Did someone say budget friendly summer holidays? Yes please!!
Every penny counts as a student, but so does living your best life while you’re in your prime. Could that mean living off pot noodles every once in a while, yes, yes it does.
But don’t worry, you can put the pot noodles down, because we’ve put together the top 10 budget friendly summer destinations for students. So you can have the best summer of your life without your bank account crying about it.
1. Valencia, Spain
Valencia gives you sunshine, beaches, buzzing nightlife, and culture without rinsing your bank account. Whether you’re partying in El Carmen, soaking up rays at the beach, or grabbing a €10 paella in the old town, Valencia makes it super easy to have fun on a student budget.
Highlights:
- Beach + city = perfect combo.
- Great local tapas, cheap hostels.
- Awesome summer festivals.
2. Budapest, Hungary
If you’re on a student budget, Budapest is the dream place to experience European culture, history and nightlife without breaking the bank. Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant ruin bars, relaxing in the thermal baths, or soaking up the views from Buda Castle, Budapest offers endless fun on a budget.
Highlights:
- Thermal baths and riverside parties.
- Inexpensive hostels and street food.
- Great public transportation.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is every student’s dream destination packed with buzzing nightlife, epic rooftop bars, and plenty of culture. You can enjoy an unforgettable night out in Bairro Alto for just a few euros, hopping between lively bars and street markets serving up tasty, affordable food. And when you need a break from the city? Stunning beaches like Cascais are just a short and cheap train ride away.
Highlights:
- Sunny weather, beaches, and lively nightlife.
- Affordable local eats and transport passes.
- Student-friendly culture, fun restaurants and hostels.
4. Kraków, Poland
Nothing fits the student budget quite like £1.50 beers. That’s why Kraków is a student haven, packed with history, culture and a fantastic nightlife. You can explore the castles, museum and vintage flea markets by day and have the cheapest nights out of your life. Not to mention how cheap accommodation is, making it one of the most budget friendly summer destinations for students.
Highlights:
- Affordable food and hostels.
- Rich history, nightlife, and culture.
- Student discounts for museums and public transport.
5. Athens, Greece
Athens is a student paradise where ancient ruins meet buzzing nightlife, £2 gyros fuel your days, and rooftop bars give you unbeatable sunset views over the Acropolis without breaking the bank. And if you want a break from the city you can hop on a £1 metro to the beach!
Highlights:
- Ancient history meets budget travel.
- Cheap souvlaki and ferry trips to nearby islands.
- Discounts with ISIC cards.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is an absolute gem filled with rich history, vibrant culture and affordable living. This walkable city is great to soak up medieval charm at the old town, and sip on extra affordable cold beers and cocktails. You can enjoy many of the free attractions such as the Charles Bridge or the John Lennon wall, and finish up with some live music at the Jazzdock or Roxy nightclub.
Highlights:
- Iconic old town and castles.
- Cheap beer and budget hostels.
- Walkable city with free walking tours.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a ridiculously cheap destination. You can comfortably get by in Sofia on as little as £20-30 per day including food, transport, and a hostel bed. Whether you’re chilling in cafes, hiking a mountain, or sipping cocktails for £3 at Studenski and partying for pennies, this underrated capital proves you don’t need a fat wallet to live your best student life.
Highlights:
- Underrated and super affordable.
- Gorgeous mountains, architecture, and culture.
- Great for outdoorsy students.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto gives you everything you want in a student summer escape, delicious food, beautiful riverside views, good vibes, and cheap prices, all with that laid-back Portuguese charm. Whether you’re sipping port by the river, immersing yourself in local tascas or exploring colourful tiled streets, you’ll get the most bang for your (student) buck here.
Highlights:
- Wine, riverside views, and cobbled streets.
- Less touristy than Lisbon but just as affordable.
- Cheap hostels and student discounts.
9. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is a laid-back, quirky capital that lets you live well on very little. With fun hostels, affordable eats, and a unique cultural scene like the museum of broken relationships, it’s the kind of place where students can explore, party, chill, and soak up local vibes like no other.
Highlights:
- Charming capital near beautiful national parks.
- Cheaper than Dubrovnik.
- Cool cafés and art scene.
10. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn offers a magical mix of medieval charm, cool student life, and wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re into history, cafés, culture, or nightlife, this small but mighty capital has everything you need for a memorable student summer.
Highlights:
- Fairy tale old town.
- Great for digital nomad/student vibes.
- Budget eats and walkable attractions.
Conclusion
I don’t know about you but seeing all these budget friendly destinations has got me so excited for summer. So ready for a sunny, stress free summer.
Whether you’re jetting off to Europe, road-tripping with friends, or heading home for the holidays, one thing’s for sure you’ll need somewhere safe to store your stuff while you’re away. That’s where Spaceways comes in.
Our student storage is as easy and affordable as your favourite budget friendly summer getaway. We collect, store, and return your items when you need them so you can focus on having the time of your life, not worrying about your things.
Think of it as a mini holiday for your belongings while you go off and enjoy yours!
Off on Your Summer Adventure?
Don’t let your stuff hold you back, store it with us while you live your best life. Our student storage is just as budget-friendly as your holiday and totally hassle-free. Book now and make space for unforgettable memories!
