As I’m sure many of you have heard, if you plan on studying in Europe, you must travel. There are simply too many opportunities to travel while in Europe. There are “budget” airlines, cheap hostels and a plethora of deals for student travel. So take advantage of it!
After talking with friends and doing some traveling of my own, I came up with a list of a few places to visit while in Europe. While I haven’t been to all of them, and may not even plan on going to them, these are still my top choices (in no particular order).
1. Barcelona, Spain
No, I am not just saying to go to Barcelona because I am studying here. It really is an amazing city. For me, I have never lived in a city and have never been anywhere that was a city on the beach. It truly is the best of both worlds. The city itself is beautiful. The small streets and the different areas including Las Ramblas and Barrio Gotica, along with Gaudi’s masterpieces, Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia, make Barcelona a city like no other. The food is absolutely delicious. Famous for tapas and sangria, you cannot go wrong eating anywhere. The nightlife is quite wild and a whole lot of fun. But don’t be surprised if you are staying at a club until seven in the morning–that’s normal here. And places like Sitges (a gorgeous and relaxing beach town) and Costa Brava are only a couple hours away.
2. Rome, Italy
While I wasn’t absolutely crazy about the city as a whole, the history that comes with it made my weekend in Rome worth it. It is truly baffling to see the amount of history and the actual age of the city in person. Ever see The Lizzie McGuire Movie and wonder if the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum is actually that breathtaking? They are, I promise. If the history isn’t enough to get you there, the food should be. Just think carbs, and pasta, and more carbs. Delicious, delicious carbs. The mouth-watering gelato and wine are just added bonuses to the spaghetti. And while you’re there, Florence and Naples are only a little over an hour train ride away, so explore away!
3. Budapest, Hungary
Don’t forget about Eastern Europe! While I have not been there, I have heard nothing but great things about this city. With various castles and the famous St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest is also full of history. But not just history. This city is also very well known for its spas. So after a long day of walking and sightseeing, or a fun night out on the town, spend a few hours in one of the notable bath houses or hot springs and relax a little. Seems like a perfect girls’ weekend to me!
4. Interlaken, Switzerland
Switzerland is in no way a cheap country, but Interlaken might make dishing out the money worth it. Interlaken is known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the world. Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so, this city is most certainly the place for you. Interlaken is right near the Swiss Alps, where you can ski or snowboard, go night sledding or snow tubing. Not enough adrenaline for you? How about skydiving over the Swiss Alps? Or bungee jumping? I don’t know about you, but that sounds like my kind of trip. After a cold day on the slopes, spend the night near the fireplace in one of Interlaken’s many hostels with a nice cup of hot chocolate. On top of that, Geneva is only a short distance away and perfect for a day trip.
5. London, England
This is my personal and humble opinion, but London is the greatest city in the world. (I told you it was bias). Think of Manhattan, but prettier and cleaner with more history. You cannot, in anyway, go to London and do anything wrong. Whether you are visiting the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, chilling on Abbey Road or simply strolling aimlessly down Regent Street, I promise, you will love every second in London. Everything about this quaint city is simply perfect. The beautiful accent, the adorable taxis, and very handsome and well-dressed men make London one of a kind. Not to mention, the food. If you aren’t in love with the city at first, just stop in a local pub and have some Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash; they will change your mind (and possibly your life).
6. Dublin, Ireland
If you don’t like beer or potatoes, this may not be the place for you. But, really, who doesn’t like beer and potatoes? Learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Factory or learn all about Kilmainham Gaol, the famous jail in Dublin, along with the history of the Irish Rebellions. There is no better way to learn about the history of a city and country than during a pub crawl with a nice cold Magners at Temple Bar. Not to mention, Cliffs of Moher (don’t get blown away!) is a tour bus ride away with a stop in Galway where you can get an original Irish Claddagh. Cheers!
Like I said, these are just my personal opinions, but no matter what you do (or don’t do), travel throughout this amazing continent. I have learned more about Europe in these past two months than I had throughout my elementary and high school history classes. You really do just have to see it for yourself. So, yes, it is expensive, but you can’t exactly put a price on experience.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine