Erasmus is the European Union’s student exchange program which gives students the opportunity to spend part or all of their degree in another EU country. It’s a great opportunity to experience a different culture, develop your language skills, gain academic credit and learn different ways to approach coursework and solve problems. With numerous cities to choose from, it can be difficult picking the right city for your Erasmus year.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 European cities to make the perfect Erasmus experience. From the diverse cultural areas, international population and lively nightlife, these are the ideal locations for an unforgettable Erasmus adventure.
- Madrid
The capital city of Spain is renowned for its cultural attractions and lively nightlife. Being one of the biggest cities in Europe, Madrid offers a bustling setting with different types of attractions, such as the Palacio Real, Teatro Real, Prado Museum and the Segovia Aqueduct. For those looking for cultural activities, the city also offers music venues, theaters, galleries and plenty of shopping. The vibrant nightlife of Madrid also adds to its Erasmus appeal, with a diverse range of clubs, bars, pubs and rooftop bars. It’s the perfect place to meet other Erasmus students and experience the city during the night. The city is also renowned for its cuisine; make sure you try their signature dishes such as paella and gazpacho.
- Prague
The Czech capital is known for its stunning architecture, intriguing culture, and enchanting nightlife. Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Prague has a vast number of historic castles, cathedrals and gorgeous squares. The iconic Charles Bridge is a must-see attraction on your Erasmus, where you can get some magnificent views of the city. The city also has a vibrant art and music scene, with a diverse range of galleries, museums and music venues. As for nightlife, Prague is reported to have some of the best nightlife in Europe, with a little something for everyone.
- Paris
Paris is the capital of France, and one of Europe’s most beloved cities. It’s known as the City of Lights and Love, and is an ideal location for an Erasmus experience. Paris is home to world-famous attractions and landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the world-famous Louvre Museum. With its approachable nature, Paris is perfect for those looking to familiarize themselves with the French language and culture. As for nightlife, the city offers a variety of bars, pubs, cafe, and clubs with different music and crowds.
- London
London is considered to be one of the cultural centers of the world, and is a renowned destination for international students. The city has something for everyone, ranging from galleries, museums, theatres, and nightlife. There are plenty of activities and sights in the city, such as the Tower of London, Hyde Park, and the London Eye. London is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, ranging from pub crawls, unusual bars, and modern clubs. As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, be sure to keep your budget in mind when travelling around.
- Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and a renowned destination for Erasmus students. It’s renowned for its picturesque canals, and its friendly locals. There are plenty of attractions to explore in the city, such as the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and the historic canals dotted around the city. For those looking for something more cultural, Amsterdam also offers a variety of galleries, music venues, and theatres. As one of the most popular cities in Europe, Amsterdam’s nightlife is becoming increasingly popular. The city offers an array of bars and clubs, and is the perfect place to meet Erasmus students from all over the world.
- Barcelona
Barcelona is the vibrant and lively capital of Catalonia, and is one of the most popular cities for Erasmus students. A visit to Barcelona is not complete without seeing architectural masterpieces of Gaudi, such as the world-famous Sagrada Familia and the impressive Casa Batlló. The city also offers plenty of cultural activities, such as museums, art galleries, beaches, and a whole range of restaurants and cafes. Barcelona is also the perfect place to experience the Catalan culture of food and wine. As for nightlife, the city offers an array of bars, clubs, and discos with different types of music.
- Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany and a renowned destination for international students. The city is famous for its vibrant nightlife and creative art scene, and is the perfect place to explore the German culture. There’s endless attractions and activities to explore, where you can explore the city’s history, such as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. As for nightlife, the city is renowned for its lively bars, pubs, and music venues. There’s also plenty of cultural attractions and activities to keep you busy – head over to the Museum Island or the Tiergarten Park for a day of exploring.
- Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of the most popular cities for Erasmus students. The city offers an array of attractions and activities, such as the Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and the Belvedere Palace. As an important cultural center of Europe, Vienna also has a vibrant music and art scene with various galleries, performances and concerts. There are also plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants located across the city.
- Brussels
The capital of Belgium is renowned for its art and culture, and is a great destination for Erasmus students. The city is home to world-famous attractions such as the Grand-Place and the Atomium, which is the modern icon of the city. There are also plenty of theaters, music venues, galleries, and bars to explore in Brussels. As for nightlife, there’s a range of lively bars and pubs in the city center where you can meet other Erasmus students and immerse yourself into the Belgian culture.
- Lisbon
Last, but not least, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and a great destination for Erasmus students. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, and its sunny climate makes it the perfect spot to try some of the famous Portuguese dishes. There are plenty of sights to explore here, such as the Sao Jorge Castle, the Igreja de Sao Roque and the Gulbenkian Museum. As for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs in the city, with a range of music catering to different tastes.
Erasmus is an incredible opportunity to experience a different culture, language and country. With all the amazing cities across Europe, it can be difficult to pick the right city for your Erasmus year. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 European cities for the perfect Erasmus experience, from the culture and cuisine to the nightlife attractions. Now all you have to do is pick the city that best suits you and your Erasmus adventure.
