Looking for inspiration for your summer holidays? Here’s our guide to the seven best cities in Europe for student-friendly breaks, with great nightlife, loads to see and do, and tips for budget-friendly travel.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam can be a pricey city to visit, especially during the peak season, but it’s a rite-of-passage, and if you’re prepared to stay out of the city centre then you can usually find reasonably good-value accommodation even in the summer months. Everyone knows the Amsterdam party scene is legendary, from the bars and clubs to the coffee shops and notorious red-light district, but don’t spend your entire holiday getting wrecked. Explore the iconic canal system with a cruise, get out of town for a day to see the windmills and tulips (mid-April is the best time) and visit the Anne Frank Museum.
Don’t Miss: Spend an evening at the Blue Teahouse (Blauwe Theehuis) in Vondelpark where you’ll find summer BBQs, open-air movie nights, yoga classes and DJs in session.
Lisbon
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Lisbon is built on a series of steep hills, so bring your walking-shoes, make good use of the tram system, and stop off for an imperial every now and again at the many kiosks that dot the streets. Generally it’s very inexpensive to stay in Lisbon, where you can get breakfast in a cafe for a couple of euros, but be prepared to spend big on pasteis de nata, the delicious custard tarts, and the odd seafood blowout. For nightlife, the best parts of the city to stay in are Baixa and Chiado, where you’ll find many late-night bars and clubs.
Don’t Miss: Lisbon sunsets are gorgeous, bathing the whole city in a pink light. See some of the best views from the castle.
Vilnius
The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius has one of the most attractive Old Towns you could ever hope to see, dating back to medieval times. It’s a joy just wandering the streets and drinking in the atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for romance you can even take a hot air balloon flight over Vilnius for a bird’s eye view. Explore ancient palaces and castles, Gothic churches, and the beautiful Green Lakes. Vilnius is a compact city, inexpensive, with a fun nightlife and cafe-culture.
Don’t Miss: Do visit the city’s own Montmartre – the Republic of Uzupis. Located in the heart of the city center, this neighborhood has declared itself as a independent republic and has its own president, flag, currency, constitution, anthem and an army (total of 11 men). A MUST.
Ibiza
Still one of the best destinations in Europe for a party, Ibiza has got it all, from incredible clubs to stunning beaches, and plenty of culture too if that’s what you’re after. Wandering the streets in the evenings, it’s near-impossible to avoid drinks and food deals, or discounted club entry, so you can actually get by without spending too much if you’re clever about it. If you want to be in the thick of the action, stay in budget apartments in San Antonio, but for a more-relaxed and chic vibe, head to the north side of the island.
Don’t Miss: Take a day-trip by boat over to Formentera. There’s no bars or clubs, just long strips of sandy beach, clear blue waters and a truly chilled atmosphere.
Rome
Like Amsterdam, Rome is not an especially cheap destination, but there are ways to save. It’s always best to eat where the locals eat, and nowhere is this more true than in Rome. Grab a stand-up coffee and a pastry in the mornings, a slice of pizza on the go for lunch, and choose a restaurant off the tourist track in the evenings. That leaves you more money to spend on seeing the sights – the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Forum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps – why would you not want to visit here!
Don’t Miss: Hang out by the Trevi Fountain one evening. Toss in a coin and make a wish, enjoy a gelato, or just do some people-watching. Yes it’s touristy, but it’s a must-do.
Dublin
Dublin is one of the more expensive cities in the Ireland, but has a lot to recommend it, so if you can afford a stay here, go for it. Stay around the Temple Bar area, where many of the city’s cultural institutions are based. Explore Irish history at Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol, and of course, drink deeply of the famous Dublin nightlife.
Don’t Miss: Like a drop of the Black Stuff? Take a tour of the old Guinness brewery in Bow Street for one of the finest pints you’ll ever taste.
Athens
The Greek economy is going through some seriously hard times at the moment, and they need as many visitors as they can get, so there are plenty of bargains to be had, from hotels to eating out. Athens is considered to be the cradle of Western civilization, and a visit to the Acropolis, found on a rocky cliff above the city, is essential. You can also use Athens as a jumping-off point for some island exploration, and there are many cool outdoor experiences in Greece you can try your hand at too, from scuba diving to rafting and land rover safaris.
Don’t Miss: Agrotourism is really big in Greece, so either hire a moped or join a tour to taste locally-produced honey, olive oil, cheese and wine.
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