Top 5 European Cities to Visit on a Student Budget

Europe has destinations for all tastes and interests, making it an attractive getaway for young people. Unfortunately, many European destinations will stretch your budget to the max. Through personal travel experience and research, I have compiled a list of the five most affordable European cities offering reasonable accommodation, transit, food, and tours.

1. Prague, Cheque Republic

The colourful, medieval atmosphere of Prague makes it a perfect student destination. Budget travellers should visit in January. Outside the city, lodging is affordable and clean. Occidental Praha Five hotel offers a luxury stay with breakfast for $76/night. After landing, buy a transit pass covering the duration of your stay to save money. For reference, a 72-hour transit pass is only $18.77. Prague has many affordable culinary options, and beer is about $1 per pint at most bars. Menza Arnost of Pardubice serves affordable, tasty cheque cuisine, with the most expensive dish costing $5. You can present your student card for an additional discount. Prague's leading attraction is the medieval astronomical clock attached to the old town hall, which chimes hourly, giving tourists a free, unique performance. The 9th-century Prague Castle overlooks the city and is a popular photo location. Two-day admission passes cost only $14.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The historical, sex-crazed atmosphere of Amsterdam is undoubtedly tempting for students. The cheapest time to fly to Amsterdam is between November and March. Booking in advance will help secure affordable accommodation. Maxhotel is a modern airport hotel with included breakfast costing $37/night and is a short ride from downtown. Again, buying the transit pass is lifesaving, only $50 if booked through GVB Amsterdam. Amsterdam also has budget-friendly culinary options, such as Surinaams Chinese Restaurant, where meals are under $14. Amsterdam's leading grocery store, Albert Heijn, sells healthy, pre-made meals for just a couple dollars. Regarding tours, Amsterdam Boat Experiences offers a $40 canal cruise with unlimited wine and cheese, and visiting the Anne Frank house costs only $19.

3. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the world's spa capital and backpackers love the nightlife. Budget travellers should visit Budapest in February. Hostels like Maverick City lodge cost $14/per night, or Avenue hostel $27/per night and includes breakfast. A transit card will avoid high costs; a weekly pass is $21.83. Travellers can head to Cosy Cafe and eat a full English breakfast for $11 or enjoy traditional street food like Goulash in bread for $8 at Karavan. Regarding excursions, Fisherman's Bastion is a free lookout point with amazing views of Buda and Pest. Joined in 1873 to form Hungary’s capital we know today, these two cities facing each other on opposite sides of the Danube river were once independent. Tourists can visit Hungarian thermal baths for $30 each. For just $12, travellers can also take a 70-minute sightseeing cruise on the Danube River. The illuminated Hungarian Parliament at night is a must-see, and viewing the outside of the buildings is free. Lastly, Budapest's iconic "ruin bars," set in abandoned factories and stores, draw in travellers worldwide. People can grab a beer at the famous Szimpla Kert ruin bar for $4.

4. Rome, Italy

Ancient history, architecture, art, and (obviously) food bring students to Rome. Budget travellers should visit in January to secure the best prices. City centre hostel for $35/night, and the highly rated Hotel Boomerang costs $48/night. A single transit ticket in Rome is $2, while a weekly pass costs $33, saving money. Luckily for budget travellers, Rome is brimming with affordable, mind-blowing dining options. Il Secchio e l'Olivaro Porto Fluviale pizzeria serves $11 pizza, $6 pints, and $20 bottles of wine. Pastificio Guerra is a restaurant by the Spanish steps serving generous bowls of pasta for $6. To keep travellers hydrated on a budget, Rome offers free water fountains around the city. You can't visit Rome without seeing the colosseum, and for $16, you can take a guided tour of the colosseum, roman forum and palatine hill. This ticket is valid for two days, so you can take time exploring. Many famous landmarks in Rome are free to visit, including the trevi fountain, recognized as Rome’s most beautiful fountain. You can also visit Vatican City, the Spanish steps and any of Rome's 900 magnificent churches free of charge.

5. Krakow, Poland

Backpackers love Krakow for its rich history and culture. Budget travellers should visit Krakow in February. Krakow's downtown hostels range from $12-$15. Lorf Hostel & Coffee offers dorms for $12, and hotels like Mhost Bronowice cost $38/night. For $50/night, guests can stay in hotel Wielka Wies, which includes breakfast- a selection of delicious pastries, fresh juices, fruit, eggs, bacon and fluffy homemade toast. Krakow's $19 weekly transport pass is one of the cheapest in Europe. Krakow is renowned for its affordable street cuisine, like Polish goat cheese with cranberries for $2.50 and Zapiekanki pizza for $1. The restaurant Pierogarnia Kakowiacy offers customers a large portion of traditional potato and cheese perogies for just $7. Travellers can take an electric car tour of Krakow and Schindler's factory for $22 or a sightseeing cruise down the river for $17. For a more sobering experience, the former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is 66 km from central Krakow and is accessible by public transit. Entry to the museum is free, and travellers can visit this historic site to learn about the Nazi atrocities against European Jews, Poles, Blacks, and others.