Top 20 Sights to See in Europe as a Postgraduate Student

European sights

Obviously there are far too many great sights and monuments to see in Europe for us to list them all – so we have hand-picked 20 of the best to make sure you get the most out of your time in Europe. There’s so much to do, but make sure your sightseeing doesn’t interfere with your postgraduate studies! As you are a student in Europe – we know your budget will be tight – so we have tried to pick cheap – or in some cases even free places for you to enjoy. All prices are approximate and are subject to change.

1. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

This may seem a cliché and obvious one for us to list, but there is a reason why the Eiffel Tower is as popular and heavily visited as it is. The Tower itself is one of the finest and most impressive pieces of architecture in the world, and that's not all. Take the lift up, or climb the many stairs if you are feeling fit and brave, for absolutely breathtaking and unbeatable views of Paris. It is even worth taking two trips, one in the day and one in the evening or night, for two totally different experiences and views.

2. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amongst the world's most iconic buildings, this classically beautiful Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Rome is the largest of all time and a total must see.

3. Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

The astronomically huge palace once inhabited by former French Queen Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles, situated just outside of Paris, epitomises extravagance and grandeur in a way one would only expect from Antoinette, notorious for her lavish and over indulgent lifestyle and coining the phrase “Let them eat cake!”

4. Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden

Home of the Swedish monarch, this palace is located in Gamla Stan, a charming medieval city in Stockholm, Sweden.

5. Remains of the Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany

A once in a lifetime chance to see a real piece of history, the wall that once divided East and West Berlin still exists...kind of. Fragments and pieces of the wall, which came down in 1989, are now a huge tourist attraction.

6. Buckingham Palace, London, UK

Home to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace is one of the most important buildings in the world, and millions flock to the capital just to get a glimpse every year. Enjoy the grand view of the Palace from the outside (it is open to the public for a fee in the summer) and take a stroll around the surrounding parks and lakes.

7. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi designed this huge Roman Catholic church in Barcelona. It took 144 years to construct, and the result is a unique and enchanting piece of architecture that, with spires of 560 ft, literally can't be missed.

8. St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

A Late Renaissance church located within famous Vatican City, which is itself an absolute must see.

9. Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway

Also known as Frogner Park, this is a fascinating open park containing 212 bronze and granite sculptures, all sculpted by the same artist, Nobel Peace Prize designer Gustav Vigeland.

10. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

This famous blue tiled mosque almost looks like it belongs in Disneyland. It is a real delight that will make a nice change from the many traditional churches you will no doubt encounter on your travels.

11. Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland

A Evangelic Lutheran church designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel, the Helsinki Cathedral is a huge part of Finnish culture and still holds much significance today.

12. Acropolis of Athens, Athens, Greece

This ancient citadel sits on a rocky hill in Greece's Athens and contains the remains of a handful of culturally and historically significant ancient buildings, amongst them the Parthenon.

13. Moulin Rouge, Montmartre, Paris, France

Visit the actual real club that the spellbinding movie Moulin Rouge is based on. You might not be able to afford the hefty ticket price to see an actual show, but it is well worth looking at the famous windmill exterior, as well as to experience the hustle bustle of Montmartre and the exciting Pigalle quarter nearby.

14. The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

Designed by the highly acclaimed Italian designer Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci, the Trevi Fountain, which has starred in many a popular film, is widely held to be the most beautiful fountain the world, and is especially pretty at night.

15. Tulip Fields, near Amsterdam, Holland

Tulips are probably the last thing on your mind when you think about Amsterdam and all it has to offer, but trust us on this one. They're a real sight to behold, and something you won't find elsewhere – but make sure you visit at the right time of year to get them at their most beautiful.

16. Gondola ride, Venice, Italy

An experience like no other. There's only one way to explore the city of Venice, and that's in a traditional Venetian rowing boat known as the Gondola. However for the more thrifty among you, a trip on one of the vaporetto (public water buses) will only cost a few euros and will still give you the essence of Venice.

17. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK

Stonehenge is still standing, just. Take a trip to Wiltshire in the South West of England to get a glimpse of this prehistoric Heritage site. A tour guide or bus is recommended, although obviously this would incurr additonal costs.

18. Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic

A bizarre building that has to be seen to be believed, the Dancing House, though officially closed to the public for entry, literally looks like its dancing.

19. Anne Frank's House, Amsterdam, Holland

A visit that is bound to get emotional, but is well worth doing. The house is situated on Amsterdam's Prinsengracht and also has a museum that pays tribute to the heart wrenching lives of Frank and her family.

20. Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France

Père Lachaise is a beautiful and enormous graveyard in Paris where you can visit the tombs of icons such as Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Proust and Jim Morrison. Be warned, it is like a village in its own right, and it will take you hours to get around it, even with a map.

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