Studying requires a great deal of energy, and school breaks are the perfect way to re-energize and get that much-needed relaxation. Europe would be an ideal destination when it comes to this. It’s home to picturesque cities rich in culture and history, with stunning natural landscapes and numerous historical sights. Whether going for a summer break or a short winter escape, these are the best European cities to travel to for students.
1. Tallinn
Tallinn may not be as famous as Barcelona, Milan, or Paris, but it offers many fantastic things to discover for young travellers, especially nature lovers. The small but stunning city has many gorgeous parks and vast nature oases where you can go on scenic hikes.
One of the attractions you shouldn’t miss while in Tallinn is the Jagala Waterfall, Estonia’s highest natural waterfall, that’s only about 30 min away from the city centre. Aside from its natural sights, Tallinn is also home to gorgeous historical sites worth visiting, such as the Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the St Catherine’s Passage.
For a peek into the city’s fascinating history, visit the KGB museum, where you can get a fascinating insight into the history of KGB, the Soviet Union’s security agency. For art lovers, check out the Kadriorg Art Museum, housed in a restored palace, and showcases brilliant art collections. It also has a garden that’s in full bloom in summer.
2. Barcelona
The fascinating city of Barcelona is a popular destination for students, especially for art lovers. It’s renowned for Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces that are beyond impressive, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. After exploring the city’s stunning art pieces, relax at La Barceloneta Beach, feast on tasty tapas at Boqueria, or treat yourself to sangria in Las Ramblas.
One of the fun things to do in Barcelona, especially if you’re travelling with friends, is to hop on a boat and sail on its coast. As your boat glides in the ocean water, admire Barcelona’s skyline, enjoy the sea breeze, and savour the tasty snacks and drinks on board. If you’d want to explore on dry land, rent a Vespa to get around the city and visit its famous sites.
If you happen to visit in the last week of November, don’t miss the chance to attend leading events in Barcelona such as the IBTM World. IBTM provides a fantastic opportunity to meet with some of the world’s most influential leaders and industry experts whilst learning about new business trends.
3. Athens
Athens is another European city that’s ideal for students who love history. Home to the world-renowned historical sites of the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis, it is well-suited for architecture aficionados and history buffs. The ancient city has a laidback lifestyle with plenty of things to do, alongside historic neighbourhoods that are fun to explore.
Aside from visiting the Acropolis, history buffs should visit the Hadrian’s Library, built in 132 AD. It’s in the neighbourhood of Monastiraki, not far from the Acropolis. Athens also has plenty to offer for art lovers. In fact, one of the best things to do in the city is to take a street art tour, where you visit the various neighbourhoods in the city and check out the fascinating street art, from colourful graffiti to giant wall art!
If you want to relax after wandering around Athens, head to Edem Beach, a great place to unwind and enjoy the sea. But make sure to bring a towel since the beach has no facilities to rent sun loungers or towels. But there’s a taverna on the beach to enjoy delectable Greek meals. To get to the beach, take the tram from Syntagma Square to the direction of Askllipiio Voulas. Get off at the Edem stop, a short walk to the beach.
4. Rome
Rome is one of those cities you should visit at least once in your life. As you stroll through its narrow alleyways lined with historical sights, enjoy the aroma of Italian dishes. Dubbed the Eternal City, Rome is home to some of Europe’s most popular attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
No visit to Rome will be complete without checking out the awe-inspiring Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. The nearby Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City are also worth visiting. After a day of exploring, head to Piazza Navona and make your way to the pizzerias to indulge in the most delectable pizza. There are also multiple luxury villas in Rome that have several rooms to accommodate everyone in your group and come with extra amenities like a pool, where you can relax after exploring the outdoors.
Although the ancient sites are Rome’s biggest draw, it’s also a fast-paced modern city with world-class restaurants, sleek shopping districts, and excellent bars and clubs. There’s plenty to enjoy if you’re here for the nightlife. As one of Europe’s great party cities, the city has everything from stylish pubs to rooftop bars and incredible clubs.
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers plenty of fun activities for the youth, making it an ideal destination for students travelling in Europe. It’s home to world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. As one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, getting around the city is fun and easy.
If you love culture and history, explore the Jordaan area, only a few blocks west of the main train station. It’s a scenic neighbourhood full of shops, bars, and art galleries. Jordaan is also home to famous sights like the Anne Frank House. Amsterdam has many fantastic museums, and one of the museums you should not miss is the Van Gogh Museum, which holds an impressive collection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. The Verzetsmuseum is another museum worth checking out, which tells the moving stories of people who lived in the city during the Nazi occupation.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and relax after a day of exploration, head to Vondelpark, a 16-acre oasis with fields, ponds, and playgrounds. It’s a great place to have a picnic or people-watch.
*This article has been contributed to Owl Over The World.
Image credits: Tallinn
