The 10 Best Cities to Study Abroad in Europe

Wherever you decide to study abroad in Europe you’ll have a great time, but where should you choose? Each city offers something different.

Whether you’re looking for culture, history, nightlife, cuisine, or something else altogether, our list can help you decide where to spend a semester or two. 

If our recommendations spark any ideas, why not take advantage of our student study abroad travel in Europe? Just hop on a plane and start planning your European adventure once you arrive!

As always, we’re here to help, so feel free to get in touch with any questions.

University Specialism: the X-factor 

The only specific detail we can’t go into in this guide is the subject specialisms of different European colleges.

Many European cities have several institutions to choose from and subject specialism can get a little complicated. 

If your main reason for studying abroad in a specific university is because its specialism fits your studies and academic requirements, then you should choose that institution. 

But if you know a few colleges are perfect for your studies, we hope our guide to the top 10 cities to study abroad in Europe will help narrow down your list.

1. Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is a haven of art and delicious food. With some of the most famous cathedrals and galleries in the world, this city is an absolute must for Art History Majors. 

We’ve all seen Michelangelo’s David, right?   

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and the city’s architectural monuments are prime examples of this 15th-century splendor. 

So grab some gelato and stroll around the city, but watch out for Vespas! 

Not only is Florence one of our favorite historical destinations, but the food is also bellissima!

The best way to explore any city is through its cuisine, so why not try our free — yes free! — Taste of Florence: Food & Drink Tour

Join us to sample some of the best Italian wines and perfect pizza. Our mouths are watering already!

Woman riding a bicycle in Florence Italy

2. Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

We couldn’t have just one Italian city on this list! Rome is another one of the best places to study abroad in Europe. 

Though the Italian capital wasn’t built in a day, its reputation as a cultural epicenter has endured since its founding in 753BC.  

Have your very own Roman Holiday experience!

Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain, marvel at Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, and imagine the legendary spectacles at the Colosseum ruins. 

The universities are also top-notch here.

Language Majors – if you want to study in the birthplace of Latin and Romance Languages, this is the perfect place for you.

Couple at the Colosseum in Rome Italy

3. Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

This Spanish city not only has great internship opportunities for students and graduates, but Barcelona also has two prestigious universities and a laid-back atmosphere to balance out those essay deadlines!

Another great city for art and architecture lovers, the city’s cathedral – the beautiful Sagrada Família – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Its towering spires form just one of the iconic buildings created by legendary modernist Antoni Gaudí and pierce the panorama visible from Park Güell.

Get to know the city’s masterpieces and complex political history on foot with our Barcelona Gaudí & Modernism Tour

Just don’t forget your camera!  

View from a hilltop over Barcelona

4. Study Abroad in Berlin, Germany

Berlin is cool AF. Trust us. Whether you’re here for a semester or three, Germany’s capital city will leave a lasting impression. 

If you’re into music, Berlin is for you. The city regularly hosts music festivals and is home to the infamous techno club Berghain.

Not only that, the city is a cultural epicenter of European history. From Checkpoint Charlie to the Berlin Wall, the city’s unique history is visible on every street. 

Berlin is also known for its low living costs and first-rate education opportunities, making it a great place to study in.

Plus, Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe, meaning your folks won’t worry too much when you’re exploring… ahem – we mean studying… in this hip city.

View of the skyline in Berlin at night

5. Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

If you want to have the best pint of Guinness you’ll ever taste, look no further than Dublin. 

Not only is the city famous for the black stuff, but Trinity College Dublin is one of the most reputable universities in the world. You know, the one in Normal People?

This college has serious dark academia vibes, but it’s also in the city center. So after you finish your stint at the library, you can take a ten-minute walk to Temple Bar – an area packed with pubs on the south bank of the River Liffey.

Perfect for English students, we recommend celebrating your Irish heritage by reading Oscar Wilde in one of Dublin’s many watering holes. 

Every day can be St Patrick’s Day in Dublin! 

Dublin at night

6. Study Abroad in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

There’s no doubt you’ll know that Amsterdam is a clubber’s paradise. The city has plenty of bars where you can try the local beers with a trip to the specialist cafes (wink wink), before heading to a warehouse rave or underground party. 

But more than its vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is known for its rich culture and history. 

With over 50 museums, including the Anne Frank Museum and the Vincent van Gogh Museum, the city is a haven for art lovers! 

Best of all: most institutions offer a student discount. 

Take a break from the books and get to know your home away from home on our 90-minute boat tour of Amsterdam’s canals

You’d be saying: “dam, bro” if you had to walk all of the 160-plus canals, but our quick tour is all you need to soak up the city.

canal in Amsterdam

7. Study Abroad in London, England

Frequently ranked as one of the best cities for foreign students, London is a cultural melting pot of food, culture, and history. 

If you’re a Politics or History Major, tour the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London – both are awesome sites of 17th century and contemporary politics. 

As an FYI, London is a pretty expensive city to live in, but its plethora of museums and galleries, world-leading universities, and vibrant music scene make it worth the money. 

Students can also peruse the British Library’s expansive collection and study in the reading rooms for free. 

Two women taking a selfie across the River Thames from Big Ben in London

8. Study Abroad in Lisbon, Portugal

The pastel-colored tiled houses of Lisbon are as famous as the rich local cuisine. 

Whether you’re snapping a selfie on a tram or sampling the delicious pastel de natas, Lisbon is a very chill place to study abroad. 

The city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Belém Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. 

To get to grips with the city’s iconic views and varied history, join us on our Lisbon Belém Tour.

Another one of Lisbon’s best parts? It has loads of beautiful beaches to kick back and relax on! 

If you need a space to clear your head, take in Lisbon’s dramatic coastline and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Yellow tram in Lisbon, Portugal

9. Study Abroad in Paris, France

Known as the City of Love, Paris is a wonderful place to get your Mona Lisa smile on. 

Try delicious wines, study in beautiful libraries, and enjoy world-renowned cuisine. You’ll find plenty to fall in love with in France’s stylish capital.  

There are tons of amazing spots in bohemian Paris, such as the Sorbonne University, the Pantheon, and the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. 

Star in your own version of Midnight in Paris on our Paris Latin Quarter Walking Tour. Allons-y!

View of the Paris skyline

10. Study Abroad in Prague, Czechia

This eastern European capital is the perfect place to study for history and geography students. 

The country’s changing name alone indicates its complex socio-political history! Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is known for its beautiful architecture and Old Town Square.  

Prague has very low living costs compared to some of the other cities on this list, alongside warming traditional foods and great beers! 

The city is also home to the Franz Kafka Museum — perfect for English Majors and those who like their novels with a dash of absurdism. 

View of the skyline of Prague along the river

So, are you ready to start your European year abroad?

We hope our list has helped make your choice easier. Don’t forget that our student study abroad travel in Europe can give you a flavor of Europe’s best cities if you’re still deciding. 

At Bus2alps, we live by the mantra that you only study abroad once, so get it right! But, we appreciate it can be hard to pick the coolest city for studying abroad. 

Get in touch and we’ll help you choose the place that’s best for you.