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Favorite Stops while Studying Abroad in Europe
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items My favorite hotels, restaurants, or activities during my travels throughout Europe during study abroad. My home base was Rome, Italy, so I have so many amazing places to share. Hope you find something useful! I label some of the items with $ -→ $$$$ This is just showing price range of things to do.
Map
Sections
8
Rome, Italy
Naples, Italy
Florence, Italy
Venice, Italy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Brussels, Belgium
Rome, Italy
I spent 4 months living in Rome during Study Abroad at Penn State. It was one of the best times of my life, and holds some of my greatest memories. Even after traveling to so many places, Italy remains my favorite country.
My favorite piazza in all of Rome. It's so charming and cute with a lot of good shopping and restaurants nearby. They also have a market in the piazza every week which is definitely worth checking out.
Campo de' Fiori, Rome
This restaurant has caught a lot of attention over the years. Back when I went in 2016, it wasn't as well known as it is now. I want to go back because I remember it as being absolutely delicious. We went here often and I always got their cacio e pep...
TONNARELLO, Rome
There are a few of these around Rome, but I loved them because they have anything you need and it's inexpensive! You need a water bottle? They have it! You need a hat? They have it.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Rome
This cafe was also near my architecture studio and I loved it because you could stop for an espresso on the go, or sit down and eat a great lunch.
CAFFE DORIA, Rome
This tiny pizza shop was right near my architecture studio in Rome. We went here every single day and it was always on point. The owner would make pizza with veggies that are in season like pumpkin or zucchini and it was a game changer. You also have...
PIZZA E MOZZARELLA, Rome
A small bakery right in Campo De Fiori. It has delicious pizza, sandwiches and other bakery goodies.
FORNO CAMPO DE' FIORI, Rome
The best gelato I had in all of Rome. They had an amazing flavor, Cinnamon, which no other place had and it was soooo good.
GELATERIA DEL TEATRO, Rome
Calling all history buff's! The Vatican is obviously one of the most popular attractions in Rome, and there's a reason. The Sistine Chapel is so breath-taking. And the Museum is so interesting you could spend a whole day in there.
Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket, Rome
Always buy the skip the line tickets for any of the attractions in Rome, it's worth the money. This tour is great because you can see the three in one package, but my favorite was the Forum!
Colosseum Entry, Palatine Hill, Forum - Skip the Line, Rome
I went to this winery with my parents while they were visiting me. We loved it so much we ended up sending almost a dozen wine bottles back to the US to have later. It was such a fun experience and the history of the town is so unique!
Old Frascati Winery, Tuscany
This was a dining experience, seriously! My family came to visit me while living in Rome, and we went here. The owners were so great, we were there for 4 hours. The pizza is to die for and the service is just unmatched.
RISTORANTE NERONE, Rome
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa de'Este is stunning. There are hundreds of fountains on the property that are thousands of years old and it is truly amazing. It's about an hour from Rome, but it's worth the visit.
Villa d'Este, Tivoli
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrians Villa is one of the coolest places I've ever been. There is so much history there, and the architectural/engineering of the entire site is incredible.
Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli
Naples, Italy
When I first arrived to Italy for study abroad, I spent the first week before classes in Naples. Naples is full of bold flavors, bustling streets, and a raw, authentic vibe. Home to the original pizza and the bluest water you'll ever see.
A group of friends and I did this tour when we arrived to Italy. We stayed in Naples and they picked us up and took us over to the ranch. It was such a good time, the guides all spoke english and even taught us some Italian. We rode horseback up Mt. ...
Horseback Riding on Mt. Vesuvius, Naples
We stayed in this airbnb in Naples and it was so perfect. It was such a nice space, and the host was kind and accommodating. We enjoyed our time here!
Airbnb Naples
We walked up to this Castle from downtown Naples, and it was quite the trek but the view was worth it! I definitely recommend hiring a taxi instead of walking, unless you want the exercise.
Castel Sant'Elmo, Naples
Take a day trip from Naples to Capri, the gorgeous Island just off the coast. Capri is stunning. Its a very picturesque town with a lot of shopping and great seafood restaurants.
Ferry Naples - Capri from €27.50
A fun day activity to do if you're in Capri for a few hours. I did this tour, but unfortunately the water was too high to go into the grotto. It's a tight opening, so they only go in when it's low tide. It was still a stunning trip though!
Boat Tour with Blue Grotto, Capri
I went to this archaeological site near Mt. Vesuvius with my class instead of Pompeii. It is better preserved and less crowded, than Pompeii but a bit smaller. It's also only about 20 minutes from Naples.
Herculaneum Archaeological Site, Naples
Florence, Italy
Renaissance art, breathtaking architecture, and streets that feel like a living museum. Plus, the gelato here is unmatched.
Florence’s iconic bridge lined with jewelry shops and centuries of history. A must-see spot, especially at sunset over the Arno.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the world’s greatest art museums, filled with masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. A treasure trove for art lovers.
The Uffizi
Florence is surrounded by wineries that you must try! And what better way to try the wine than by pairing it with a pasta making class?
Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
An awe-inspiring Renaissance masterpiece that’s even more powerful in person. Truly one of Florence’s can’t-miss experiences.
Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included
Florence’s breathtaking cathedral with its famous red dome. Climb to the top for panoramic city views you’ll never forget. The cathedral is just as amazing from far away though.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Venice, Italy
A dreamy maze of canals, gondolas, and hidden squares. Every turn feels like stepping into a painting. If you are a lover of the arts, you will definitely love Venice!
Discover Venice through its flavors on a guided food tour that takes you beyond the tourist menus and into the heart of Venetian cuisine. A food tour is the perfect way to experience Venice’s history, culture, and daily life through its most authenti...
3-hour Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
The colorful islands of Burano and Murano are such a fun day trip from Venice. They are famous for glass blown art, jewelry, lace and seafood.
A Perfect Day Trip to Burano And Murano From Venice
A jewel of Byzantine architecture, St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most iconic landmark. Step inside to be dazzled by golden mosaics, intricate marble floors, and breathtaking domes that tell centuries of history.
St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
Stop in to see the interactive exhibits showcasing da Vinci’s genius through models, inventions, and artwork.
Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Entrance Ticket
An enchanting evening of live opera in historic Venetian venues — music meets romance. I did not have the opportunity to see an opera, but what better place to see one?
Opera and Concerts in Venice
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Storybook canals, cozy cafés, and vibrant culture. Perfect for wandering on foot or by bike. Be careful on a bike though, those drivers have no mercy.
Home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s work, this museum takes you through his life, art, and legacy in an inspiring way. A must for any art lover.
Van Gough Museum
This was such a fun and slightly treaturous experience. You can rent a boat for a few hours and drive through the canals by yourself. If you're not afraid to drive a boat this is such a fun activity. Just be aware of other boats of course, and pay at...
Mokumboot Boat Rental
A huge and beautiful park in walking distance from the city. It was extra beautiful with all of the fall leaves while I was there.
Vondelpark
An interactive brewery tour where you can learn about Heineken’s history, brewing process, and of course, enjoy a fresh pint at the end. Fun and lively atmosphere.
Heineken Experience
Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhood, known for its nightlife, history, and unique culture. A fascinating place to explore with an open mind and sense of curiosity.
Red Light District Amsterdam
A floating flower market! I didn't purchase anything, but it was really pretty to look at.
Bloemenmarkt
This is a brewery in a windmill! It was so cool but unfortunately we weren't able to get a pint because it was so crowded. Definitely check it out though, because its cool to see.
Brouwerij 't Ij - Proeflokaal De Molen
Brussels, Belgium
A charming mix of grand architecture, rich history, and some of the best chocolate and waffles you’ll ever taste.…
The architecture of this Square is so beautiful. There was so much happening as well, with music and people blowing bubbles and making art. It was fun to sit and people watch.
Grand Place
This is a huge bar and brewery near the square. There are so many options on the draft list, and its fun to hop from bar to bar.
Delirium Village Beer Cafe
This is another stunning architectural experience. There are tons of shops on the inside, and so much to look at.
LES GALERIES ROYALES SAINT-HUBERT
I literally ate waffles for breakfast, lunch and dinner while here. They were so delicious.
THE BEST Waffles & Crepes in Brussels
Bruges, Belgium
Cobblestone streets, fairytale canals, and a romantic, old-world charm that makes time slow down.
A dark but fascinating look into medieval history, showcasing ancient torture devices and the eerie stories behind them. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely unforgettable.
Musée de la Torture Bruges
Bruges is such a beautiful fairytale town. It's such a great day trip and I honestly loved it more than Brussels. You could walk around all day eating and taking in the views.
The Markt
London, England
Where history meets modern buzz. Iconic landmarks, cozy pubs, and endless neighborhoods to explore. Pro-tip, go during Christmas time, it's truly magical!
If you love royal fashion and history, definitely stop by the Windsor Castle. They have a stunning exhibition of gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing decades of royal style, elegance, and history. A rare chance to see the craftsmanship and de...
Windsor Castle
These breathtaking cliffs are such a gorgeous stop about an hour from London. We took a bus there one day on a scenic road to walk around the park. Even on a rainy day it was stunning.
Seven Sisters Country Park