Do you want to broaden your horizons this year? Europe is a wonderful destination for students looking for adventure on a budget. But with 44 European countries (according to the UN) to choose from, where should you visit?
Whether you want to scale mountains on exhilarating outdoor excursions or soak up some museums in the city centers, Europe has a destination for every student looking to spice up their study breaks.
If you’re keen to see the best places to visit for spring break, check out our previous post on Best European Cities for Students in Spring. At bus2alps, we know how important it is to see the world your way. We offer European tours in several countries and can curate your dream tour in Europe.
If you’ve got a destination in mind or need a little help planning, get in touch! We’d love to hear from you. But for now, here are our recommendations for the top ten countries in Europe for students.
1. Italy is a Bellissima Destination
If you’re looking for la bella vita in the birthplace of the Renaissance and delicious dishes, Italy is a must-visit European destination for students. Will you choose the bustling colosseum capital of Rome or the art galleries and cathedrals of Florence?
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy vacation during your semester abroad in Italy, why not tick off some of our Amalfi Coast bucket list?
This idyllic place is a group of towns full of colorful villages nestled on terraced cliffs. So between your daily gelato, you swim in the turquoise waters and explore fragrant lemon groves.
Our tours combine the best of the city and the glamorous coastline. For a whistlestop Italian weekend, try our Rome 2 The Amalfi Coast Long Weekend.
Sip limoncello on the famous shore and then explore the Blue Grotto of Capri before heading to the bustling capital.
2. Croatia is a Cool Coastal Spot
You may recognize the coastal city of Dubrovnik and its dramatic castle walls from Game of Thrones, but Croatia has so much more to offer than King’s Landing.
Explore the 16th-century splendor of the Old Town and take a short ferry to hike around the verdant gardens of Lokrum island.
If you’re keen on history, Split is also a great place for students.
And don’t miss the gorgeously Insta-worthy Krka National Park to make all your friends back home jealous!
With low costs country-wide, you can affordably wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian’s Palace and grab a cocktail amongst its arches. The former palace has been converted into a maze of fresh seafood restaurants and cool bars.
For thrill-seekers, we recommend our Croatia Long Weekend – Meet Us There for zip lining through the Omiš valley or rafting down the emerald green Cetina River to get up close and personal with this beautiful country.
3. Germany is Sehr Gut for Students
From the hip party scene in Berlin to the fairy-tale mountains in the Black Forest region, Germany is an ideal destination for students.
While some cities are more expensive than others, this generally affordable country has plenty of free activities in each city.
If you want to hit the capital and explore the history of Berlin, walk along the ever-changing art on the Berlin Wall and learn about the country’s troubled past on a tour of the Third Reich. Then stop by the cool neighborhood of Kreuzberg for a cocktail and to explore the vintage shops.
Or if you’re eager to celebrate Oktoberfest or Springfest in style, check out our Munich tours for tips on where to grab a stein! We’ll show you where to don your dirndl or lederhosen and explore this diverse city by bicycle before the drinking begins.
4. France is the Cuisine Capital You Can’t Skip
Looking for good wine, food, and maybe a little love on your adventure? Look no further than France.
If you prefer the leisurely pace of the southern cities or want to join the metropolitan crowds of Paris, this country is steeped in history and effortless chic.
Our favorite destination is the city of love, of course.
We head to Paris during fall and spring break as part of our epic Western Loop getaways – so don’t miss out!
We love strolling around Paris’ arrondissements as modern-day flâneurs and visiting the local bakeries to fuel our Amelie-inspired activities.
Visit the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Coeur on our Montmartre Walking Tour. Used in countless films, the old-time glamor of this neighborhood still sparkles today.
5. The Netherlands is Never Boring for Students
Ah, the Netherlands. The home of tulips, windmills, bicycles, and specialist shops — if you know what we mean.
We love the art galleries and canal-side bars that make Amsterdam so distinct. There’s nothing better than relaxing with a beer after strolling the canals on an Extraordinary Ordinary 90-minute Tour.
Beyond the capital, political science students might want to visit the Peace Palace of The Hague.
Or head to the second largest city, Rotterdam. Another awesome walking city, students on vacation can explore its unusual Piet Blom-designed cube houses and check out the Erasmus Bridge — you might make friends with some fellow students in the international student program named after this very spot!
Alongside Paris, Amsterdam features in our Western Loop fall break or spring break tours.
6. Switzerland is Spectacular for Students to Visit All Year Round
Aside from brilliant chocolate, Switzerland is full of natural beauty. The Alps, numerous lakes, and postcard-worthy villages will have you singing songs from The Sound of Music in no time.
While some places in Switzerland have a reputation for being pricey, most areas are very affordable, meaning you can stick to your budget while enjoying every minute of your Swiss trip.
Booking local hostels and joining organized tours can be a good way to keep costs down.
Our Interlaken summer tour is a high-octane way to explore the country.
It includes transfers from Geneva airport and outdoor activities like white water rafting and a guided walk of Lake Brienz, meaning you’ll have the best bang for your buck!
Not only is Switzerland amazing to visit in summer, but the landscape is a winter wonderland. Visit the snow-covered mountains and see this traditional Swiss village come alive on our Interlaken winter tour.
As Europe’s adventure sport capital, Interlaken is not only a great place to visit, but a gateway to the Jungfrau region.
Here, you can experience the epic Schilthorn summit, the cozy timber chalets of Wengen and Grindelwald, and the glacial waters in the valley of Lauterbrunnen.
7. Greece is Great for Students to Explore
Island hopping in Greece is a great way to explore the home of democracy. Greece is great for students to travel to as it’s a low-cost country with more idyllic beaches than you can imagine.
Have you ever wanted to visit the candy-colored houses and blue-domed buildings of Santorini? Not only is the island incredibly Instagrammable, but it’s also known for its sandy shores and multiple wineries. Yamas!
Perhaps you want to explore the architectural splendor of ancient Athens or the party island of Mykonos. Why not both? However you’d like to explore these diverse islands, our range of Greek tours offer plenty of dazzling jumping-off points.
Whichever island you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a great time soaking up the sun, fuelled by delicious local dishes that demonstrate the hospitality Greeks pride themselves on.
8. Spain is a Spectacular Destination for Students to Visit
Arriba! Let’s go to Spain.
This fantastic flamenco capital of Europe is bursting with delicious flavors, world-famous art galleries, and sizzling beaches.
There are so many cities worth visiting. From the bustling Barcelona to the calm pace of Valencia, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sore spot in Spain.
If you only have a brief weekend of your semester left, we recommend our Barcelona Gaudí & Modernism Tour to see the best of this cultural hotspot. Then take the train to visit the Montserrat Monastery and climb this impressive multi-ridged mountain range.
If you’d like to hit more than one city on your vacation, try our Western Loop – Meet Us There Tour. Enjoy five cities in 10 days starting with Berlin, Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and ending in the beautiful Barcelona.
9. Hungary is a Hidden Gem for Students to Travel To
This landlocked country is bisected by the Danube River and has a fascinating political history. Relatively cheap compared to some of the other countries on our list, Hungary is a budget-friendly destination for students.
Our Budapest Christmas Markets Tour is full of festive cheer and historic stop-offs to experience the sights of this beautiful central European city with a seasonal twist. After you’ve seen the city by day, party all night in one of the massive ruin bars.
If you want a breath of fresh air, visitors can go caving or on archaeological walks around the countryside in the Roman town of Tác.
10. Belgium is Always Beautiful!
The final place on our list of awesome countries for students to visit in Europe: Belgium.
This country full of Flemish charm is known for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture. We love Brussels and its charming city gardens, as well as Antwerp’s student bars and the 17th-century Rubens House.
Students can also check out Bruges and walk around its picturesque streets. As the film In Bruges summarises, “It’s a fairytale f**king town, isn’t it?” — and they’re right on the money.
Check out the infinitely Instagrammable Quay of the Rosary or climb up the Belfry of Bruges, as Colin Farrell did in the movie.
If you’d like to drop by Belgium but continue to other awesome cities around Europe, check out our Western Loop Tour. Bruges is the third country we visit on our ten-day adventure and its charming streets are unforgettable.
Bonus Destination! Morocco is a Majestic Destination for Students
Okay, we know Morocco isn’t in Europe. But it is very close! If you’re in Europe and want to tick off another continent from your bucket list, Morocco’s capital, Marrakech, is a quick jaunt from tons of European airports.
Explore the colorful streets and haggle for a bargain in the main artisanal souq (market), Jemaa el-Fnaa. You can also enjoy the local music and delicious traditional dishes.
In between exploring, sip herbal tea and get a henna tattoo in the local cafes. Don’t worry, it’s not permanent!
If you want a taste of this North African country to extend your European adventure, check out our Morocco Weekend Tour. Where else would you be able to take a camel ride at the foot of the Atlas Mountains?
So, if you’re ready to spice up your study abroad semester with some unforgettable trips around Europe — let’s get planning!
If you’re eager to embark on one of our guided tours, get in touch. We’re more than happy to help make your getaway memorable and wallet-friendly.
Our tours are specially designed with students in mind, meaning we’ll show the must-sees of any country as well as the best nightlife. Get a custom tour to fit your schedule and let us share the history-soaked streets of Europe — including where to find the cheapest pint!
