The New Year is round the corner and here at StudentUniverse we have come up with the top destinations to visit for £200 or less. We aim to give you the best locations for that very beautiful student friendly price.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most magnificent cities to visit in Europe with post-card picture views and amazing architectural galleries this is on place you don’t want to miss. Most of Prague’s sights can be reached on foot so why not take a week to explore this great city.
Where to visit:
Viktov Hill
Nothing sounds better than the word free and what if we told you that you’ll be able to visit some great portraits and sculptures at the Viktov Hill for zero pence. A National Monument and History Museum, Vitkov Hill has some of the most beautiful sights and you won’t have to worry about the flocking tourists as this is not surprisingly a ‘must see’ on tourists maps. Nonetheless from the views of the top of the hill you’ll be able to see Prague Castle and Petrin Hill.
Dancing Horse
A stunning building that stands next to the Vitava River in Prague, the Dancing Horse is seen as a rarity in the city centre. A modern glass building surrounded by historic architecture the Dancing Horse was designed by Vlado Milunc and Frank O’Gehry; famous american artist. The top floor is open to the public and is home to one of the city’s leading restaurants, the ‘Ginger& Fred Restaurant. With magnificent views of the Prague Castle this is one place you don’t want to miss.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Branik
Located in the centre of Prague, the Hotel Branik is a 4 star hotel perfect for a week’s experience. Situated near the Vysehrad National Cultural Monument, Letna Park, Staropramen and The Globe you’ll probably spend most of your time outside the hotel than in your room, the way it should be.
Estimated Flights cost: £62
Estimated Hotel cost: £136.36
Estimated total trip cost: £198.36
*Travel dates-18/03/15-25/03/15
Krakow, Poland
Fall in Love with Krakow by taking a week to explore this unique city. The best time to visit Krakow are during fall and spring; the weather is pleasant and summers tourists are nowhere to be found however summer weather can reach around 70 degrees. Nonetheless Krakow is rich with culture and entertainment, the perfect place to get away.
Where to visit:
Wieliczka
Wieliczka is a UNESCO’s World Heritage and is one of the world’s most beautiful salt mines. Formed about twenty million years ago, the Wieliczka is estimated to be about 300 kilometres of underground tunnels, reaching a maximum depth of 327 meters making it one the wonders of the world. Apart from the mine itself there are man-made marvels, sculptures and chandeliers so if you love your art this is one place you have to visit.
Restaurants
Don’t leave Krakow without tasting the best of polish cuisines. With a large number of restaurants, cafe’s and pubs, Krakow is the capital of gourmet. With so much competition, Krakow maestro chefs are masters of nearly all the worlds’ cuisines. The best places to eat can be found in Kazimierz district, where you’ll find character and culture. Whilst you’re there ask for Pierogi which is otherwise known as dumplings; this dish consists of potatoes cheese, meat and mushrooms a traditional dish for most locals. If you have a sweet tooth however, on the street corners you’ll find old ladies selling giant pretzels (obwarzanek) from blue trolleys. With food cheaply priced there’s no reason why you shouldn’t tuck in.
Where to stay:
Bluebells Apartments
Located between the Cracow’s Old Town and Kazimierz, Bluebells is near the Wawel Castle and the main market. This is a friendly hotel; Bluebells is great for that week away with friends. There is a tram stop just in front of the hotel, which will allow you to reach the variety landmarks outside the city centre, such as Kosciuszko Mound for the fraction of the price for a cab. Stay at Bluebells and you’ll be sure to have unlimited Wi-Fi for all your Instagram pictures.
Estimated Flights cost: £62
Estimated Hotel cost: £132.96
Estimated total trip cost: £194.96
*Travel dates-25/03/15-01/04/15
Milan, Italy
Home to Italy’s stock exchange, Milan is the fashion and art capital of the world. So with so many places to show we would suggest visiting Milan for that all so sweet weekend away with a friend or a loved one.
Where to visit:
The Pinacoteca di Brera
Home to one of the best collections of Italian art, the Pinacoteca de Brera has famous paintings by Mantegna, Raphael, Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca. The Brera district is known as the Montmartre of Milan and is the best place to hang out in some of the coolest and unique bars and cafes. A student mecca, for the people of Milan, Brera has cheaply priced food and goods so you won’t have to pay an arm or a leg for some of the most magnificent things.
Quadrilatero d’Oro (Rectangle of Gold)
If you’re looking to shop till you drop then you must visit the Rectangle of Gold. Known as the world’s most famous fashion district, Quadrilatero d’ Oro is boarded by Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone and Via Manzoni which links to Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo which are hotspots when visiting Italy. Many of the best-known fashion houses are based here but are outlets which means you will get quality brands for cheaper prices. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Where to stay:
Idea Hotel Milano Bicocca
With free morning shuttle to the Sondrio Metro Station, the Idea Hotel Bicocca is a great place to stay for the weekend. Situated in the quiet area of Milan it is just 1.5km away from the Centrale Train Station which makes exploring all so simple. With the Navigilo Martesana canal and the Arcimboldi Theatre within easy reach you’ll have the best weekend.
Estimated Flights cost: £75
Estimated Hotel cost: £129.47
Estimated total trip cost: £204.47
*Travel dates-20/02/15-23/02/15
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Located in the coast Barcelona has a variety of beaches, galleries and events and with the combination of the weather this is one place where you’ll get the ultimate relaxation.
Where to visit:
Placa Reial
Located off Las Ramblas, Placa Reil is perfect for anyone looking for traditional and Catalan resturents in Barcelona. Placa Reil ( Royal Plazza) is home to some of Barcelona’s top nightclubs; check out the Sidecar for live band and Jambore for pumping hip-hop and dance classics. So make sure you get your friends together a week-long trip of fun, sea and food!
Beaches
Barcelona has almost three miles of coastline and is home to seven beautiful beaches such as the Sant Sebastia, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria and Mar Bella. So be sure to pack some sun cream and your best bikini or shorts because you can’t miss this opportunity to tan. With crystal blue water and golden sand you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.
Where to stay:
Graffiti Hostel
The Graffiti Hostel is decorated as the name implies: with graffiti. The different styled rooms are named after European cities and places in Barcelona such as Gracia, Rambla and Sagrada Familia A student filled hostel, you’ll have so much fun indoors and outdoors as the Graffiti Hostel is located near the centre of Barcelona.
Estimated Flights cost: £41
Estimated Hotel cost: £65.52
Estimated total trip cost: £147.52
*Travel dates-21/01/15-28/01/15
Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re looking to visit somewhere in the UK then you must visit Edinburgh. One of the most beautiful cities, Edinburgh is made of cobbled streets and home to the world’s most luxurious landmarks; perfect for any explorer and international student looking to see more than London.
Where to visit:
Princes Street Gardens
Situated behind Edinburgh Castles, lies this beautiful public spark which separates the New Town from the Old Town. Explore its wonderful gardens, monuments and stunning floral displays. This is park is perfect for early morning strolls or an afternoon nap on the grass.
The Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon is both terrorising and immense fun. With a range of tours and heart pumping rides, you’ll have a whirl of a time getting spooked. Come face to face with the ghosts of Mary King and William Wallace until finally, plunging to your doom. Situated in the middle of Edinburgh you’ll have no trouble finding amazing pubs and restaurants to settle your stomach.
Where to stay:
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Located just 0.5 mukes from Princes Street and Edinburgh Rail Station, Edinburgh Cnetral Youth Hostel is provides a 5 star experinence with on site cafe’s and restaurants. The Edingburgh Central Youth Hostel is less than 20 minutes away from the Royal Mile and the vibrant nightlife of Cowgate and the bars on George Street. Get your bags packed and let us take you away for a week.
Estimated Flights cost: £41
Estimated Hotel cost: £141
Estimated total trip cost: £182
*Travel dates-15/01/15-22/01/15
There’s a world of opportunity out there just waiting to be explored, so make sure you don’t miss out! Remember, the only thing that’s limiting you is your imagination.
If you’re a student discount hunter, you can get student only rates on flights, hotels and tours at StudentUniverse