By Ashleigh Webb – Penn State University | ISI Florence Spring 2023
Studying abroad is about new experiences and getting to know the city around you. However, it is also about traveling! Other than Florence, here are 5 of my favorite cities I have traveled to in Europe this semester that I would recommend to anyone thinking about a weekend visit!
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands is a must-visit! It might be my favorite after Florence. When we visited over spring break we were able to catch the beginning of the tulip season, which Holland is famous for! The colors of the tulips coupled with the scenery of canals and bikes everywhere was truly a sight. For a fun activity, I would recommend booking the Heineken Experience with a canal tour. Also, make sure to hit the Albert Cup Market to try all kinds of fun snacks. Something you need to try is a Stroopwafel, two warm waffles with caramel in between them, an Amsterdam specialty. I cannot wait to visit again!
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Wow, Prague is one beautiful city, and affordable too! For starters, I would recommend going to any of the outdoor markets, the selection of sausages, sauerkraut, potatoes, and pickles is mouthwatering! I think we went every day. Also, a visit to the Saint Nicholas church is needed if you are interested in Baroque art. Other activities I would recommend include visiting the John Lennon Wall, going to the top of the Astronomical Clock, and popping into the National Museum! The city of Prague was much different from one I had ever been to, it is in middle Europe so it has much different architecture and culture than Italy, but it was one that I found interesting and exciting! Be sure to know a few Czech phrases as English isn’t as common there.
3. St. Julianns/Valletta, Malta
Malta was a country like none I have ever visited. Flying in you can see the whole island from the plane! But what it lacks in size, it makes up with beautiful views and friendly people. St. Julianns was a social hub full of busy restaurants and bars, a great place to wind down after boat day or lounging by the pool. But the highlight for me was watching the sunset in the gardens of Valletta. Fun fact: They filmed the last Jurassic World movie in Valletta! In the gardens, there is a life-size sculpture of Blue the dinosaur which was funny. But the shopping and clear views of a bustling city were the best ways to end a night. Make sure to check out 59 Republic for dinner, and get the cacio e pepe risotto (SO AMAZING!).
4. Paris, France
Definitely couldn’t leave out Paris! This city has so much to offer; shopping, monuments, amazing food and drink, and did I say shopping? With streets like Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Rue Saint-Honoré, there are so many shops to hit before the day is done! I would also recommend fitting in a visit to the Galeries Lafayette, an amazing shopping center with a beautiful glass dome, and the Palais Garnier, which happens to be right next door (the home of the Paris Opera!). The famous art pieces and architecture I saw gave me a whole new appreciation for the talent and getting a crisp baguette every day was the cherry on top.
5. Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a popular travel spot for many abroad students and for good reason! Although it is on the pricier side, Switzerland has so much to offer. If paragliding or skydiving is calling your name, Interlaken offers them both, we got transportation from our hostel as well! The feeling of flying through the air and over the Swiss Alps is something I will never forget. Also, what is great about the Hostels there is that you get a transportation card that allows you to use the buses without an extra fee, which is a necessary mode of transportation to get around town and to the train stations! I would recommend booking a kayak tour on Lake Brienz for some amazing photos, and you can easily take the train to Grindelwald or Bern for a day trip!
