General
Tasting menus and Michelin stars: Estonia is an emerging gourmet dining hotspot
It’s now easier to get to Tartu, Estonia’s second city and the European Capital of Culture
Massive medieval towers, dense forests and daily saunas were what I’d come to Estonia for. What I hadn’t expected was to find a trendy food scene, tasting menus and Michelin stars.
The Baltic country has found new fame in 2024 with the awarding of the European capital of culture to Tartu, its second city located in the southeast.
Along with the capital Tallinn, the cities have attracted increasing numbers of tourists thanks to their progressive fusion of medieval and ultra-modern culture – something that also flavours their haute cuisine.
But despite the visitor uptick, you’ll still be able to pop into museums without waiting in a queue and book last-minute tables in restaurants that would have a months-long waiting list in other European cities.
Tartu: Estonia’s second city shines as European Capital of Culture
Tartu’s year as European Capital of Culture has placed the city firmly on the tourist map. The accolade has given Tartuians an international stage to exalt their richly historical city and modern achievements.
The city is also easier to reach now after Finnair launched flights from Helsinki this year. The journey is a quick 50 minutes and bags arrive on the mini carousel of the tiny airport minutes after landing.
