Trying to find the best study abroad cities in Europe? Well, the list goes on and on and on...☆ With so many beautiful and culturally-rich places, how do you know which ones are the best study abroad cities in Europe? Whether you’re lured by Insta-stories of Italian gelato or adventures through the Swiss Alps, it’s no wonder that Europe is the most popular continent for study abroad.
You’ll find great cities for study abroad in Europe around every bend in the cobblestone streets.
While friends’ stories and posts flood your senses, at the end of the day, you don’t need to actually worry about finding the best European city to study abroad. Say whaaat? Really. You just need to find the best place for you and your goals. That sounds cheesy, but it’s oh-so-true.
Take some time to think about what you want to get out of this whole experience. (Besides awesome selfies, of course!) Do you want to become fluent in a language? If so, maybe a smaller town or program that emphasizes language immersion is the best fit. Do you want to have an internship in a big city known for its innovation? Then maybe Berlin is a great choice!
To help, we’ve rounded up some powerhouse cities for study abroad in Europe. They’re not all large cities, but they are important cultural, educational, or political centers in their countries. Powerhouse means “a source of influence or inspiration” (taken straight from Merriam-Webster dictionary!) and you want a powerhouse place for your goals. From cosmopolitan cities to the lesser-looked at (but equally intriguing) towns, here might be some of the best cities for study abroad in Europe for YOU.
13 best European cities to study abroad
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has beaches, unique architecture, an incredible nightlife, and tapas. That screams powerhouse to us!
This Mediterranean jewel will capture the hearts of more than just foodie-fiends or seekers of sizzling nightlife. As the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region in Spain, Barcelona is one of the most important economic hubs of not only Spain, but the entire Mediterranean region. As Spain’s second-largest city, this is a place where you can relax on the beach by morning, ponder Picasso’s art in the afternoon, and unwind with sangria and tapas (famously small appetizers) in a bustling plaza at night.
Barcelona is a perfect combination of centuries-old culture mixed with a stylish charge towards the future. To top it off, some of Spain’s best universities, such as the Universitat Autònima de Barcelona, are here, meaning this city’s student life is off the charts. It’s easy to see why Barcelona is often top of the list of the best European cities to study abroad!
- What to Study: Architecture, Art History, Business, International Relations, Liberal Arts, Political Science, Social Sciences
- Recommended Program: API Study Abroad: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
2. Berlin, Germany
From its groundbreaking research in science and medicine, to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, to its thriving startup scene, Berlin has been a major center for cultural, political, and scientific change for centuries. The German capital is also home to a huge music scene, where people come to experience the famous clubs or the grungy, underground music scene.
With over 180 museums and numerous art galleries, the city is known throughout Europe for its strong art scene. And if you’re into tech, know that Berlin is a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. For you beer enthusiasts, the world’s longest beer garden, the Biermeile, is in Berlin—perfect for when the city’s International Beer Week rolls around.
- What to Study: Business, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, German, International Relations, European Studies
- Recommended Program: IES Abroad Berlin
3. Strasbourg, France
Paris gets the glory as one of the best European cities for study abroad, but venture further out, and you’ll find this gem. Near the German border in Alsace-Lorraine region, this German-influenced, northeastern city is a crossroads of cultures and countries. The Rhine River splits the city, and with cute, half-timbered houses along the canals, you might think you’re in some village from “Beauty and the Beast”.
But it’s not all small-town vibes. As one of France’s 10 largest cities and the headquarters of the E.U.’s European Parliament, Strasbourg is a powerhouse political hub, with a buzzing social scene for students. At the University of Strasbourg, 1 in 5 students is an international student. If you want to immerse in the French language, meet friends from around the world, and explore a very unique French city, then Strasbourg might be your place.
- What to study: Business & Economics, European Studies, French, International Relations, Politics
- Recommended Program: CEPA Foundation
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you decide on Amsterdam, we sure hope you know how to ride a bike.
Does the idea of biking everywhere, taking courses in English, exploring beautiful canals and countryside, and talking to friendly people sound like a good time? Meet your powerhouse country: The Netherlands. Sandwiched between Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is a small country with excellent education, quality of life, and a huge student population.
The capital city, Amsterdam (also known as the Venice of the North), is known for its extensive canals, open-minded attitudes, and being the cultural and economic heart of the country. You can explore the Rembrandt and Van Gogh Museums, try Stroopwafels, and cycle through cute cobblestone streets everyday! Bonus: If learning a foreign language isn’t your strong suit, you’ll be relieved to know that the Dutch speak excellent English.
- What to study: Business & Economics, European Studies, Environmental Studies, Liberal Studies, International Relations, Politics, STEM, Urban Studies
- Recommended Program: CIEE Social Sciences in Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Like Amsterdam, English is widely-spoken here and cycling is the way of life. This Scandinavian capital is a progressive powerhouse, known for its forward-thinking policies on sustainable development and a high quality of life. It’s no wonder Denmark is consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world.
With an equally strong cafe culture, tons of museums, music and theater venues, and unique design and architecture, this sophisticated city is often ranked as one of Europe’s must-visit capitals. The student life is excellent, with the non-profit DIS organization promoting study abroad with classes in English, making this city a melting pot of Scandinavian and international students. If you’re looking for one of the best study abroad cities in Europe with programs in English, this one is a must!
- What to Study: Architecture & Design, Biology, Communication, International Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Politics, Social Sciences, Sustainable Development
- Recommended Program: DIS Study Abroad Programs
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Medieval streets, sapphire-blue beaches, port wine, delicious food... it’s easy to picture living your best life in Lisbon. While neighboring Spain might steal the study abroad spotlight, Portugal is an equally exciting and beautiful country. With street cars gliding up the city’s hills, and grand architecture like Belem Tower, Portugal’s capital is a postcard-perfect place with a modern mind.
The city is home to a growing innovative and creative culture, and startups are booming. Universities are taking notice, and many tech-savvy and entrepreneur-minded folks are finding their way here. Lisbon University (Portugal’s most highly-ranked university) and Nova de Lisboa are just some of the places you can study.
- What to study: Art, Business and Entrepreneurship, History, Geography, Portuguese, International Relations, Politics, STEM
- Recommended Program: CIEE Language and Culture in Lisbon
7. Siena, Italy
Go south to one of the best study abroad cities in Europe for a bit more sunshine and those indescribable Mediterranean vibes—and pasta!
Sure—Florence, Rome, and Milan are great. However, Siena offers the cultural experience of a lifetime. Although the town has less than 75,000 people, it’s a powerhouse of cuisine, art, and medieval architecture. The whole town is a UNESCO world heritage site, with narrow, winding streets and the grand Piazza del Campo in the heart of the city.
Nestled in Italy’s famed Tuscan Region, Siena is especially popular for study abroad students seeking an immersive Italian language experience with the charm of an ancient city. With small classes, walkable streets, and delicious food, Siena is a winner. Bonus: With a train station nearby, it takes just a few hours to get to bigger cities like Florence and Pisa, so you’re always connected to the rest of Italia!
- What to study: Art History, Culinary Arts, Culture Studies, Italian
- Recommended Program: SAI Programs: Study Abroad in Siena
8. Dublin, Ireland
It’s not just the birthplace of great writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Dublin is also well-known as a very friendly, social, and culturally-rich city. With under 600,000 people, it’s about a quarter the size of Paris or Rome, but offers the perks of a larger capital. In Dublin, you can explore Phoenix Park (the largest urban park in Europe), meet friends for a Guinness along the River Liffey, or explore medieval castles near the city.
Trinity College, the country’s most prestigious university, offers many study abroad opportunities for foreign students, and excellent student life. Dublin also boasts a thriving startup and business scene, with big tech companies like Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft as some of the largest employers in Ireland. Not to mention, the rest of the country is packed with breathtaking scenery to feed your adventurous side. Admire the Cliffs of Moher or explore Connemara National Park on your weekends!
- What to study: Business and Economics, Biology, Computer Science and IT, English, Literature, Liberal Studies, Marketing, International Relations, Politics, Social Sciences
- Recommended Program: CEA Study Abroad in Dublin
9. Oslo, Norway
Norway is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Known for the Northern Lights, epic fjords, and breathtaking mountains, Norway is a powerhouse of the natural world. Its rugged beauty is world-famous, and the country’s seaside capital, Oslo, is an excellent study abroad destination.
The University of Oslo, Norway’s oldest and largest university, offers courses in English, and provides excellent opportunities for student social life, with over 200 student clubs. The city is also brimming with theaters, museums, pubs, cafes, and art. To top it all off, the UN has recognized Norway as having one of the highest Human Development Indexes in the world, meaning the quality of life is pretty amazing.
- What to study: Biology, Conservation Studies, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Geography, Sociology
- Recommended Program: USAC Norway: Oslo
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Choosing Prague as your powerhouse study abroad destination will make you feel sophisticated AF.
Nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Spires”, Prague is all about jaw-dropping Romanesque architecture and beauty. Large parts of the city remained intact despite the scourge of World War II, which is why it’s so famous for its sites.
This Central-European capital of one million people also has amazing nightlife, music venues, modern art, delicious beers, and a huge literary culture. As the home to great writers and philosophers such as Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera, Prague has the arts and entertainment culture on lock. If you’re looking for a hip study abroad destination, look no further.
- What to Study: Art History, Business, Film, History, International Relations, Liberal Arts, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Politics, Theater
- Recommended Program: AIFS Study Abroad in Prague Semester
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle overlooks this welcoming city known for its friendly vibe and endless historical wonders. Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and then catch some live music in one of the city’s hundreds of pubs. In August, don’t miss the world’s largest art festival in the world: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital is also home to the University of Edinburgh, considered one of the top 20 colleges in the world, according to QS world rankings for 2019. If you’re looking for excellent education in a welcoming city, say “aye” to Edinburgh! It might be one of your best European cities to study abroad.
- What to Study: Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business, Communication, Humanities, Liberal Arts, International Relations, Law, Music, Wildlife Sciences
- Recommended Program: IFSA: University of Edinburgh
12. Geneva, Switzerland
Known for amazing chocolate, alpine skiing, and a high standard of living, this mountainous country is an economic and adventure powerhouse. Right in the middle of Western Europe, Switzerland is a melting pot of languages, with Swiss dialects of German, Italian, and French spoken in different regions, along with Romansh, the country’s fourth official language.
With dozens of international organizations, including the European Union’s branch of the United Nations located here, Geneva is a great choice if you’re looking for international networking opportunities and outdoor adventures.
- What to Study: Economics, Global & Development, International Business, International Development, International Relations, Politics, Social Sciences
- Recommended Program: SIT Study Abroad
13. Budapest, Hungary
Once considered “The Paris of the East” (Eastern Europe, that is), Budapest is mesmerizing city of over two million people. Frequently listed as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Budapest holds many treasures, from geothermal hot springs and bathhouses, to the mighty Danube River.
Numerous cinemas, theaters, art galleries, and a buzzing nightlife make this a popular study abroad destination for students searching for an exciting time in less traditional locations.
- What to Study: Art History, Business, Computer Science, Economics, History, Mathematics, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology
- Recommended Program: API at Corvinus University, Budapest
Say hello to the best study abroad cities in Europe—then stay a while!
Believe it or not...there’s even MORE powerhouse locations for study abroad in Europe. Go find them!
If you can’t decide between these awesome cities for study abroad in Europe, that’s understandable! With so many opportunities for adventure, be it the Swiss Alps or the music scene of Berlin, it can be tough to make up your mind. Luckily, all of these cities are well-connected by trains or budget airlines, meaning the European continent is your oyster.
But remember to spend some weekends in your home city abroad; you’d be surprised how often people forget to do that. Get to know locals, step outside your comfort zone, try speaking the local language, and let this be one of the best experiences of your life!
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