EUROPEAN TRAVEL GUIDE

EUROPEAN TRAVEL
Student to Stu
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Michelle - Traveling is the best! It’s so easy and there are
so many cheap, alternative options!
This guide includes submissions from the following
NYU Study Abroad students:
Paul Karp (Guide Lead), Jana Price (Guide Lead),
Anish Abuwala, Aparna Yenamandra, Bernier Lauredan,
Emily Lindsey, Erin Harris, Heather Gile, Jaclyn Sakow,
Kathleen Chang, Lauren Betesh, Olivia Chang, Patricia
Bradby, Renee Greenberg
Guides Creative Director & Editor
Marti Grimminck, NYU Graduate Student, Gallatin
Global Ambassador Program Coordinator
Meret Hofer, Office of Global Programs
Special Thanks
Eric Canny, Rebecca Pisano, Matthew Pucciarelli
Picture by Patricia Bradby

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Letter from the Editor
Table of Contents
Welcome to the 2008 student-written Study Abroad Guide on European Travel. This guide
was compiled by the Global Ambassador program – a leadership organization of returnee
Practical Starters
starting tips, weather, packing,
students. Through this guide the students discuss their time abroad, including practical
communications
information and insider tips on everything from places to visit to things to do. Though we
have tried to make this guide as comprehensive as possible and applicable to all of the
Off The Beaten Path
study abroad populations, please keep in mind that some information may be more or less
great travel destination suggestions
relevant to your situation. We encourage you to seek out the relevant office running your
study abroad program to answer specific questions. Our hope is that this guide will not only
Money
ATMs, credit cards, traveler’s checks,
give you insight into what your time abroad can potentially be, but also provide you with a
exchange rate, making the money go further
launching point for exploring your new “home”.
In addition to the European Travel Guide, we have created city-specific guides on studying
Safety
safety tips, US Consulate information
abroad at NYU’s sites in Florence, Ghana (Accra), London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, and
Shanghai, as well as topic-specific guides on the experiences of Women and LGBT students
Transportation
planes, trains and buses
studying abroad. Finally, our newest guide, Lost in the Translation – you think you know,
but you have no idea, is a collection of anecdotes from previous study abroad students that
highlight the cross-cultural diversity you will inevitably encounter while abroad.
Accommodation
hostel tips and examples
We hope that you enjoy this amazing experience – it goes quickly!
Semester Break
example trips from past students
If you still have unanswered questions or feedback on the guide, please contact us
at: global.ambassadors@nyu.edu
Travel Near Berlin
Travel Near Florence
Travel Near London
Travel Near Madrid
Travel Near Paris
Travel Near Prague
Picture by Marti Grimminck
New York University does not endorse services provided by the businesses, organizations, or individuals listed in this
Picture by Marti Grimminck
NYU student-written Study Abroad Guide on European Travel. The guide is produced by and compiled of information
collected based on the personal experiences of students who have participated in NYU Study Abroad. Individuals
should exert the appropriate judgment when using services provided in this guide. Any opinions expressed represent
solely those of the student writer, not New York University.
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PRACTICAL STARTERS
Romania
Starting Tips
This guide is based on travel from NYU’s European Study Abroad sites – Berlin, Florence,
London, Madrid, Paris, and Prague.
Have an idea of sites you want to visit and things you want to do during your trip.
Besides some of the suggestions we make in this book, here are some places to get
ideas:
- Research online (see the online communities & blogging section).
- Ask friends/family.
- Read our student-written NYU Study Abroad site-specific guide books for Florence,
London, Madrid, Paris, Prague.
Book all travel far in advance, but wait until after the first week of classes. You may
find there are NYU-sponsored trips already in place.
Just before you leave
Inform someone (parents, NYU staff, friend) of your travel plans in case of emergency.
Make sure you have more than one source of money (e.g. cash and a credit card, or two
credit cards).
Make a copy of your passport and credit card and bring these with you when you travel.
Bring email confirmations of all reservations and arrangements you have made.
Write down the address and directions of your destination to show to a local if you need
help.
Picture by Marti Grimminck
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PRACTICAL STARTERS
Weather
Communications
Since Europe is a continent, you can expect
Internet
different weather conditions based on the
Czech
Most hostels have internet access. Otherwise,
time of year and the region you are visiting.
there are many internet cafes where you can
Republic
Obviously, in the winter is it much colder in
access. These are helpful sites to find
Northern Europe and Eastern Europe than it
locations:
would be on the Mediterranean. In summer,
http://www.cybercaptive.com
it can be incredibly hot, like in New York. The
http://www.cybercafes.com
best thing to do is look up temperature
gauges. We have had good results at:
Skype
www.weatherbase.com.
It is a free internet phone service to speak to
For current local weather try –
family and friends. You need a headset and it is
www.weather.com
free if the person you are calling has a skype
account as well.
Packing
Mobile Phones
Always pack lightly! Leave room for
Most students had mobile phones that were
souvenirs and other random purchases! But
cheap to use in their host country. Before you
remember you have to carry whatever you
use them in another country, check the rates.
bring back with you!!
Most likely you will only be traveling on
Luggage:
weekends so perhaps you may only need your
Backpacker bags and/or duffel bags may be
phone in emergency situations. You can also
easier for travel, especially jumping on local
purchase a local SIM card. However, sometimes
transportation. If you use a bag on wheels, it
there is an expensive starter fee.
may be better to use a small suitcase, instead
of a large one.
Phone Cards
Book bag for weekend trips.
A better option, especially for weekend travel,
Suggested items:
may be to buy a local phone card or even a US
Adaptors (We suggest a global converter so
based calling card system with local country
that you can use it no matter where you go).
numbers. You can buy calling cards with very
Travel alarm clock.
cheap rates (calling a local number on a cell
Any medication you need.
phone to connect to a calling card, and then
Comfortable shoes.
making a call to the States.)
Camera!!
Flip flops for the hostel showers.
Online Communities & Blogging
Towels for the hostels.
Get informed and show off your time abroad:
Lock (some people felt they needed a lock
http://www.Blogger.com - Free and easy to
for their bag).
use blogging software.
http://CheckPointBlack.com - Free internet
Tips:
site that connects travelers and has forums for
Do not pack new clothes for every day of
posting stories, videos, questions, journals, etc.
your trip!
http://LonelyPlanet.com – Thorn tree is a great
Do not bring valuables that you do not
forum to speak to other travelers.
need!
http://RoughGuide.com – Download guide
Picture by Emily Lindsey
books for your Ipod or PDA.
Picture by Patricia Bradby
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OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH
With NYU sites in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and
the United Kingdom, we have created in depth sections focusing on each
Denmark
country at the back of this guide. However, many of us traveled to other
countries around Europe and had amazing times. Here are a few off-the-
Romania
beaten-path recommendations:
Scotland
Netherlands
Poland
Greece
Portugal
Map Public Domain; Pictures by Marti Grimminck and Patricia Bradby (Denmark)
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OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH
Arhus, Denmark - Away from Copenhagen, Arhus is home to some very interesting museums
and some really fun nightlife. Men and women alike can enjoy the Women’s Museum, which
really helps one understand the role of women both in Denmark and throughout the
world. Some other great museums include the Den Gamle By, which is similar to America’s
Hungary
colonial Williamsburg in that there are characters there and buildings preserved from centuries
past. The Aringrhus Kunstmuseum is arranged chronologically so that spectators can see the
progression of art over centuries as they make their way up the museum’s spiral staircase. At
night, be prepared to hit the clubs, as Arhus has a large college population. There was even a
club on a yacht in which each floor had a different DJ and theme.
Bologna, Italy - If Italy is feeling a little bit stuffy, Bologna is a good option as it is the city
where many Italians go for University. You will easily notice the younger feel of this city
compared to Venice or Florence. Bologna has interesting churches that are in different styles
from the duomos that pervade most Italian cities. You can check out film museums, famous
statues dedicated to mythological gods and goddesses, or go take a stroll through one of
Bologna’s many parks. Bologna is also home to a huge outside market that sells everything
from incense to high-quality leather jackets. Make sure you try some food as Bologna was the
birthplace of many popular Italian dishes such as pasta bolognese. The college crowd helps
inform the entertainment you can while in Bologna. Many concerts and plays take place in
Bologna throughout the year. You may not plan to see one of these but get lucky and see a
concert in the famous Piazza Maggiore. Nightlife is great too as you will be surrounded by
people your own age.
Picture by Patricia Bradby
Brugge, Belgium - This is a quaint little city that does not have the hustle and bustle of
Brussels. Take a walking tour - this should be easy as there are many roads that do not permit
vehicles. Through walking you can feel what the city was like hundreds of years ago. If you
get tired, take a boat ride on one of the many canals that flow through Brugge. For fun you
Turkey
can also check out the De Halve Maan Brewery, or any of the multiple churches and museums
present. Remember that Belgium is famous for waffles, and other sweets like chocolate
and ice cream. So be sure to eat hearty meals followed by delicious desserts.
Budapest, Hungary – This is another city divided by a river, one side “Buda” and the
other side “Pest.” Be sure to be ready for plenty of walking while you stroll about the city.
Try to stay on the Pest side, as it is the more commercial, “new” part of the city. Buda has a
more residential feel and is home to a castle. There are some amazing art museums (the best
on the left side of Heros Square), and we loved the baths (on the Buda side).
The coast of Croatia - This area is absolutely breathtaking. If you get the chance, you
must see it. Dubrovnik is a more tourist-geared city than Split, but that also means that there
is more to do there. In Dubrovnik, take boats out to 2 of the islands off of the coast (Lopud
and Lokrum), which are absolutely gorgeous. The weather there was great. It was warm
enough to lay out on the beach during fall break.
Picture by Marti Grimminck
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OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH
Dublin, Ireland - Despite being the capital city of Ireland, Dublin is more a cute small
college-town. The main downtown area, Temple Bar, is known for its restaurants and
pubs, and it is where Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious college, is
Switzerland
located. If you leave the main area you will encounter the Guinness Factory area. As
soon as you get in close proximity of the factory, you start to smell a wheat odor. The
factory tour guides you through the process of how they brew Guinness with a few stops
along the way. You are given a free pint ticket when entering and you can either stop
and learn how to pour your own pint in the correct manner or at the top of the factory
there is a bar that has an aerial view of all of Dublin. You can drink your pint and chat
amongst yourselves and enjoy the beautiful view. Another great thing worth doing in
Dublin is the hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. It stops at various historical sites such as the
Dublin Castle or allows you to shop on the famous Grafton Street.
Innsbruck, Austria - The site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, Innsbruck has
excellent winter sport facilities including skiing and snowboarding resorts. But the
picturesque town itself is worth visiting any time of the year. Check out the main square
with the Golden Roof and the highest altitude zoo in Europe with animals you won’t see
anywhere else (that you can pet!), or go watch young ice skaters training for their
Olympic debut. There is a thriving night life with boarders down from the mountain
drinking at the pubs. Try some goulash and strudel!
Istanbul, Turkey - Istanbul is an amazing city. It is a great fall break destination, and
there is plenty to see! The city is divided into three parts, the older part of the city
(Sultanahment), the newer/more modern part of the city (Beyoglu) and the Asian part of
the city. Istanbul is on the water, so be sure to take a day cruise up the Bosphorus to a
little fishing village for some lunch. The best place to stay is in Sultanahment, as it is near
all of the major tourist destinations, like the Ayasofya, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi
Palace. If nightlife is what you are looking for you might want to check out some of the
amazing roof-top venues over in Beyoglu!
Ljublana, Slovenia - The capital city of Slovenia, is actually a small town offering a
vivid picture of the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. Founded by the
Hapsburg Dynasty, Ljubljana’s small size, rich amalgamation of architectural influences,
and lush surroundings make it a perfect day stop on your way to Eastern Europe. In one
day travelers can cross the ancient Dragon Bridge, ride the funicular to the top of
Ljubljana Castle (offering magnificent views of the towns architecture), and roam the
historic center of Old Ljubljana. Ljubljana’s cuisine is influenced by the heartiness of
Eastern European food, and traditional Italian fare.
Picture by Marti Grimminck
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
ece
Gre
Osijek, Croatia - A small town in Eastern Croatia that suffered from the recent war in
nearby Serbia, Osijek is a frozen image of a unique post-communist Slavic community
detached from the influence of tourism. Most valuable for its insight into Slavic lifestyle and
culture, visitors can also enter the Hapsburg fortress, note the communist-style city planning,
view the once lavish palaces of the Hapsburg empire, and interact with locals. The town can
be easily traversed on foot, though public trams are also available. Osijek’s lively young men
and women spend much of their day and night enjoying spirited conversation in public parks
and the town square.
Salzburg, Austria - This is where the Sound of Music was filmed. You can visit the
gardens where they sang “Do-Ri-Me” and the nunnery where they tried to solve the problem
of Maria. Salzburg also has its own mini-Oktoberfest, charming, wide boulevards and
lederhosen. The city name – Salzburg – refers to the salt mines. You can take a tour of them
and dress in ridiculous white suits as you go through the mines.
Picture by Paul Karp
Stockholm, Sweden - Although this is a major city in Europe, it often gets overlooked by
students studying abroad. This city is a definite change of pace from Western Europe, as it
embraces its Viking history and penchant for new technologies. Visit the Skansen Folk
Open Air Museum--and see village manufacturing, rare animals like wolverines, and specialty
cuisines like Swedish meatballs. You can also try to find out why the Vasa was one of the most
ambitious ships ever built but became one of Sweden’s biggest disappointments and mysteries
when it sank. Check out the upscale 7-11s and great department stores when you go
shopping. Be sure to taste Swedish cuisine - heavy on fish and meat. Stockholm is also home
to one of the three Absolut Ice Bars in the world (the others are in London and Shanghai).
This bar is made completely of ice and you will need a special coat (provided for you) in order
not to freeze. You receive your drinks in glasses made of ice and your visit will be something
you will not soon forget.
Vienna, Austria - It is one of the most beautiful cities you will ever visit. Try to stay
near Ringstrasse (the historic part of town). Vienna is much more relaxed than other European
cities, and you will spend most of your time walking around the old city, looking at the
gorgeous white marble Renaissance buildings and lush parks. Definitely visit the palaces as you
will be shocked at the size and luxury of them.
Picture by Marti Grimminck
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MONEY
Conversion Rate
Credit Card
Making the money go further
US$1 = Euro .65
Western & Northern Europe:
Get ISIC (International Student identification Card) – This card gives you
• Used in most places.
US$1 = £.50
great deals at different restaurants and markets.
Exchange rates change daily, so for the
Eastern & Southern Europe:
most accurate information look at:
• Many places do not accept credit cards.
http://www.xe.com
Plan Ahead – Flight prices get more expensive when you buy last minute.
• Those that do more widely accepted
Note: The exchange rate listed on this
MasterCard and Visa over AMEX.
website does not equal the rate you will
Ask for student discounts – Many places will give you student discounts
get when you exchange your money. All
banks and credit cards seem to charge
Travelers Checks
on everything from train and bus tickets and hostels to little restaurants
commission for the exchange.
with friendly owners.
• Some students came with them as
ATMs
backup for their cash and credit cards.
Buy groceries - Many hostels provide cooking facilities or you can just
• If you lose them or if they get stolen you
make a sandwich for lunch. This option was always far cheaper than
There are ATMs practically everywhere in
can put in a claim for your money.
eating in restaurants.
Europe and most students found this to be
the easiest way to get cash. However,
before you leave, speak to your bank
Stay in hostels – Those scary movies about hostels are far from accurate.
about (1) the high fees they may charge
Hostels can be as nice as hotels in some cases and even if they are not
for overseas use and (2) not flagging your
you should not be spending much time there when traveling.
account as fraudulent due to the overseas
use.
Take local transport – Price-wise local public transportation is always the
To counter the large fees some students
better option over taxis.
took out large amounts of cash at one
time. If you choose to do that be careful
Study Abroad City Tips:
with your cash.
Prague – Groceries are cheaper at the small fruit and vegetable markets.
Czech Republic – Ceska Sporitelna
Paris – If you are going to be in Paris for longer than a few days get a carte orange for the
machines or Deutsche Bank machines are
metro. You have to get a picture taken, but it will be much cheaper than buying individual
located all over Prague.
tickets. If you are going to be there for only a few days buy a carnet of tickets (pack of 10)
France - BNP Paribas is Bank of
from a person at the window. Most museums and tourist attractions have student discounts
America's sister bank. HSBC America has
(tarifs étudiants), so bring your ID. Many are also free on Sunday mornings, although you
many French branches.
should expect the crowds to be larger. The Louvre is free for les jeunes on Friday evenings
Italy
when it is open until 9:45, and there is usually a fun international crowd then. You do not
– Various Italian Bank ATMs (known
need to tip in Paris, although leaving a small amount of change is polite. Paris has some of the
as bankomats) are located throughout
greatest parks and they are all free! Baguettes are only 1€. Add some brie and a blanket and
Florence and other major cities.
you have a great picnic.
United Kingdom – HSBC, Citibanks,
Picture courtesy of GA program
Florence – Buying groceries at the markets is the cheapest option (and fun!).
and Bank of America cards work in
Madrid –
Barclay’s machines.
Menu del dia is the cheapest option when eating out. Tapas is also a reasonable
option.
London - There are a lot of free things to do in London (museums, parks, just walking
around). Student discounts are available on tickets for shows, even West End shows. University
of London Student Union provides many good savings - you can look through their website or
through their magazine.
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SAFETY
Safety Tips
US Embassy
The same safety measures that apply in New York apply across Europe.
When you visit other cities just go online and jot down the address of the embassy or
consulate in your destination city. It is always good just to have in case you lose your
1. Be aware of your belongings. Do not bring what you do not need,
passport or are a victim of a crime, need to be informed of your rights, or god forbid, you
find yourself in jail.
especially if you are going to a bar. Most people ‘lost’ things from being
absentminded or drunk.
This website connects you to all of the US Embassy's or Consulates around the world:
http://usembassy.state.gov
2. Never walk alone at night, whether you are a male or female.
Prague, Czech Republic
3. Never bring anyone you just met back to your accommodation. If your
Tržišt? 15, 118 01 Praha 1, Czech Republic
Ph (+420) 257 022 000
travel mate does, watch/lock up any valuables with you.
http://prague.usembassy.gov
4. Be aware of pickpocketers in touristy places.
Paris, France
2, Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08, France
5. Be concerned with what people might be taking from you, but also
Ph: (+33) 1 43 12 22 22
http://france.usembassy.gov; http://paris.usembassy.gov
what they might be giving you!
Florence, Italy
6. Learn about the local laws of the countries you are visiting.
Lungarno Vespucci, 38 - 50123 FIRENZE, Italy
Ph: (+39) 055.266.951
7. Let your study abroad staff and family know where you are going and
U.S. Citizen Services - Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
e-mail: uscitizensflorence@state.gov
when you are supposed to be back.
website: florence.usconsulate.gov
8. Bring an extra copy of your passport with you and keep it in a separate
Madrid, Spain
location.
Ph: (+91) 587 2200
Bulgaria
American Citizen Services
Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 1:00PM
Ph: (+91) 587 2240 (American Citizen Services)
Ph: (+91) 587 2200 (emergencies after hours)
Website: http://madrid.usembassy.gov
London, United Kingdom
24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 2LQ, UK
Ph: (+44) (0)20 7499-9000
Website: http://london.usembassy.gov
Switzerland
Pictures by Marti Grimminck
Picture by Patricia Bradby
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