Tartu, Estonia

Capital City

As a university town, Tartu boasts a population of 97,759, but the reality is that navigating the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. The city's historic architecture and cultural attractions are marred by the lingering effects of Soviet occupation - much of the city center was left in ruins, and large swaths of residential areas were demolished entirely. While the temperate climate is relatively mild for Estonia's high latitude, Tartu can still see brutally cold winters with temperatures occasionally dipping below -30°C. Still, Tartu's status as an intellectual capital and home to the prestigious University of Tartu makes it an appealing option for students and academics seeking an affordable alternative to Estonia's capital, Tallinn.