There’s nothing quite like visiting a new city and completely immersing yourself in everything it has to offer, from the culture, food and sights. Sometimes those new experiences come in the form of studying abroad. Whether you want to relive your college study abroad memories or create new ones, these locales are ready to welcome you with open arms. So get ready to pack your bags, surround yourself with rich culture and history and learn something new in these storied cities.
One of the most popular Spanish destinations, Barcelona is steeped in rich traditions and heritage. A UNESCO City of Literature, Barcelona is known for having more than 300 bookshops and libraries, some that go back as far as 1772. Travelers can begin their trip by walking through the city’s many literary trails, which highlight streets and corners with ties to famous writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, Jean Genet and George Orwell. Architecturally, there is just as much to take in, from the towering Barcelona Cathedral to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. The Picasso Museum is also a must-see, as it chronicles the painter’s life through 4,251 of his works. Once you’re done seeing all the sights, stop in at one of Barcelona’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Dos Palillos or Via Veneto. After all, new experiences don’t stop at the library.
From its colorful city blocks to the beautiful canal deep within, Amsterdam is a stunning city to behold. Start by renting one of 800,000 bicycles in the city and ride through quaint villages such as Zaanse Schans, Monnikendam and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Then it’s time to dive into the history of Amsterdam’s art through visits to the Rijksmuseum, which houses works from artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and the Stedelijk Museum, which showcases a wide range of pieces by legendary artists, from Picasso to Warhol. Tourists can continue immersing themselves in the city’s history by visiting the Anne Frank House, where the young writer lived in hiding for two years during WWII, or the Museum of the Canals, which details the history of the city’s most recognizable water feature.
A little over 400 miles away, Berlin, Germany, is an essential visit for those interested in European history and culture. The first stop should be to the Holocaust Memorial, which features 2,711 concrete steles guests can view as they remember those who have been lost. Berlin is also home to Museum Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several museums such as the Altes, Neues and Pergamon Museums that showcase everything from art to antiquities. The East Side Gallery has even more to appreciate with 188 artists’ work featured across over 1,316 meters. For those architecturally inclined, Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt should be on the itinerary. The square is surrounded by three must-see buildings: the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral and the Konzerthaus. Between the art and architecture, there’s plenty in Berlin to take your breath away.
It’s just like Billy Joel sings — “Vienna waits for you.” This iconic European city has some of the most beautiful sights around such as the Schönbrunn Palace, which is the former summer home of the Habsburgs, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, for which construction began in the 12th century. Vienna is also known for its music, so make a point to visit Mozarthaus Vienna, an immersive museum that showcases Mozart’s preserved apartment decorated with his own original pictures and musical scores. Or take a seat at the Vienna State Opera to enjoy one of approximately 50 operas and ballet productions per season. The European city is also home to the Sigmund Freud Museum, at which visitors can take in the rooms where the father of psychoanalysis lived.