Okay, so Europe might not be the cheapest place in the world, but it’s not that expensive (unless you’re looking to buy a property, in which case we recommend you start ramping up your weekly investment into lottery tickets). But we’re going to assume that since you’re reading a travel blog, you’re probably more interested in finding cool stuff to do on vacation, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite highlights. The best part? They all cost less than $30 – perfect for a student budget!
1. Catch a view in Paris, France
You can’t visit the French capital and not make your way up Europe’s most famous tower, and fortunately getting a lift to the top doesn’t cost the earth. The Eiffel Tower looms 300m above Paris and unsurprisingly offers some preeeetty special views.
Tickets: starting at €7.10 for ages 12-24 ($7.60)
2. Wander a World Wonder in Rome, Italy
One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colosseum will literally take your breath away, especially when you realize that it’s been standing for approximately two millennia. An absolute must-see on any visit to the Italian capital.
Tickets: €18 or €2 if you’re aged 18-25 and a EU resident ($19). Pro tip: if it looks like that link isn’t working, the page gets disabled during off hours so you’ll want to check again the next morning.
3. Get acquainted with the Royals in London, UK
Buckingham Palace – the British Royal Family’s central London residence – is fittingly lavish, and since they’re rarely there (they prefer Windsor Castle), it’s usually open to the public to have a nose around. Join the queue!
Tickets: £20.50 for ages 18-24 ($26)
4. Cruise the canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best way to get your bearings in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is by cruising the web of picturesque canals that radiate out from the center. Lots of companies offer boat trips, which usually last about an hour.
Tickets: €16.00 ($17)
5. Take the fun way down in Switzerland
Possibly the most photogenic country in Europe, Switzerland is loved for its absurdly beautiful mountain scenery, and there are few better ways to soak it up than on a toboggan hurtling down a hillside. The best of the best can be found in Churwalden.
Tickets: 18CHf ($20)
6. See where it all began in Athens, Greece
‘It’ meaning Western Civilization, in this case. The Acropolis, looming high above the Greek capital, is a truly incredible place to visit – it’s where democracy first flourished and the skeletal ruins of the ancient citadel still stand, over 2000 years later.
Tickets: €10 for ages 6-25 non-EU residents ($11). It’s FREE if you are an EU resident under 26!
7. Enter a fairytale in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia) looks like it’s been plucked straight out a Disney cartoon. The crowning jewel of the city is Prague Castle, a complex of unbelievably gorgeous buildings dating back over 1000 years.
Tickets: 300CZK for University students 26 and under ($13)
