32 Affordable Alternatives to Europe's Most Expensive Cities

32. Tartu, Estonia: Intellectual Heart & Youthful Spirit

While Tallinn charms with its medieval old town, venture to Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city and its intellectual and cultural heart. Home to a prestigious university founded in 1632, Tartu boasts a youthful, vibrant atmosphere, a charming historic center with neoclassical architecture, and quirky attractions like the "Kissing Students" fountain. Enjoy its lively cafes, visit unique museums, and stroll along the Emajõgi River. Tartu offers a more relaxed and significantly more affordable Estonian experience, perfect for those seeking history, culture, and a lively local scene.