Image courtesy of Four Seasons Firenze
It’s almost time for study abroad season, where college students head to a new city — and often a new country — for their spring semester. And this is great news for parents because not only will your student have an unforgettable experience, but you have a great excuse to travel.
Here are seven of the most popular European study abroad cities, where to stay in each of them and the perfect pairings for add-on destinations. Connect with a Fora Advisor for personalized recommendations on where to go, what to see and where to stay.
London
Image courtesy of Flemings Mayfair Hotel
London is one of the most sought-after study abroad cities for several reasons. One practical plus is it’s an English-speaking city, so students who are hesitant to learn a foreign language might feel more comfortable here. Secondly, many of the city’s universities are known for academic excellence, and iconic landmarks and world-class museums help bring history and culture to life. Another plus of being based in London is the ease of travel. The city serves as a gateway for exploring Europe and beyond, with excellent rail and air connections.
Parents will find plenty to do with their students in London, from historic palaces to theater in the West End. And the city’s efficient underground system makes the intriguing neighborhoods of this sprawling city accessible. For a weekend add-on, head to Edinburgh to the north, or Madrid or Paris on Europe’s mainland.
Where to stay in London
The Other House South Kensington: Posh, townhouse-style hotel with varied suites with kitchenettes steps from the Gloucester Road underground station.
Fora Reserve perks include a £50 food and beverage credit and full access to the member areas.
Flemings Mayfair: Stylish hotel set in lively Mayfair with jewel-tone suites and even an apartment, plus a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Fora Reserve perks include a $50 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, a one-way Heathrow Airport transfer, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Kimpton Fitzroy London: Classic elegance with a touch of modern flair in a historic building near The British Museum.
Fora’s IHG Destined perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Paris
Image courtesy of Hôtel Dame des Arts
Hugely popular with students, Paris is home to prestigious universities like the Sorbonne, along with first-hand opportunities in art, fashion and business. Students feel like they’re at the center of Europe’s cultural capital, and parents like visiting because, well it’s Paris. Experience the heavy hitters, like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, or opt for more neighborhood gems in the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The city's legendary culinary scene, from sidewalk bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, is perfect for those family reunions.
Easy day trips to Versailles, Giverny and the Champagne region are fun to add on with your student for a bit of adventure, and for a weekend add-on, ask your Fora Advisor about Lyon, Amsterdam and London.
Where to stay in Paris
Hôtel Pulitzer Paris: Boutique hotel with a bar and outdoor patio, plus connecting and pet-friendly rooms all near the metro in the 9th arrondissement.
Fora Perks include a welcome drink, one breakfast per guest and an upgrade whenever possible.
Hôtel Dame des Arts: Stylish, contemporary hotel with cozy rooms and a rooftop bar set on the Left Bank close to the Sorbonne.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and priority check-in/out whenever possible.
Hôtel Grand Powers: Chic hotel with modern touches and family suites, plus a restaurant and a wellness area near the Champs-Élysées.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Florence
Image courtesy of The Place Firenze
Florence is an elegant city steep in Renaissance history, exquisite art and Italian culinary culture. Students choose Florence for its exceptional art and design programs, as well as its gorgeous location in Tuscany. The city's manageable size lends well to walking everywhere, creating space for more interactions with locals — great for students who want to practice their Italian. Florence offers an incredible concentration of artistic masterpieces in the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, and when parents come to town, they can treat their student to restaurants ranging from family-run trattorias to Michelin-starred outposts.
As with most European cities, the train system efficiently connects Florence to other regions as well as nearby picks like Siena and Lucca. And for add-on destinations, Rome, Venice and Barcelona are top spots.
Where to stay in Florence
The Place Firenze: Upscale hotel with classic, elegant rooms and patio dining with views of Santa Maria Novella.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Hotel Minerva: Centrally located hotel with airy rooms and a rooftop pool offering gorgeous Duomo views, plus family suites.
Fora Perks include a welcome amenity, a restaurant discount and an upgrade whenever possible.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: Sophisticated hotel with traditional decor and extensive gardens, as well as connecting rooms and lavish suites.
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Madrid
Image courtesy of Rosewood Villa Magna
Madrid universities offer strong programs across diverse fields, and the capital city is an ideal home base for exploring Spain and Europe. Students like Madrid's affordable cost of living, along with its excellent language programs and thriving art scene, which is known as the Golden Triangle of Art (Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums). When parents come to visit, there are plenty of options, including a Real Madrid game, strolling through the extensive gardens of Retiro Park and markets like Mercado de San Miguel. Expect late nights in Madrid, where dinners out start at 9pm or later, and the clubs get going after midnight.
Easy day trips to cities like Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial offer fun adventures for family visit, and the excellent high-speed rail connections make exploring other parts of Spain convenient. Add-on destinations include Barcelona, Lisbon and Marrakesh.
Where to stay in Madrid
URSO Hotel & Spa: Well-located hotel with family suites and a full-service spa near the metro, restaurants and shopping.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Villa Real Madrid: Comfortably appointed hotel with family rooms and a restaurant near the Prado Museum.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Villa Magna: Splurgeworthy hotel with gorgeous terrace dining, a posh bar and a spa set in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood.
Fora’s Rosewood Elite perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Amsterdam
Image courtesy of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
With its progressive vibe, excellent English-language programs and bicycle-friendly culture, Amsterdam is another top choice for study abroad programs. The city's position as a global business center means there are impressive internship opportunities, and its compact size makes it easy to feel at home quickly. The abundance of international students creates a hip, lively vibe, and efficient public transportation connects students to all the neighborhoods. Parents visiting their students in Amsterdam might want to see museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, as well as the Anne Frank House. And a canal boat tour is the ideal way to experience the city’s famous waterways and architecture.
Day trips might include a train ride to Haarlem or The Hague. Amsterdam is well-connected to the rest of Europe by train and plane, so weekend destinations might easily include Munich, Antwerp and Copenhagen.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam: Central hotel with a courtyard patio, a spa and connecting family rooms.
Fora’s Accor Preferred by HERA perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam: Quaint hotel set in canal-view row houses with home-like rooms, a welcoming bar and a lounge.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity and an upgrade whenever possible.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: Colorful rooms and stylish décor in a historic hotel with canal views and garden terrace.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Berlin
Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
Berlin touts a vibrant arts scene, buzzing startup ecosystem and affordable living expenses. The city's complicated history and modern reinvention are the backdrop for a unique learning environment, with excellent universities across various fields. Students appreciate Berlin's multicultural atmosphere and the opportunity to witness European history firsthand. For visiting parents, Berlin provides a fascinating mix of historical sites, contemporary art and cutting-edge, sometimes gritty culture. The city's diverse neighborhoods each tell their own story, from the grand boulevards of Mitte to the street art of Kreuzberg.
Excellent public transportation and abundant green spaces make it easy to explore, while trains connect to day trip spots like Dresden, Potsdam and Leipzig. For weekend add-on getaways, try Copenhagen, Prague and Salzburg.
Where to stay in Berlin
Hotel de Rome, A Rocco Forte Hotel: Modern hotel in a historic building with a rooftop, garden dining and a spa located on Bebelplatz.
Fora’s Rocco Forte Knights perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: Sleek rooms with contemporary design set in a high-rise hotel with on-site dining and a lounge with live music.
Fora’s Marriott STARS perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
Grand Hyatt Berlin: Modern hotel with an indoor pool, multiple dining options and a convenient location close to the metro.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé perks include a welcome amenity, a property credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Prague
Image courtesy of Almanac X Alcron Prague
Straddling Eastern and Western Europe, Prague offers a culturally rich study abroad experience that won't break the bank. The city has an efficient tram network and student-friendly prices for activities and dining out, making daily life remarkably accessible. Neighborhoods each have their own personality — Old Town has a skyline of Gothic spires and copper domes, while the Jewish Quarter preserves centuries of heritage within its synagogues and museums. Families reconnecting over dinner have their choice of cozy beer halls serving hearty Czech classics and sleek restaurants dishing up local cuisine with modern flair.
Beyond Prague's medieval walls, the Bohemian countryside has crystal-clear lakes, storybook castles and deep forests, all easily accessible for weekend adventures. The city's position turns it into an ideal launching pad for exploration, with Vienna, Berlin and Krakow all within easy reach by rail.
Where to stay in Prague
Almanac X Alcron Prague: Art Deco glamour meets modern luxury in an iconic 1932 landmark, steps from Wenceslas Square.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, access to the gym and sauna, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Andaz Prague: Sugar Palace transformed into contemporary luxe hotel with Czech art and folklore touches near Old Town.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé perks include a welcome amenity, a property credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
BoHo Prague Hotel: Sleek minimalist design in a converted 1920s building near Old Town Square.
Fora’s withIN by SLH perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
To get started planning a visit to your study abroad student, reach out to a Fora Advisor for personalized recommendations and expert travel advice.