Driving to Tartu is easy, but finding convenient parking in the city centre might not be, especially during working hours. Here's what you need to know: Public parking in the centre, either on the street or in small lots, is generally a paid service on weekdays from 08:00 - 19:00. Weekends and public holidays are free, except for Zone A where parking is paid also on Saturdays 11:00 - 17:00. Parking the most prime area, Zone A (marked 'A Piirkond' on signs), is free for the first 15 minutes. You have to leave a note, or a so-called 'parking clock' (often provided with rental cars), on your dash to indicate the time you parked. In Zone B, parking is free for 1.5 hours. Again, mark your time. After that, parking costs €3/hr in Zone A or €1.5/hr in Zone B. Buy a ticket from one of the vending machines you see on the street and leave it on your dash. For more info about public and private lots, see www.parkimine.ee.

Alternately you can opt for a private lot at the Kvartal, Kaubamaja or Tasku shopping centres. All are reasonably priced and centrally located.