Autumn holidays are coming up for most university students across Europe. It’s the ideal time to go on a shoestring student budget holiday with some of your best mates and let yourself loose in a foreign place, enjoying all it has to offer in terms of sights, attractions and nightlife.
Stuck for ideas on where to go?
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is best discovered on foot so you can save precious pennies on public transport to spend instead at one of the many hip cafes or design stores around town, including Leib, Sfaar and F-Hoone.
For brunches, exhibitions and flea markets, there’s no better place to head to than Telliskivi Loomelinnak, a rejuvenated factory complex within walking distance of the city centre.
Another pleasant stroll takes visitors to the Presidential Palace, surrounding parkland and stunning KUMU museum of modern art that’s built into the side of a hill. On the way back, stop off at the seaside to admire the gorgeous panorama of the Old Town.
The city has a mixed Baltic, Scandinavian feel to it that’s truly unique.
Hostels can cost less than 10 Euros a night if booked in advance, and the local CouchSurfing community is quite active.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Slovenian capital is a true Balkan gem. Nestled in a deep green valley, the city boasts beautiful views all around that are best enjoyed from the terrace of the city’s imposing hilltop castle.
Hop on a Bicikelj (Ljubljana’s answer to Paris’ Velib and London’s Boris Bikes) and discover the city by bike, stopping off for well-priced picnic goods at the local market that are best enjoyed sprawled on the luscious lawns of Tivoli Park (provided it’s still warm enough).
In the evening, see what’s on the agenda at Ljubljana’s cultural quarter, Metelkova. Regular free gigs tend to be held from Thursday until Saturday, as well as super trendy club nights. There is also a modern hostel on site.
The shores of Ljubljanica river are lined with hip bars, many of which have happy hours in the evenings so you’re guaranteed a good night. Fortunately, there are various hostels and hotels nearby so you don’t have far to head home at the end of the night.
London, UK
Contrary to what the crowds will tell you, it is possible to visit the British capital on the cheap. Avoid the major tourist attractions that charge a fortune such as Madame Tussaud’s and the London Eye, and go on free walking tours instead, stopping off at freebie attractions such as the Tate Modern, Museum of London, Borough Market, Brick Lane and Covent Garden.
For cheap food, head to China Town where some restaurants specialise in £5 all-you-can-eat buffets.
Hostels in areas such as Camden Town and Queensway are within walking distance of many sights, and boast an array of lively bars and cheap eateries. If booked at the last minute through a special deals website, a Tower of London hotel can also be affordable and is so worth it for the experience.