey urban buildings.

The ones in Tarty definitely got my attention. First, there is a lot of street art throughout the city. Wherever you go, you happen to find something interesting. Be it under the bridge, a giant mural or even on electricity boxes. Second, most are really beautiful.

Tartu’s street art scene is noteworthy. Although officially illegal, it is promoted by Tartu’s municipality at a yearly street art festival. The most famous is Edward von Lõngus with his black and white stencil paintings.

Emajõgi river front

The emajõgi riverfront is another nice place to walk in Tartu. On both sides are green park areas and lots of outdoor cafes in summer

Tartu market

The Tartu market hall is still in its original Soviet building from 1938. Inside it is completely renovated though with modern hygienic counters.

It’s a great place to find local products like smoked fish from the emajõgi river, homemade pickles and Estonian honey.

Estonia’s national museum

Even if you are not a museum person I recommend you visit the excellent National museum of Estonia .

It was the best museum I visited in Estonia with interactive exhibitions about every aspect of the country as well as an exhibition about the Finno-Ugric people.

The museum is very big and overwhelming at times. There is just so much to see, learn and do. Make sure you take your time.

Raadi manor park

Estonia’s national museum is right next to the Raadi manor park. The park was home to the Raadi manor that belonged to the von Liphart family. The manor was destroyed in WW2, but you can still walk in the park.

The Raadi manor park is also home to an airfield. Baron Liphart converted his farmlands to a runway. The airfield grew bigger and was later used by the Soviets. You can still see the abandoned hangars.

Like Tallinn, Tartu changed its former KGB cellars into a museum. The KGB museum in Tartu is very informative covering topics like the Nazi occupation, the Soviet occupation, deportations, the gulags and the resistance movement in Estonia.

Tartu Travel Tips

Where to stay in tartu.

Tampere Maja : Tampere Maja is a great place to stay. Close to Toome hill and the Raekoja plats, you are within walking distance of the best things to do in Tartu.

It is in a traditional wooden house, serves a delicious breakfast and for an additional fee you can use their sauna. I would gladly stay here again.

Where to eat in Tartu

Dorpat hotel : The Dorpat hotel is a great option if you are looking for a cheap lunch near the bus station. It is not the best food in Tartu, but it is very good value for money.

Gunpowder cellar of Tartu : The Gunpowder cellar is a popular place among the students of Tartu. And for good reasons, because the food is pretty good. You can try some Estonian dishes too like mulgipuder. I tried the pork ribs that were really good. The mushroom soup was also very delicious, but this is not always on the menu. 

Hansa tall and Hansa hoov : Hansa tall is a bit far out of the center, but one of the best Estonian restaurants in the city. The picture menu is very helpful in choosing what you want.

Crepp : Crepp specializes in pancakes. It’s a nice place and with all the different options, it’s hard to choose what to take. I was very happy with my hazelnut and honey pancake. Portions are huge so it’s a filling lunch or dinner.

How to get to Tartu

There are frequent trains and buses from Tallinn , Pärnu and Narva. You can check the bus times on T pillet . I would recommend Lux express. Lux express has very comfortable buses that I used on a number of occasions in Estonia. For example to get from Narva to Tartu

To get to Tartu from Tallinn you can also take the train. Trains are very modern too and it is a comfortable 3 hour journey. You can check the timetable and book tickets at Elron .

How to get around Tartu

Most things to do in Tartu are all within walking distance. The best way to get around is on foot. There is a good bus network too. You can buy a bus card with credit in the tourist information center.

When to visit Tartu

Tartu experiences a Northern European climate with distinct seasons. The best time to visit Tartu depends on your preferences for weather and activities.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Tartu. During these months, the weather is typically warm, and you can enjoy longer daylight hours. Unfortunately this also means that Tartu is more crowded and prices for accomodation higher.

Spring and Autumn are more quiet times to visit Tartu. Temperatures are still mild and pleasant enough to explore the city.

Winter can be quite cold in Tartu, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. As you can see from my pictures, I was there in winter. In my opinion, the snow makes the town even more beautiful. If you do happen to visit winter you should also visit Estonia’s winter capital in nearby Otepaa .

Sustainable Travel in Tartu

Tartu sees more tourists every year. While Tourism is a welcome source of income it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in Tartu, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local markets and restaurants. It is better to try Baltic cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in small-scale guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. You can also look for hotels that prioritizes sustainable practices.

Use public transport : Tartu has a well-developed public transportation system. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of taxis or private cars to reduce carbon emissions. Even better is exploring the city by foot.

Disclaimer : This post about the best things to do in Tartu Estonia contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

• 1 Understand
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.3 By train
• 3.5 By boat
• 4.1 On foot
• 4.3 By taxi
• 4.4 By bicycle
• 5.1 Museums
• 5.2 Parks and squares
• 5.3 Churches
• 5.4 Other buildings
• 5.5 Bridges
• 5.6 Modern architecture
• 6.1 Festivals
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range

Tartu (formerly known as Dorpat or Yuryev ) is the second largest city in Estonia with a population of 94,000 (2019).

Understand [ edit ]

Tartu is a Hanseatic city and a university town. It is the oldest city in Estonia , dating back to 1030. Its ancient name of 'Tarbatu' was shortened to 'Tartu' in Estonian and to 'Dorpat' in German. Although large parts of the town were destroyed in World War II , Tartu still has a charming old town surrounded by large parks (some of which used to be fully built-up neighbourhoods before the war).

Tartu is 185 km southeast of Tallinn , the capital of Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects the two largest lakes of Estonia, flows for 10 km within the city limits.

• 58.379939 26.722082 1 Tourist Information Centre , Raekoja plats ( ground floor of Tartu town hall building ), ☏ +372 744 21 11 , fax : +372 744 21 11 , [email protected] . Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-16:00 .  

Talk [ edit ]

Since Tartu is a student town, English is widely understood. As usual, the older people are more likely to only speak Estonian and Russian; however most can understand English if you speak clearly.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

• If arriving on a commercial flight, your main option is Tallinn , which is only 180 km away with buses and trains to Tartu running directly from the airport.
• Alternatively, Riga (250 km from Tartu) may be an option as well - buses from the Riga Bus Station to Tartu are operated by Lux Express .
• Airport Shuttle . Bus operating between the airport and the city. Free . ( updated Jul 2019 )

By bus [ edit ]

Buses arrive at the small 58.378083 26.732128 2 Tartu Bus Station at Turu 2, which is across the street from the Kaubamaja department store, 5-10 min walk from the central square of Tartu. The tiny building hosts a ticket office, luggage room, decent cafeteria, and R-kiosk. If you need more, head to the nearby shopping mall. When arriving from Tallinn, you can also get off the bus at one of the stops in the city centre.

Buses from Tallinn depart several times an hour between 05:00 and midnight, and stop at the Tallinn airport. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs €2-10, before a discount available with an ISIC card. Some buses have free wireless internet and free drinks available. Note that Friday afternoon departures from Tartu to Tallinn (and Sunday night Tallinn-to-Tartu) are usually crowded during the school year as lots of students go home for the weekend.

Regular buses also run between Tartu and Narva (3 hr), Viljandi (1 hr), Pärnu (2½ hr), and Kuressaare (6 hr).

Tartu is a stop of international buses running between Saint Petersburg (8 hr) and Riga (4 hr). These buses typically run overnight, which makes their schedule from Tartu somewhat inconvenient. Another international route is from Tartu to Pskov in Russia (4 hr, websites and timetables use the Estonian name Pihkva ).

Bus and train schedules within Estonia are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around .

By train [ edit ]

Elron operates several daily trains between Tartu and Tallinn via Tapa. The journey takes 2 hr (express train) to 2½ hr (regular train) and costs €11 for 2nd class and €14 for 1st class on an express train, or €10 for 2nd class and €12 for 1st class on a regular train. Tickets are 10% cheaper online. There is free Wi-Fi and tables with electric outlets on trains. 1st class passengers get more comfortable seats and may book a specific seat online.

Trains also run between Tartu and Valga on the Latvian border, with one daily connection further to Riga (5 hr). Railway tracks likewise go in the direction of Russia , but you can only reach the small station of Koidula on the Russian border. This station is less than 1 km from the 24/7 checkpoint, which is open for pedestrians. Once you are on the Russian side, catch a taxi or walk to the bus station of Pechory (2 km from the border), and continue to Pskov by bus.

By car [ edit ]

An excellent day trip is to drive from Tallinn to Tartu. Outside of Tallinn, it is a two-lane paved road with some construction ongoing to upgrade it. It takes two to two and a half hours. There are few sights of interest along the way. The terrain is flat and most of the road is bracketed by a birch trees and a few pines. Sam's Grill (about halfway between Tallinn and Tartu) or a bit fancier Põhjaka Mõis are recommended as a place to stop. There is a gas station (Statoil) some km away.

By boat [ edit ]

There are also ferry services between Tartu and Lake Peipus and Lake Lämmijärv. Check with the Tourist Information Centre, or inquire at the river directly.

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ].

Tartu can be easily explored by walking. It's only a 20-minute walk from the train station to the old town, and a beautiful 30-min walk from old town to the Estonian National Museum.

Tartu has a network of 14 intracity bus lines and 2 night bus lines. See online information about local buses .

Load a Pilet.ee mobile app to buy tickets. For longer stays, buy a bus card for €2 at one of these places (cards from elsewhere in Estonia can also be used), then load money to card at the same place or online . You can also buy tickets with contactless card on bus. You will get automatically 1-hour ticket or 1-day ticket, if you're using it for 3rd time that day. QR-tickets can only be bought for 1-hour. All tickets have to be scanned on bus.

Bus network details (times and lines) see here: http://tartu.peatus.ee/#city/eng [dead link]

Important lines are:

• 9 and 9A circle around town, 9 goes clockwise and 9A anticlockwise
• 25 to Tartu Railway Station according to train schedule
• Bus line 69 is free, and runs between the bus station and the Lõunakeskus shopping center on the edge of town. As this is a sponsored line, its buses do not have the red-and-white color scheme of regular municipal buses.
• E1 to/from airport

By taxi [ edit ]

Read more under Estonia#By taxi .

By bicycle [ edit ]

Tartu can be easily seen by bike, because of its small size. Tartu has 750 city bikes, and 500 of them are electric. Electric bikes can be recognized by a lightning bolt and missing gears. There are 69 bike docks in Tartu. If the bike dock is full, you can lock the bike near the dock using lock in basket.

Prices are €5 for 1 day, €10 for a week and €30 for a year. 10 day bus tickets can also be used. Bikes can be used for 60 minutes after which you have to bring them back to dock, where you can get another 60 minutes. If you don't bring the bike to dock in 60 minutes you have to pay €1 for every hour you're late. If you don't bring the bike back in 5 hours, you have to pay €80.

For unlocking bikes you need to download Tartu Smart Bike app or use bus card. Available bikes can be seen online.

See [ edit ]

• 58.37824 26.722996 3 Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde ( Kirjanike Oscar Wilde ja Eduard Vilde mälestusmärk ).  
• 58.388868 26.708707 4 Soup Neighbourhood ( Supilinn ). Neighbourhood where all of the streets are named after soup ingredients. Features charming old wooden houses.  
• 58.400218 26.75403 5 Former Soviet Airfield ( Raadi ) ( In Raadi, north of Tartu ).  

Museums [ edit ]

• Tartu University Museum , Toome Hill. Summer: Tu-Su 10–18. €6 or €12 with Observatory and Art Museum
• 58.381981 26.728915 9 Tartu City Museum , Narva 23 . Classicist style structure was built as a town palace in 1790. The building is popularly called Catherine's House. The legend has it that Empress Catherine II made a short stay there. It is not true, though. The permanent exhibition provides a good insight into Tartu's long history up to 1920. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• 58.382327 26.721367 10 Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum , Rüütli 15 . M-Su 11-19 . The Baltics' biggest museum designated to sports, with several interactive exhibits. There's a winter sports exhibition in Otepää town, about 45 km from Tartu. €6, concession €5, family €15 . ( updated Oct 2018 )

Parks and squares [ edit ]

• 58.384264 26.721848 11 Botanic Garden of the University of Tartu , 38/40 Lai .  
• 58.380178 26.716875 12 Toome Hill . Many monuments, statues and historical buildings  
• 58.398063 26.739299 13 Raadi Park ( cross of Vahi and Narva maantee streets ).  
• 58.378944 26.723301 14 Barclay Park .  

Churches [ edit ]

• 58.382642 26.720167 15 St. John's Church ( Tartu Jaani Church ). 14th century church is famous for its thousands of medieval terracotta figures.  
• 58.380251 26.714577 16 Cathedral ruins ( on top of the Dome Hill ). From the 13th century and were dedicated to apostles St. Peter and Paul. Today the choir part houses the Tartu University History Museum, and the towers are reconstructed to sightseeing platforms.  
• 58.371742 26.715592 17 St. Paul's Church , Riia . An outstanding redbrick Finnish National Romanticist style building by the famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen.  
• 58.390245 26.72865 18 St. Peter's Church , 104 Narva St . A Neogothic Lutheran church from 1903, built on the grounds of the first general Estonian song festival, which took place in 1869.  
• 58.382624 26.709971 19 Roman Catholic Church , 1 Veski St . A beautiful revivalist redbrick building from 1899.  
• 58.36436 26.728772 20 St. Alexander's Orthodox Church , 19a Sõbra St . A two-story church, designed by architect V. Lunski, with cupolas inspired by the Old Russian church architecture. It was deconsecrated 40 years ago but reconsecrated in summer 2003.  
• 58.382638 26.722463 21 Uspensky Orthodox Church , 1 Magasini St . An early classical church, built in 1783 with typical Russian classical elements, on the same place where the Dominican cloister of St. Mary Magdalene Church, founded before 1300, formerly stood.  

Other buildings [ edit ]

• 58.379419 26.719089 22 Gunpowder Cellar . Dug into the side of the hill in 1767 as part of the complex of the bishop's citadel. It was used as a gunpowder cellar until 1809. Until 1982, it served as a storage room for many different enterprises, and was later developed into a eating place. Today, the building hosts a bar/restaurant of the same name.  
• 58.379443 26.715617 23 National Court , Lossi 17 ( Dome Hill ). In 1763, a military barracks was erected in this place. Onto its ruins was built the university hospital in 1808, which functioned until 1990. Since 1993, the national court is again in Tartu, which is Estonia's supreme judiciary court.  
• 58.378811 26.72007 24 Old Observatory , Lossi 40 ( on the old castle ruins on the Dome Hill ). The observatory, designed by university architect J.W. Krause, was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Working place of many famous astronomers including Struve; indeed the observatory is a point on the world heritage listed Struve Geodetic Arc spanning from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea.  
• 58.378001 26.717486 25 Old Anatomical Theatre , Lossi 38 ( On the Dome Hill ). One of the first buildings of the re-opened Tartu University, built in 1803-1805 according to the drawings of university architect J. Krause. Today the visitors are offered an exhibition of the history of medicine with preparates.  
• 58.38073 26.724252 26 Barclay House , Raekoja 18 . Late 18th century building. Duchess Barclay bought the house in 1819 after the death of her husband, Barclay de Tolly. The riverside wall of the building is actually a reused part of the old town wall, while the other side was built on a new foundation. This is why the house is now askew and is popularly called the Tower of Pisa.  
• 58.374625 26.72901 27 Tartu Centre for Creative Industries , Kalevi 13, 15, 17 ( Kalevi St is the continuation of Ülikooli St after Riia St ). Congregates several creative enterprises and creates therefore a creative atmosphere. The three buildings of the centre were built between 1830 and 1913 and represent different architectural styles: historicism and Art Nouveau.  
• 58.3831 26.7222 28 Remains of the Town Wall .  

Bridges [ edit ]

• 58.379596 26.717675 29 Angel's Bridge ( Toome hill ). Built in the 19th century and spans Lossi Street.  
• 58.378934 26.715897 30 Devil's Bridge . Built in 1913 in honour of the 300th jubilee of tsarist Russia's Romanov Dynasty, which is memorialised on the bridge by the dates 1613-1913.  
• 58.380796 26.726022 31 Arched Bridge ( from the main square, look towards the river ). Stands on the site of the original stone bridge of Tartu which was built in 1784 and blown up by the Soviets in WWII. This new bridge is only for pedestrians and allows you to do one of the most loved cultural activities of Tartu, walk over the top of the arch after a big night in the club. Just don't let the cops catch you.  

Modern architecture [ edit ]

During the last decade, Tartu has seen several interesting pieces of modern architecture being built. They are well worth a visit and give an insight of how people in modern Tartu think and live, in addition to traditionally history-driven image of the city. Some of them are right in the city-centre. See the yellow markers on the official Tartu Modern Architecture map . The map is in Estonian only, but selected images speak louder than words.

Do [ edit ]

• 58.382206 26.718079 1 Toy Museum and Theater House , Lutsu 2 . W-Su 11:00-18:00 .  
• 58.383885 26.721816 2 Tartu New Theatre ( Tartu Uus Teater ), Lai 37 .  
• 58.376336 26.724025 3 Vanemuine Theatre , Vanemuise 6 .  
• 58.379615 26.734264 4 Harbour Theatre ( Sadamateater ), Soola 5B .  
• 58.376572 26.734618 5 AHHAA Science Center , Sadama 1 , ☏ +372 745 6789 , [email protected] . Su-Th 10-19:00, F-Sa 10-20:00 . Interactive and entertaining science center. €15, students and seniors €11, family €35 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 58.375514 26.734257 6 Aura Waterpark ( Aura Veekeskus ), Turu 10 , ☏ +372 7300 280 . Pool: M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa-Su 9-22:00 . Swimming pool, water park, fitness center Pool: €4-5; Water park: €6-7 .  
• Lodi River Cruises , Emajõe 3 , ☏ +372 551 8386 . Offers various cruises for up to 30 people along River Emajõgi.  
• Estonian National museum ( ERM ), Muuseumi tee 2 . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• Football: JK Tammeka play soccer in Meistriliiga, Estonia's top tier. Their home ground Tamme Stadium (capacity 1600) is 500 m south of the railway station. The playing season is March-Nov.

Festivals [ edit ]

• Hanseatic Days . Third week of July, exact dates vary from year to year. Medieval festival featuring fairs, festivities, exhibitions, concerts, dances, merchants and tradesmen. Most events are free .  
• tARTuFF . Film festival in August. Themes include love and tolerance.  
• PÖFF - Black Nights Film Festival . Film festival at the end of November.  

Learn [ edit ]

• Tartu University , Ülikooli 18 . Established in 1632, it's one of the oldest universities in Europe. The main building was built in 1804-1809 according to university architect Johann Wilhelm Krause's plans in classical architecture. It includes the historic lock-up on the attic, Assembly Hall and the Tartu University Art Museum which displays ancient art.  
• Estonian University of Life Sciences , Ülikooli 18 .  

Buy [ edit ]

• Kvartal . Shopping centre next to Kaubamaja. Has a spa. Opened in 2016. ( updated Jun 2016 )
• Lõunakeskus ( take bus no. 69 from the city centre. ). Features a wide range of small boutiques, as well as a big department store Maksimarket. Has a cinema and indoors adventure park ( updated Apr 2020 )
• Tasku . Shopping centre near the bus station. ( updated Jun 2016 )
• Loov Gallery , Kalevi 13 . M-F 12:00–18:00 . Loov Gallery sells souvenirs produced by young Estonian artists, ranging from jewelry and accessories to paintings.  
• Tartu Kaubamaja ( 100 metres from the Bus Station ). Department store with several floors full of fascinating things to buy. "Kaubamaja" belongs to Kaubamaja consortium.  

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• 58.3753 26.7206 1 Opera Pizza , Vanemuise 26 , ☏ +372 742 0795 . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Pappa Pizza , Riia 7 , ☏ +372 7427933 . M–Sa 11:00–22:00, Su 12:00–22:00 . pizzeria ( updated Nov 2015 )
• [formerly dead link] Ruunipizza , Rüütli 2 , ☏ +372 7433575 , +372 51929211 , [email protected] . M–Th 08:15–22:00, F–Sa 08:15–23:00, Su 09:15–22:00 . Different pizza and pancake dishes (both as desserts and as main courses), soups, rice dishes, etc. Mostly €4–6 .  
• Taverna Restaurant/Pizzeria , Raekoja plats 20 .  
• Spargel , Kalevi 13 . M 11:00-21:00, Tu–Su 11:00-23:00 .  
• Kebab Master , Riia 2 ( Kvartal 1. Floor ). 10:00-21:00 . € . ( updated Mar 2021 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Asian Chef , Võru 2 , ☏ +372 7 355 029 , +372 53 300 464 . Su-Th 11:00–23:00, F-Sa 11:00–01:00 . Authentic Asian cuisine, good price soups and meals of the day.  
• Pizzeria La Dolce Vita , Kompanii 10 .  
• Püssirohukelder . Built inside an ancient gunpowder cellar.  
• Suudlevad tudengid , Raekoja plats 10 , ☏ +372 730 1893 .  
• [dead link] Yakuza Sushi Bar , Turu 2, Tasku Shopping Center . Japanese food.  
• Werner restaurant . Cosy restaurant with good food in a relaxed environment. ( updated Jun 2016 )

Drink [ edit ]

58.379911 26.720747 1 Pirogov Park ( located just "behind" the city hall ). small park where consuming light (<6%) alcohol is allowed between 15 March and 15 October (as it's a designated picnic area). It's the only public place in the city where drinking is legal so in the evenings it's full of students and homeless. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Cafes [ edit ]

• 58.381901 26.721288 2 Café Crepp . French-themed, serves delicious pancakes  
• 58.38053 26.721116 3 Café Werner ( Kohvik-restoran Werner ). Excellent café since 1895.  
• 58.381526 26.721469 4 Café Krempel , Rüütli 12 , ☏ +372 445 1510 , [email protected] . M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa Su 09:00-18:00 . A cosy café which also offers vegan dishes (breakfast only on Sunday) in which you can apparently get in touch with strangers. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Bars [ edit ]

In a typical pub, a 0.5 l beer usually costs €3.50-5. Almost all popular beers are near or more than 5% alcohol content.

• 58.37788 26.72162 5 NAIIV . Culture and bar. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 58.369731 26.727672 6 Barlova . Cosy and chilled. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 58.379454 26.72236 7 Illegaard , Ülikooli 5 . Jazz Club. Many sporting events (mainly football) are broadcasted.  
• 58.38077 26.722528 8 Underground , Küütri 7 .  
• 58.383479 26.721999 9 Möku , Magasini 5 , ☏ +372 740 4514 . M-Sa 12:00-03:00, F-Sa until 04:00 . A nice, somewhat (more) alternative-hipstery bar. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Clubs [ edit ]

• 58.383475 26.721969 10 Genialistide klubi , Magasini 5 ( Between Magasini 3 and Lai 37 ). An alternative club with concerts, theater performances, seminars, etc. The bar Möku resides on the ground floor.  
• 58.373872 26.711599 11 Klubi Rock & Roll , Tiigi 76A .  
• 58.383616 26.738639 12 Illusion . According to girls more into Genialistide klubi, Illusion is where people get drunk and start fights, and the music is bad. So, the latter basically means main stream music.  
• 58.378017 26.722768 13 Shooters . Drinking and party, as flat and fun as is it might sound. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 58.377831 26.724467 14 Night Club Maasikas ( Strawberry ).  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 58.371867 26.714218 1 Hostel Looming , Kastani 38 , ☏ +372 56994398 , [email protected] . An eco-friendly boutique hostel. Dorm from €12 .  
• 58.380397 26.722962 2 TerviseksBBB , Raekoja Plats 10 , ☏ +372 5655382 , [email protected] . English speaking, overlooking the Town Square, Excellent kitchen and bathrooms. 4 bed dorm: €15. Private room (1 person): €22 .  
• 58.385507 26.709009 3 Hostel Tartu Student Villa , Tähtvere 48 . Self-service accommodation in apartments with all comforts. €20/night .  
• 58.377522 26.733135 4 Hotell Tartu , Soola 3 ( right across from the bus station ). 3-bed dorm bed: €20 .  
• [dead link] Tartu Student Village , 3 different locations: Raatuse 22, Narva mnt. 27 and Pepleri 14 . Best rooms go quickly so book ahead.  
• 58.380549 26.699614 5 Rainbow Guest House ( Vikerkaare Külalistemaja ), Vikerkaare 40 ( 10 minute walk from downtown. ).  
• 58.378465 26.708583 6 Kastani B&B , Kastani 3 ( on the other side of the cathedral hill ). Small guest house. The lady who runs it speaks a little English but she is delightful and you can communicate without too much hassle. Best to email ahead. Single: €25 .  

• 58.369904 26.775278 7 Hotel Starest , Mõisavahe 21 , ☏ +372 7400 674 , +372 56 203 823 , [email protected] . In the Annelinn suburb, is a quality budget hotel. All rooms are equipped with Sat-TV and an internet connection. Located just few minutes by car from Tartu Town Hall square, with frequent bus service from right in front of the hotel. Single: €29, double room €36 .  
• 58.379726 26.722064 8 Domus Dorpatensis Guest Apartments , Raekoja plats 1 . Apartments are located in a historical house on the main square. They offer spacious and clean apartments with all the equipment and privacy needed. €35 .  
• 58.378786 26.722609 9 Barclay Hotell , Ülikooli 8 , ☏ +372 7 447 100 , [email protected] . 49 rooms including 2 suites with saunas. Amenities include safe-box, hairdryer, cable TV, mini-bar, phone and complimentary wireless internet. Restaurant serves authentic Estonian food. From €50 .  
• 58.378816 26.732193 10 Hotel Dorpat , Soola 6 ( on the banks of the Emajõgi River, near the bus station ). 200 standard rooms and 5 business class rooms. Double: €100, breakfast included .  
• 58.380368 26.721625 11 Draakon , Raekoja plats 2 ( In Town Square ), ☏ +372 7 442045 , [email protected] . BBC TV. Wheelchair accessible. Single: €65; Double: €100, breakfast included .  
• London Hotel , Rüütli 9 , ☏ +372 7 305 555 , [email protected] . Single: From €60, Double: From €70 .  

Go next [ edit ]

• Tallinn – The financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia. Beautiful and expensive.
• Soomaa National Park – About 60 km south of Tallinn and second largest national park in Estonia, known for its swamps and bogs (Soomaa means "land of bogs" in Estonian), and its "fifth season". Surprisingly, swimming is popular there and is said to rejuvenate the skin.
• Põltsamaa – The centre of Estonian winery and wine production just a dozens of km northwest.
• Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, beautiful old town and overwhelming and picturesque park around the old castle.
• Otepää – A small town set in the hills of south Estonia and best known winter sports centre in the Baltics, and the Winter Capital of Estonia. Surrounded by lakes, hills and ski jump towers.
• Zwiebelberg – A region at Lake Peipsi, popular for its numerous onion sellers along the stretch between Kolkja and Varnja.
• Mustvee – Almost halfway to Narva , the border city with Russia famous for the Hermann castle, is this small and relaxing fishing village.

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Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

How to Travel from Tallinn to Tartu (The Easy Way!)

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Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and the only city most tourists visit while in the country. That is a huge mistake because the rest of the country has so much to offer! My favourite city in Estonia is Tartu. Today I’m going to teach you have to travel from Tallinn to Tartu, so you can experience everything the beautiful city has to offer!

Tallinn is at the top of the country across the sea from Helsinki, and Tartu is at the very bottom of Estonia.

Over 180km separate the two cities, and it can be a bit daunting to figure out how to get from Tallinn to Tartu.

This post will solve that problem and take the uncertainty out of travelling between the two cities.

There are two ways you can travel from Tallinn to Tartu: bus or train. They both cost about the same, but the train is quicker. However, the buses run more often and fit more schedules. Finally, you have to consider where you catch the bus or train. The bus station in Tallinn is further outside the old town than the train station, but the train station in Tartu is quite a ways away from the city centre. With all that considered, the best way to travel from Tallinn to Tartu is by bus .

No matter whether you choose to take the bus or train from Tallinn to Tartu, it is well worth the journey.

You won’t regret visiting Tartu on your trip to Estonia!

Option One: Taking the Bus from Tallinn to Tartu

The bus is my preferred way to travel from Tallinn to Tartu. It is affordable, convenient, and comfortable.

The bus isn’t as quick as the train, but it is more convenient.

There are more departure times, and the drop off location in Tartu is closer to the city centre and easier to navigate to your hotel from than the train station.

How Long Does the Bus Take?

The bus takes, on average, 2.5 hours to travel from Tallinn to Estonia. Some buses are quicker and some are slower.

This includes a stop at the Tallinn Airport, which does slow down the bus journey a little bit. Every bus stops at the airport, so there isn’t a way around that stop.

At least you’ll snag a good seat before the people from the airport board the bus!

Of course, your journey can be delayed due to traffic or construction, so I don’t recommend planning anything for at least an hour or two after you’re scheduled to arrive in Tartu!

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

This, of course, varies depending on which bus you take.

Buses that depart during peak times cost more, and buses that depart at undesirable times cost less.

The average bus ticket from Tallinn to Tartu cost between €11 and €17. That is approximately $14 USD to $21 USD.

I think it is quite affordable and a fair price to pay for the bus ride.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

There are two options for purchasing your bus ticket from Tallinn to Tartu:

• Online in advance
• In person at the bus station

My preference is to purchase a ticket online in advance. It ensures you get the departure time you want and allows you to get to the bus station a little later than you would if you had to purchase a ticket on the day of departure.

Lux Bus is the company that served the Tallinn to Tartu route.

They run buses to Tartu from Tallinn pretty much every hour from about 6am to 11pm. You can purchase your tickets online through their website , and the website is in English, which makes it very easy for tourists to navigate.

One of my favourite features of Lux Bus is they accept electronic tickets! You simply take a screenshot of your ticket and show it to the bus driver or bus attendant when you board.

It is incredibly easy.

The other option is to purchase your bus ticket at the station the day you’re leaving.

This is great for spontaneous travellers who don’t want to plan their trip far enough in advance to pre-book a ticket online.

The downside to purchasing your ticket at the station is the bus you want may be sold out, and you might have to wait for the next one.

It isn’t a big deal and doesn’t happen very often, but it is something to consider when deciding how to travel from Tallinn to Tartu by bus.

Where the Bus Depart from in Tallinn?

The bus station, unfortunately, is a little bit outside of Old Town Tallinn where most tourists stay.

It is only 2.5km outside of the old town, and it is really easy to get to.

You can take an Uber for a couple of Euro, take bus 2 or 4 directly to the bus station, or walk.

I personally walk to the bus station because I’m one of those weird people who will walk everywhere even if it is the least convenient option. It takes about 20-30 minutes, and you walk through a new part of town you probably didn’t see while exploring Tallinn.

If you’re not like me, the best option is probably taking an Uber.

They are super affordable and the most convenient option. You can leave whenever you want and don’t have to plan your departure around a local bus schedule.

A car takes about 10 minutes to travel from old town to the bus station, and the public bus takes about 20.

All three are great options, and it just depends what your travel style and budget are.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Tartu?

The Tartu bus station is in the perfect location.

It is located just 700 meters away from Tartu Town Hall Square, which is the heart of Tartu and where most tourists stay. You can walk from the bus station to the middle of Tartu in about five minutes.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

It is a straight line from the bus station to the central square. Across the road from the bus station is Hotell Tartu. Have your back facing the hotel and walk away from it. Follow that straight line through a park, and you’ll arrive at the square.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Pros of Taking the Bus from Tallinn to Tartu

• There are a lot of departure times every day
• It is comfortable and provides fee wifi (but make sure you have a VPN installed on your phone to protect your devices!)
• The arrival location is unbeatable
• Can pre-book tickets online

Cons of Taking the Bus from Tallinn to Tartu

• The journey takes longer than the train
• It is the same price as the train but takes longer, which kind of sucks
• Have to stop at Tallinn Airport to pick up passengers (it isn’t really a bit deal though)

A Word of Warning About Using Internet on the Bus

Lux Bus offers guests complimentary wifi on board their buses.

It is an awesome feature, and I’ve had no trouble connecting to it any time I’ve used on of their buses.

The problem with connecting to a public and unprotected wifi account like the one on Lux Bus is that it puts you at risk of having your online data and privacy stolen and sold.

Hackers lurk around every corner, and you never know if there is someone connected to the public wifi you’re using that has bad intentions.

Most people are pure of heart and don’t use the internet for anything but scrolling on social media, but the few bad apples are the ones you have to look out for.

The only way to protect your online privacy and data is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN makes using public wifi as secure as using your private home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

When you have a VPN turn on and protecting your device, nobody can see what you’re doing online or steal your personal information (like your banking information).

Internet safety is so important, but too many people overlook it when they travel.

Option Two: Taking the Train from Tallinn to Tartu

Your next option is taking the train from Tallinn to Tartu.

The trains are comfortable, moderns, and quick. You can’t go wrong with choosing the train, and it is a very popular choice amongst tourists visiting Estonia.

How Long Does the Train Take?

Journey times vary depending on what time of day you leave and how busy the train tracks are.

On average, the train from Tallinn to Tartu takes between 2 hours and 2 hours and 20 minutes .

Most train journeys take 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes, so it is quicker than the bus. The time you save by taking the train over the bus is negligible though since the journey times are so similar.

Every train from Tallinn to Tartu is direct, so you don’t have to worry about transferring trains part way through the journey!

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

The price of a train ticket is very similar to the price of a bus ticket, but the cheapest train ticket is less expensive than the cheapest bus ticket.

Train tickets from Tallinn to Tartu range from €9 to €15 with most train tickets costing around €11. That is equivalent to approximately $11 USD to $18 USD.

Just like the bus tickets, I think this is a fair price for a journey that takes over two hours and is much less expensive than a similar train journey would be in France , the UK, or Germany .

Where to Purchase Train Tickets

Just like with the bus, you can either purchase your ticket online in advance or in person at the train station.

I highly recommend you purchase your ticket online in advance because you receive a 15% discount for doing so.

Elron is the train company in Estonia, and you can purchase tickets directly through their website . They have an English page on their website, and they accept foreign credit cards with no issue.

If you’re not interested in purchasing your ticket online in advance, you can purchase your ticket at the Tallinn train station.

You can either purchase your ticket with a human employee or by using an electronic ticket machine.

Both are very easy options. English is widely spoken in Estonia, and the ticket machine has an English option.

Where Does the Train Departure From in Tallinn?

Trains depart from the Tallin train station. The train station is a little difficult to find on Google Maps, so here is the address for you to copy and paste into the app if you need:

Tallinn, Toompuiestee 37, 10149 Tallinn, Estonia

The train station is just 750 meters from the old town, and you can easily walk to it in less than ten minutes!

It is along the main road, so it is quite easy to find if you’re walking!

I 100% recommend walking to the train station. It is so close to the old town that it isn’t convenient to take public transportation and most people who don’t have mobility issues can easily walk to the station with no issue.

If you’re not interested in walking or have a mobility issue, taking an Uber or taxi is the next best option.

I don’t suggest taking public transportation. It will take way longer than it needs to, and the Uber ride is so inexpensive that you won’t save money by taking the bus.

Where Does the Train Arrive at in Tartu?

The train arrives at the Tartu train station.

It is located 2km outside of the city centre, but if you choose to walk, it is only about 1.4km because you can cut through parks.

The train station is quite a bit further outside the city centre than the bus station, so it is a little less convenient. It is still a straight shot to the city centre though.

If you’re walking, put your back to the train tracks and walk straight ahead. Keep walking straight, and you’ll be in the city centre in about 20 minutes.

There are also a number of buses you can take to reach the city centre. Bus numbers 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, and 12 all travel from the train station to the city centre.

Your final option is to take an Uber or taxi. It takes about 5 minutes by car to get to the city centre, and it only costs a couple of Euros.

My preference is to walk, but if you’re not interested in walking, I think taking an Uber is the next best choice.

Pros of Taking the Train from Tallinn to Tartu

• Most tickets are less expensive than the bus
• The journey time is a few minutes quicker than the bus
• The departure station in Tallinn is super conveniently located

Cons of Taking the Train from Tallinn to Tartu

• The train station in Tartu is a bit outside the city centre
• Not as many departure times
• No wifi on the train

As you can see, it is very easy to travel from Tallinn to Tartu whether you choose to take the train or the bus.

You don’t have to transfer to another train or bus, and it is easy to walk to and from the bus or train station in both cities.

It is so easy to get to Tartu from Tallinn, so there is no excuse not to visit the amazing city of Tartu!

My personal preference is to take the bus from Tallinn to Tartu.

It departs more frequently, and I like being able to walk to the hotel within minutes when I arrive in Tartu. Plus it has free wifi onboard!

But just because I prefer the bus, doesn’t mean it is the right option for you.

Travel is so personal. You did the research by reading this article now go make the decision that suits you and your travel needs the best!

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• How to Travel from Taipei to Jiufen (The Easy Way!)

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A two-day tour of Tartu’s favourite places to discover on your own

• By public transport
• Start: Tartu
• Finish: Tartu
• Distance: 15.0 km
• Duration: 2 days

When you come to Tartu, you will be undertaking an exciting experiment, because there are many things in the student city of Tartu that you must experience – museums, greenery, adventures, and architecture. Here, you will find concerts, art and ruins, a spa, a theatre, and the Emajõgi River. In Tartu, you will find the creative city of Widget Factory, street art, the AHHAA Science Centre full of experiments, and the magnificent Estonian National Museum, where you could spend at least half a day. Not to mention those lovely evenings of Tartu! You just have to experience them! Time slows down in Tartu to truly enjoy everything. Try it out!

Sites along route

Starting point

Town Hall Square in Tartu

Historical buildings

Raekoja plats, Tartu

'The Kissing Students' sculpture and fountain

Sculptures & Monuments

The Leaning House of Tartu

Raekoja plats 18, Tartu linn, Tartu 51004

Tartu Püssirohukelder (Gunpowder Cellar)

Lossi tänav 28, Tartu linn, Tartu 51003

Tartu Angel’s Bridge (Inglisild)

Lossi tänav, Tartu linn, Tartu

Tartu Cathedral

Ruins & Historic Sites

Lossi tänav 25, Tartu linn, Tartu 51003

Tartu St. John’s Church of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Jaani tänav 5, Tartu linn, Tartu 51007

Tartu Toy Museum

Museums & Galleries

Lutsu tänav 8, Tartu linn, Tartu 51006

Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum

Rüütli tänav 15, Tartu linn, Tartu 51007

University of Tartu Botanical Garden

Parks & Gardens

Lai tänav 38, Tartu linn, Tartu 51005

Supilinn – a district of wooden buildings with a wonderful milieu

Herne tänav, Tartu linn, Tartu

Estonian National Museum

Muuseumi tee 2, Tartu linn, Tartu 60532

Upside Down House

Roosi tänav 86, Tartu linn, Tartu 51009

Tartu City Museum

Narva maantee 23, Tartu linn, Tartu 51009

Aura Centre

Water parks

Turu tänav 10, Tartu linn, Tartu 51004

AHHAA Science Centre

Sadama tänav 1, Tartu linn, Tartu 51004

Aparaaditehas Creative City

Kastani tänav 42, Tartu linn, Tartu 50410

V Spa Water and Sauna Centre

Riia tänav 2, Tartu linn, Tartu 51004

Karlova, a meeting place for architecture enthusiasts and Bohemians

Kalevi tänav-11, Tartu linn, Tartu 51010

Times and prices

Is open 24 hours

Features and amenities

Further information, transportation type, getting there.

You can find information about exploring the city by bus, taxi, the bike share system, or on foot here: https://visittartu.com.

Stops nearby

Coordinates.

• 58°22'49''N 26°43'25''E
• Download GPX file

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Discover the secret exciting places of Tartu

Self-guided tours

Our site is also available in Chinese and you will be redirected to Visit Estonia Chinese website visitestonia.cn

爱沙尼亚旅游局中文官方网站现已上线，即将跳转至中文官网visitestonia.cn

• Yes, redirect me / 前往中文官网
• No, stay here / 停留在本网站

A Day Trip from Tallinn to Tartu: Unveiling the Charms of the European Capital of Culture 2024

Day trips from Tallinn are a perfect way to discover more of Estonia without the hassle of additional hotel bookings or carrying your luggage around. Just jump on a train or bus, explore someplace new, and conveniently make it back for dinner in Tallinn.

Nestled in the heart of Estonia, Tartu is a captivating cultural city. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and bohemian atmosphere, Tartu combines the vibrancy of youth and innovation with the timelessness of its historical legacy. The oldest university in Estonia, University of Tartu, was established here by the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus in the 17th century. The first song festival took place in Tartu in 1869, and the city is considered the birthplace of Estonian theatre.

Tartu is also believed to have a special Tartu spirit (Tartu vaim) one can sense while visiting the city. 

Must-See Sights and Attractions in Tartu

Tartu Old Town and Town Hall Square : Tartu is the perfect destination to explore on foot. Just stroll on the streets of the city centre and get to know the old historic part of Tartu. Start from the iconic statue and fountain of the Kissing Students in front of the Tartu Town Hall and admire the beautiful Town Hall Square . The square is surrounded by several restaurants and cafés. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Tartu Art Museum , where a diverse collection of Estonian art is on display.

Estonian National Museum : Immerse yourself in Estonian culture and history at the Estonian National Museum. The modern architecture of the museum itself is a sight to behold, and inside, you'll find fascinating exhibits showcasing Estonian heritage. If you’re visiting the Estonian National Museum, pop by the Upside-Down House , just across the road.

University of Tartu and Toomemägi : The crown jewel of Tartu is its university, a symbol of Estonia's rich academic history. Wander through its charming courtyard and soak in the scholarly atmosphere that has permeated these halls for centuries. Toome Hill (Toomemägi) is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the University of Tartu Museum inside the ruins of the Tartu Cathedral, visit the Old Observatory , and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush park, dotted with sculptures and historical monuments. The University of Tartu Botanical Garden is just a short stroll from the University building and provides a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Tartu.

AHHAA Science Centre : AHHAA, the biggest science centre in the Baltics, introduces and popularises science and invites everyone from kids to grandparents on a journey of discovery. Step inside the science theatre, take part in workshops, relax at the planetarium, and learn exciting new things at the hands-on exhibitions.

Aparaaditehas (Widget Factory in English) : This former factory area deserves exploring! The complex has been transformed into a hub for the creative community in Tartu and houses several artist studios, design shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is also an event venue for concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and markets. 

For more recommendations on what to see and do in Tartu, check out visittartu.com .

Where to eat in Tartu?

The Michelin Guide has listed three excellent restaurants in Tartu: Joyce , Hõlm and Fii . All three restaurants offer modern cuisine made from high-quality locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.

For a more easy-going and trendier atmosphere, Restaurant Aparaat inside the Aparaaditehas building offers good food and good atmosphere.

An interesting location for beer lovers is Püssirohukelder (Gunpowder Cellar ) located inside the Toomemägi, under 300-year-old brick arches. The hearty German and Estonian food will fill your tummy, and the 1-litre house beer will quench your thirst.

The iconic Café Werner has been the meeting place for Estonian creative minds and culture figures for over 120 years. You can enjoy and relax at the inspiring and historic atmosphere of Werner, nestled near the University of Tartu and Tartu Town Hall.

Tartu in 2024 – the European Capital of Culture

In 2024, Tartu will be adorned with an extra layer of excitement and cultural fervour as it takes on the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture. Visitors can expect a calendar brimming with events, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate not only Tartu's cultural richness but also its connections to the broader European landscape. The Tartu 2024 main programme features cultural festivals, interactive installations, collaborative workshops and exhibitions, and historical reenactments. 

How to get from Tallinn to Tartu?

For travellers seeking a convenient and eco-friendly option, public transport is the way to go.

Regular buses connecting Tallinn and Tartu provide a comfortable and scenic 2.5-hour journey through the Estonian countryside. Buses depart from Tallinn Central Bus Station (Tallinna Bussijaam, Lastekodu 46) and arrive to Tartu Bus Station (Tartu Bussijaam) in the centre of the city. Tickets can be purchased online at tpilet.ee or from ticket machines at the bus stations.

Trains between Tallinn and Tartu depart several times a day from Tallinn Railway Station (Balti Jaam, Toompuiestee 37) and stop at the Tartu Train Station (Tartu raudteejaam, Vaksali 6). The picturesque journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and tickets can be purchased online at Elron.ee or at the stations.

Pro tip: Regular tickets do not come with assigned seating, so you can take any available seat in the 2nd class area. At peak times, the trains to Tartu can be quite full, so consider getting a first-class ticket, which are relatively inexpensive and guarantee a seat.

Tartu is only a 2-hour drive from Tallinn, so it’s easy to get there by car. If you’re visiting Estonia with your own car, simply take route E 263 and follow the road until Tartu. Navigation apps like Waze or Google and Apple Maps will lead you to your precise destination.

Bolt Drive and CityBee offer convenient and easy short term car rental services. Simply download either app, insert your driver’s licence and payment info, and you’re ready to go. 

Drive safe! Make sure to follow Estonian road safety rules and adjust your driving speed according to the road and weather conditions. If you’re not used to driving in snowy conditions, use public transport.

Tartu has a delightful blend of history, culture, and contemporary vibrancy. The easy and relatively quick journey to and from Tallinn, makes Tartu an excellent destination for a day trip. And with the added charm of being the European Capital of Culture in 2024, the city is set to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

The world’s coolest second cities, from Milan to Mumbai

C apital cities are often, if not overrated, definitely overcrowded. Paris , Amsterdam , Berlin : they all have their charms, of course, but they also have the accompanying hordes of tourists to prove it.

Why not swap the headline act for a country’s second city ? With the pressure off, these more under-radar destinations can offer better-value, less-saturated experiences, while being even more grateful for your tourist pounds.

Parisians may not be fussed if you’re there or not, but head south to Marseille and they’ll likely be delighted with your mangled attempt at GCSE French. Likewise, in Amsterdam your presence may feel like it’s adding to the crush, whereas in Rotterdam you’ll find plenty of space amid the modern architecture, and a just-as-vibrant cultural scene to get stuck into.

That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on second cities , whether they’re lesser-known cultural hot spots or thriving urban paradises which make their respective countries’ capitals look distinctly plain. Here are some of the best to visit.

Read more on city breaks :

• Cultural European city break destinations you might not have considered
• The best European city breaks – and where to stay this winter
• Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do and where to stay

Hamburg, Germany

Despite its status as Germany ’s second largest city (it’s also the EU’s largest non-capital city), Hamburg is much easier to explore than sprawling Berlin , partly due to its navigable historic city centre, which includes the Unesco-listed areas of Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus. Both provide an insight into how the city transformed into the maritime capital of the north, and many of the city’s oldest buildings – which include the largest single complex of brick warehouses – date back to Hanseatic times. And while Berlin’s famous for its clubs, Hamburg specialises in culture, a great example of which is the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, made with one thousand tonnes of steel, covered with 6,000 sequins and built on the foundations of a derelict warehouse.

Mumbai, India

Delhi might be India ’s capital, but let’s be honest, it’s somewhat lacking in the looks department. Unlike India’s second largest city, Mumbai , which has the second largest (and Unesco-listed) collection of art deco buildings after Miami . It’s also got the gloriously gothic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station and the Gateway of India, a beautiful stone archway (which was built in 1911, 10 years before Delhi’s strangely similar India Gate). But it’s not just about polished perfection; the best places to see the real Mumbai include Sassoon Docks, built in the 1800s. Head here in the morning to watch fishermen haul in their catches and barter with customers – the vast majority of Mumbai’s restaurants and hotels purchase their seafood here. Just don’t be surprised if you’re side-swiped by a frozen salmon – this is one of the world’s largest fish markets, after all.

Tartu, Estonia

As much we love Tallinn , with its onion-domed cathedrals and Unesco-listed old town, there are plenty of reasons Estonia ’s second largest city deserves a slice of the spotlight. To start with, Tartu is European Capital of Culture for 2024 – a well-deserved accolade for a city which has one of the world’s oldest universities (Tartu University was founded in the 1600s), over 20 museums (the teddy bear-filled Tartu Toy Museum is our favourite), and a packed calendar of events, including the Tartuffe film festival, when movies are screened on the Baltics’ largest outdoor movie screen. A fun fact? Tartu has one of the world’s wonkiest buildings. The Tartu Leaning House, built in the 1700s next to Tartu’s ancient city walls, has a greater tilt than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Montreal, Canada

We’re not the only ones who think park-filled Montreal trumps Ottawa ( Canada ’s capital) in the cool stakes – just ask Nike, which recently announced that Montreal’s famous bagels inspired its newest trainer, the Dunk Low Montreal Bagel, which has a Montreal-blue swoosh. A culture vulture’s dream, Montreal is home to the headquarters of Cirque du Soleil (which stages almost all its premieres in the city) and ranked as North America’s most sustainable city in the latest Global Destinations Sustainability Index. Key to its approach is the use of electric modes of public transport, a plan to increase green canopy cover to 25 per cent by 2025 (it’s already well on track) and widespread use of biogas power.

Krakow, Poland

Poland ’s second largest city was rebuilt (twice) in the 13th century following devastating Mongol invasions but survived largely unscathed during WWII – its position made it a valuable supplies base for the Third Reich. Unlike Warsaw , which had to be rebuilt from the ground up, Krakow is packed with ancient buildings and monuments, whether it’s the 16th-century Wawel Royal Castle (don’t miss the royal apartments, where exhibits include a tapestry containing 5kg of silver thread) or the subterranean Rynek Underground museum, where visitors can explore medieval Krakow by wandering along glass ramps placed over a perfectly preserved burial ground, market and waterworks.

Zurich, Switzerland

Bern might be Switzerland ’s capital city but it’s also one of its smallest, with a population of just 133,000 people compared to Zurich ’s 1.4 million. Not that there aren’t plenty of opportunities to enjoy some downtime in Zurich, recently declared the world’s quietest city by the World Health Organisation following a research project focusing on noise pollution. The city’s museums include the Kunsthaus, Pavilion Le Corbusier, FIFA Museum and (our favourite) Lindt Home of Chocolate, and it hosts hundreds of cultural events every year, many of which take place on the banks of Lake Zurich. These include the Zurich Film Festival and Züri Fäscht, a colourful street party which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023.

Milan, Italy

Rome ’s in-your-face beauty is impossible to deny, but there’s something wonderful about the understated elegance of Milan , which is also much easier to explore. It takes just 20 minutes to get from Milan Linate Airport to the city centre by taxi, for example, and a new metro line (the first sections of which opened in late 2022) allows travellers to head straight from the airport to the Duomo di Milano (the world’s fifth-largest Christian church) while also putting the city’s Sforzesco Castle within easy reach.

Swansea, Wales

In recent years Swansea , not Cardiff, has emerged as a capital of coastal cool, thanks not only to its proximity to the Wales Coast Path (the Swansea to Gower stretch is one of the most spectacular sections), but also a flurry of new cultural venues (including Swansea Arena, which opened in 2022 and will host over 160 comedy, music and e-sports events annually) and great sporting venues. Unusual name aside, the city’s Swansea.com football stadium was Wales’ first Premier League venue. And we’re not alone in our love of Swansea; Wales’ most famous playwright, Dylan Thomas, spent over half of his life here, and visitors can check out his former birthplace and home, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive.

Sydney, Australia

Canberra might be Australia ’s capital but it can’t lay claim to the world’s most famous performing arts venue, the Sydney Opera House , which turned 50 in 2023. Canberra also falls short when it comes to beaches, unlike Sydney, which has over 100. Many are havens for wildlife, which is partly what makes Sydney one of the world’s most wildlife-rich cities. Sydney Harbour (the world’s largest natural harbour) is home to a range of species, including nurse sharks, bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles. Love a landmark? Sydney’s got loads, including the Sydney Tower (the second tallest observation tower in the Western hemisphere) and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s largest steel arch bridge.

Looking for a city break with cultural clout? Consider these European destinations

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

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It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

Where to Go in 2024

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I’m coming to Los Angeles, Boston, Providence, Chicago, Turin, Marin, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Tartu, Estonia!

April 4, 2024 / Cory Doctorow / Red Team Blues , The Bezzle

I’m about to hit the road again for a series of back-to-back public appearances as I travel with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle . I’ll be in Los Angeles, Boston, Providence, Chicago, Turin, Marin, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Tartu, Estonia!

I hope to see you! Bring friends!

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