4. Bruges, Belgium | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Of My Favorite Places That I Visited While Studying Abroad In Europe

It's impossible to pick a favorite, so here are my top five places I've visited while studying abroad so far!

422
5 Of My Favorite Places That I Visited While Studying Abroad In Europe
Photo by Danielle Rice on Unsplash

For the past three months, I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to study abroad. I’ve seen some amazing places, met amazing people, and learned so much about different cultures. While being abroad for an extended amount of time can be challenging, studying abroad in Luxembourg has given me the opportunity to travel somewhere different in Europe every weekend. Here are five of the favorite places I have visited so far, in no particular order. (The list might change when I go to Madrid and Dublin!)

1, Strasbourg, France

Emily Templeton

My friend and I went to Strasbourg early in the semester during one of the first few weeks we were here. One of my family members had been there before and recommended that I go to a certain restaurant, but other than that I was unsure of what Strasbourg held. Once we got there, though, and explored Little France, I knew this was going to be one of my favorite trips. Strasbourg is a quaint city but still full of things to do, from going on a boat tour to walking around and eating lunch by the river. As someone who likes smaller cities in general, Strasbourg was the perfect place to start my travels.

2. Berlin, Germany

Emily Templeton

Although Berlin is a bit different from the cities that I have included on this list, it’s definitely a special place. I spent a week in Berlin for one of my classes and was able to explore this city a lot more than I had anywhere else. Berlin has an abundance of history and culture, from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island to the Eastside Gallery to Checkpoint Charlie.

While in Berlin, I ate a different culture’s cuisine each night — from Vietnamese, to Russian , to Ethiopian, to Georgian to, of course, German. Being able to try something and see something new every day made me more continuously curious about the city’s present and past. Berlin’s public transportation is also the favorite that I’ve used, which is a really important factor in the ranking of big cities. I was also able to get into the Berghain (first try), something that I will never stop talking about.

3. Venice, Italy

Emily Templeton

Obviously, everyone who goes to Italy loves it, but I didn’t know why until I spent spring break there. My friend and I spent about three days in Venice and I adored the small walking streets that, if you weren’t paying attention, could lead you straight into a river channel. With restaurants along the river, a gondola ride in the afternoon with a 5th generation gondolier, and a day trip to Murano lugging our carry-ons through the city at midnight after a long day of flights was definitely worth it.

4. Bruges, Belgium

Emily Templeton

Also one of my first trips in Europe, I appreciated the small city vibes that Bruges had to offer. One of my favorite things we did was attend a chocolate-making class and although I was a bit intimated by our uptight instructor, I left with some delicious chocolate that I ate right away. Considering Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North,” I guess there's a bit of consistency in this list. Bruges is the perfect city for a day trip as you’re able to enjoy the main square as well as other landmarks scattered around the city.

5. Salzburg, Austria

Emily Templeton

Keeping with the smaller city trend, Salzburg was a great experience for me. Not necessarily because of "The Sound of Music", but because of everything I was able to experience in just one day there. From an impromptu, free horse-drawn carriage ride into the city, to visiting Mozart’s house, to walking through the Easter and Christmas markets, the city was full of a quiet but passionate atmosphere. To end that great day, my friends and I went to dinner with a live performance of Mozart opera and orchestra (dressed in costume), which was, safe to say, iconic.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3372
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449791
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21839
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44814
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments