Exploring Europe as an Erasmus student opens the door to vibrant cultures, breathtaking architecture, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s an in-depth look at the top cities perfect for your Erasmus adventure.
1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon, known for its mild weather, rich history, and buzzing student life, has an alluring charm that makes it an Erasmus favorite.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Tram 28 Ride: Take the iconic yellow tram for a historic city tour.
- Fado Music Nights: Experience traditional Portuguese music in Alfama.
- Belém: Savor pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at Pastéis de Belém.
- Local Vibes and Attractions: Beyond Tram 28 and historic Belém, explore Bairro Alto, known for its vibrant nightlife that stretches until dawn. The Time Out Market offers an array of local food to indulge in, showcasing Portugal’s rich culinary scene. Lisbon’s mild winters also mean you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, such as exploring the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums.
2. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸
Why Students Flock Here: Barcelona is perfect for both studying and having fun due to its sunny weather, beaches, and lively social scene.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Sagrada Familia: Still under construction after more than 140 years!
- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: A light and music show that amazes every night.
- Bunkers del Carmel: A panoramic spot for sunset views over the city.
3. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Affordable, Historical, and Enchanting: Known as “The City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague offers affordable living with medieval charm.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Astronomical Clock: One of the oldest working clocks in the world, performing an hourly show.
- Petrín Hill: Offers a mini version of the Eiffel Tower with stunning city views.
- Beer Culture: The birthplace of Pilsner, where beer is often cheaper than water.
- Hidden Details: Stroll the lesser-known Vyšehrad, an ancient fort with mystical legends and beautiful gardens. Prague’s nightlife extends to hidden jazz clubs like U Malého Glena, offering an intimate music experience. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the rich history of this unique city.
4. Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪
Student-Centric with Historical Depth: Smaller than Brussels but equally packed with culture and students.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Experience the spectacular Ghent Light Festival, a biennial event that lights up the city in a mesmerizing display.
- Canal Boating: Rent a boat and explore the city’s scenic waterways.
- Cuberdons: Try these traditional cone-shaped Belgian sweets known as “noses.”
- With a third of its population being students, Ghent is vibrant with youthful energy, making student life a central part of the city’s atmosphere. The Overpoortstraat is the go-to street for student nightlife. Don’t miss the Ghent Light Festival, an enchanting spectacle every two years that transforms the city into a luminous wonderland.
5. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
Budapest, known for its affordability, beauty, and lively atmosphere, offers a perfect mix of historical charm and vibrant nightlife.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Thermal Baths: Home to world-famous thermal baths like Széchenyi.
- Ruin Bars: Unique bars set in abandoned buildings—don’t miss Szimpla Kert.
- Chain Bridge: The city’s first bridge connecting Buda and Pest.
- Hidden Gems and Experiences: Experience a unique party scene at ruin bars like Instant-Fogas Complex, where each room tells a different story. Don’t miss Margaret Island, a tranquil park with bike rentals and summer water shows. The Great Market Hall is perfect for sampling Hungarian goulash or local delicacies like lángos.
6. Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱
Krakow, with its rich history and affordable living options, is student-friendly due to its medieval core and bustling market square.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- Wawel Dragon: A legendary dragon statue that breathes fire near Wawel Castle.
- Old Town Legends: Look for the bugler’s call from St. Mary’s Basilica every hour.
- Kazimierz District: A hip neighborhood filled with cafes and street art.
- Rich Cultural Tapestry: The Cloth Hall in the main square is the oldest shopping center in Europe and still active. Explore Nowa Huta, a district offering a glimpse of post-war socialist architecture, complete with communist-era tours. For a deeper look into history, visit Schindler’s Factory, now a museum detailing WWII stories.
7. Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸
Sunny Vibes and Cultural Richness: Valencia, although less crowded than Madrid or Barcelona, is vibrant and offers both beach access and cultural richness.
Fun Facts & Must-Do’s:
- La Tomatina: Join the world’s largest tomato fight in nearby Buñol.
- City of Arts and Sciences: An architectural wonder with futuristic structures.
- Paella Origin: Taste authentic paella in its birthplace.
- Experiences Beyond the Usual: Explore Albufera Natural Park for serene boat rides just outside the city. During Las Fallas, giant paper-mâché figures parade the city before being set ablaze—a once-in-a-lifetime festival celebrating tradition and creativity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Erasmus destination shapes your experience in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for the laid-back charm of Lisbon, the architectural wonders of Prague, or the nightlife in Budapest, Europe has a city to match every student’s dreams. Embrace the journey, the friendships, and the memories waiting to be made.
