Are you thinking about jetting off for a relaxing holiday this summer? Besides, after a busy year of studying for exams and keeping up with deadlines, summer is officially here, and you deserve a break. Unfortunately, you are low on cash. But don’t fret – the world has many incredible places to visit on a limited budget. To give you an idea, we’ve rounded up a list of the best destinations for students on a budget looking for adventure.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin may not be the cheapest city to travel to, but there are many ways to enjoy the city on a tight budget. It could mean bypassing high-end restaurants for street foods and taking advantage of free attractions and entertainment.
When it comes to places to stay, hostels are your best bet. Staying in hostels is also a great way to meet new friends and fellow students who may also be travelling on a budget.
You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy Dublin since the city offers many great attractions you can visit for free. These include the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square, Phoenix Park, and government-run museums like the Natural History Museum.
People-watching at Temple Bar Farmer’s Market is also a fun activity you can do for free. The market opens every Saturday, and you’ll find stalls selling different varieties of cheeses, baked goods, and other local delicacies. It’s an ideal place to discover the local food scene without splurging at fancy restaurants and bars.
In the evening, take advantage of the live music performances at some of the city’s best pubs and bars. Of course, you need to order a drink or two.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the best destinations for students on a budget looking for adventure. It offers many free and cheap attractions, so you won’t have to spend much as you explore the city. Furthermore, there are many discount flight options to Berlin, perfect for students looking to save money on their visit.
Thanks to public transport, getting around Berlin is cheap and easy. You can save even more if you purchase a 24-hour ticket, allowing you to take unlimited rides.
Aside from using the public transport system, another way to save money when going around Berlin is walking from one place to another. Some destinations may not be reachable by train or bus, but instead of taking a taxi, use the map on your phone and walk. For instance, you can focus on exploring the central part of the city and visit attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, and more.
Consider a free walking tour to explore Berlin. While these tours are free, you must give tips in the end. However, that’s only around 5 or 10 euros. Run by local guides, these tours are a fantastic and affordable way to learn more about Berlin’s local culture and history.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and a favourite destination for students looking for adventures but doesn’t have a lot of cash to splash. It’s the capital city of the Netherlands, renowned for its picturesque canals, vibrant art scene, and narrow houses. It also has fantastic museums like Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
There are many ways to enjoy Amsterdam without spending a lot of money. In fact, by simply exploring its picturesque streets, you’ll find many attractions to admire, especially along the Canal Ring in the city centre. Around the canals are gabled houses and buildings that are quaint and charming. The beautiful arching bridges connecting the city are also worth checking out.
Like many European cities, Amsterdam has many free walking tours you can join. And if you want to rest after a day of strolling, forget about cafes or restaurants. Purchase your food at a convenience store and take them to one of the public parks for a picnic.
If you need to visit museums, choose those with less expensive fees. Search online for deals, and find out which attractions in the Netherlands offer discounts to students.
Tirana, Albania
Albania may not always come up on the list of places for students to visit. However, those looking to venture off-the-beaten path and experience unique and budget-friendly adventures should visit Tirana, Albania’s economic cultural and economic centre.
Tirana is an affordable place to visit compared to many other European cities. But there are many ways to save even more money if you want to. For instance, students can join small group tours in Albania, well-suited for solo travellers. Joining group tours is cheaper since you can split the cost with other travellers instead of paying for it entirely.
Tirana is a fascinating city full of history. Visit Skanderbeg Square, a massive open space surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions. It’s almost empty during the day. However, it comes alive at sunset when locals and visitors converge to socialise and hang out. While here, check out the Et’hem Bej Mosque, which dates back to the Ottoman era and sits right in the middle of Skanderbeg Square.
Budapest, Hungary
While Budapest may not be among the cheapest European cities, you can explore it even on a tight budget. It’s an ideal destination for students looking to experience a budget-friendly adventure.
Although many of the sights of Budapest have entry tickets, admiring the beautiful architecture from the outside is free. The city is pedestrian-friendly, so walking is the best way to explore on a budget. You can get around without a guide or join a free walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the places. Some beautiful buildings you can admire for free include the Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Fisherman’s Bastion.
If you need to relax after sightseeing in the city, head to one of Budapest’s beautiful parks. Many are easily accessible from the city centre, such as Margaret’s Island, Gellert Hill, and City Park.
