Student Weekender: The Best Cheap Holiday Destinations

Features

Native // Artwork by Sam Terry

15 Aug 2017

Don't get mugged off. There's plenty of European destinations that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Are you ready to ditch boring old Britain for a weekend in Europe? All you need is your latest installment of your student loan and a tab open in skyscanner and your ready to go. This list will offer some great options for a cheap weekend getaway for you and your irresponsible pals:

Budapest, Hungary

The capital of Hungary has an abundance of beautiful architecture in it's cathedrals, synagogues and parliamentary building, a rich bathing culture that'll replenish your soul, a gorgeous public park on Margret Island, and, is one of the cheapest places to get absolutely trashed. It's the perfect place to spend the days, exploring the castle district of Buda, or shopping and eating in Pest, then at night, explore the gloriously cheap ruin bars of the city, buying pints for a mere pound in incredible places to drink, such as the awesome Szimpla Kert, feeling like a king in this unbelievably cheap city.

Paphos, Cyprus

The romantic island Cyprus is the perfect retreat from the gloomy British weather. Dotted with castles, monasteries, mosaics, white sand beaches and the bluest of seas, you'll feel decadent as fuck exploring this idyllic country. It sounds pricey, but a weekend away in Paphos is easily affordable for under £200. So get packing and cover yourself in suncream.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Lithuania is sadly not often considered when British people are planning their next trip away, but the cool, compact capital, Vilnius, is one of the driving forces of the country's booming tourism industry. With a bustling cafe culture and astounding architectural heritage, this up and coming trendy holiday destination is begging you to come visit.

Warsaw, Poland

The capital of Poland represents a cross-road between the tragic wartime history, seen in the cities various museums and memorials, and a newfound contemporary identity. Between the old and the new, Warsaw is now blossoming. With a lively nightclub scene and an affinity for craft beer, Warsaw has become an exciting tourist spot for history enthusiasts and those looking for a modern, trendy city to explore.

Prague, Czech

Over the last few years, Prague has become a must-visit European city. Partly because of the restored Baroque architecture housing a hotbed of cafes, suave fashion shops and historical landmarks, and partly because of the cheap flights and accommodation. For roughly £150 you can find a perfect, central hostel and return flights, making it a wonderfully cheap summer paradise.

Lisbon, Portugal

This picturesque summer city of Portugal is another cheap, hot alternative to another weekend spent in grey ol' Britain. Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal, and also the oldest city in Western Europe. This is evident in the beautiful Manueline architecture and castles dotted around the bright orange tiles of the city roofs. With €1.50 pints, this ancient city is the perfect place to walk around, admiring the architecture with a refreshing beer in hand.

Strasbourg, France

Forget the over-priced snobbery of Paris, Strasbourg is the quirkier, cheaper French alternative. This gothic city has plenty of outstanding historical landmarks to astound you such as the Notre Dame or Centre-Ville de Strasbourg, all enriching your historical knowledge. For under £200 you can spend a beautiful weekend in this wondrous town.