A Guide to My Unforgettable Weekend Trips

Over the past four months of studying abroad, I’ve had the incredibly opportunity to spend my weekends exploring not only the many beautiful corners of Italy but also seven other countries across Europe. One of the most exciting parts of studying abroad is the fast-paced rhythm of weekend travel. Every Friday brings a choice: do you stay in your host city and continue building a deeper relationship with the place you now call home, or do you hop on a train or plane to discover somewhere entirely new?

Striking a balance between these two options is essential. Some of my most treasured memories have come from slow, easy weekends in Siena—becoming closer with my study abroad friends, wandering around the city, exploring new streets and restaurants and bars. Other weekends were spent sprinting through airports, exploring a different country, and soaking in an entirely new culture. I have found that traveling while abroad is a gift, but I’ve also learned that there’s something equally special about staying put. 

Here’s my personal guide to the weekend trips I took—what I loved, what surprised me, and what I’ll never forget.

Perugia, Italy

My first weekend trip was a quick excursion to Perugia, a city tucked into the hills of Umbria, just an hour and a half from Siena by train. I originally went to visit friends, but I quickly fell in love with the city itself. Perugia’s medieval architecture, winding stone streets, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside make the city truly beautiful and full of charm. While not quite as walkable as Siena, Perugia is easy to navigate thanks to its cute and convenient Mini Metro, which feels like a slow-moving roller coaster than circles the entire city. One of the highlights of my visit to Perugia was the Saturday market, a lively sprawl of vintage stalls and secondhand treasures. I scored a beautiful cashmere sweater for just 12 euros, while my friends walked away with thrifted clothes and even a pair of shoes. The market winds down by noon, so be sure to get there early to beat the crowds and have time to wander. Another favorite spot in Perugia was Marla, a funky little bar with eclectic decor, interesting wall-art, and live music. 

St. Julian’s, Malta

I will never forget my trip to Malta, the stunning Mediterranean archipelago tucked between Sicily and the North African coast. I loved everything about it: the crystal-clear blue waters, the baroque architecture, the incredible food, and the lively nightlife. We stayed in St. Julian’s at a hostel called Follow The Sun, which was perfectly located—just steps from the water and a 20-minute walk from the main strip filled with restaurants and clubs. It only cost 12 euros a night and included access to a pool and a modest breakfast. Malta’s nightlife was a highlight in itself. I especially loved Hive, one of the most fun clubs I’ve ever been to. The food scene was equally memorable. If you're heading to Malta, you have to eat at Kuya, an Asian fusion spot. I’m convinced the best meal I had in Europe was a peanut butter chicken rice dish from there. And their signature cocktail, the Tokio, might be the best drink I’ve ever had. Another must-do experience is taking a boat tour around Malta, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon. The sea caves are breathtaking, and the water at the Blue Lagoon is so bright blue it almost doesn’t look real. Malta will always be one of my favorite trips—I already can’t wait to go back someday.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona truly has it all—vibrant city energy, beaches, incredible nightlife, mouthwatering food, and the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Every corner of the city buzzes with life, color, and creativity. Whether you're wandering down La Rambla or exploring the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, there’s always something new and interesting to see. Gaudí’s influence is everywhere, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia. It’s absolutely worth the €20 ticket to go inside—the soaring ceilings, kaleidoscopic stained glass, and intricate details made me feel like I was stepping into some utopian steampunk sci-fi Catholic spaceship. It was insane. When the sun sets in Barcelona, the city transforms into one of Europe’s most legendary party scenes. The beach clubs—Pacha, Opium, and Shôko—are super fun, while Razzmatazz, a sprawling four-story mega club, serves up something for all different music tastes across its various rooms. Barcelona is the kind of city you could spend weeks in and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. It’s electric, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Madrid, Spain

The capital of Spain is an incredibly special city—lively, elegant, and full of surprises. I spent a weekend in Madrid visiting some friends from college, and it quickly became one of my favorite destinations. One of the highlights was strolling through the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, which offers an amazing collection spanning centuries and styles, from Renaissance masters to modern art. And then there was Café Federal, where I had what might be the best chicken sandwich of my life. It's the perfect cafe for a long, lazy brunch or a mid-afternoon coffee break. Madrid truly comes alive after dark. I absolutely loved going out in the city. The club Teatro Kapital is legendary for good reason: seven floors, each with its own music and vibe, all layered into one wild, unforgettable night. It’s chaotic, electric, and fun. Madrid has an effortless blend of culture and nightlife, tradition and spontaneity. 

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a stunning Italian island in the Mediterranean just west of the mainland. It has nearly  2,000 kilometers of pristine coastline, crystal-clear waters, and a mountainous interior crossed with hiking trails. Me and two friends stayed in the charming city of Alghero, known for its cobblestone streets, Catalan-Gothic architecture, and ancient sea walls that still encircle the historic center. The beaches around Alghero were peaceful and picturesque—perfect for a relaxing getaway. One of the highlights of the trip was a boat tour from the Alghero port to Neptune’s Grotto, an ancient cave system carved into the cliffs. Inside, we walked along winding pathways past two-million-year-old stalactites and turquoise pools. Sardinia was a lovely destination for a relaxing beach weekend with a touch of adventure to keep things exciting.

Munich, Germany 

My friends and I traveled to Munich, Germany for Springfest—often described as the smaller, little sister of Oktoberfest—and it ended up being one of the most fun weekends of our semester. Held in the same fairgrounds as Oktoberfest (the Theresienwiese), Springfest features massive beer tents, carnival rides, food stalls, and live music, but with fewer tourists and a more laid-back atmosphere. It was super fun (and quite expensive) to dress up in traditional Bavarian attire—dirndls and lederhosen. The beer tents were lively and full of energy, and we met people from all over Europe. It was such a joyful celebration, and getting to experience a slice of German culture in such a festive setting was unforgettable. If you’re studying abroad in the spring, I would definitely recommend popping over to Munich to celebrate Springfest.

Nice, France

Our final weekend abroad was spent in Nice, France, and it truly felt like the perfect send-off—from Europe, from our abroad semester, and from the incredible group of friends we’d grown so close to. Nestled along the French Riviera, Nice was absolutely stunning. The weather was perfect, mid-seventies and sunny, the Mediterranean water was warm and bright-blue, the food was incredible, and the overall vibe was effortlessly relaxed and beautiful. While the nightlife wasn’t wild—think more casual bars than packed clubs—the laid-back atmosphere made it easy to enjoy our last nights together. One thing to note: the beaches in Nice are all rocky, not sandy, so unless you want to sprawl out on stones, you’ll need to pay for a beach chair, which typically costs between €20–€40 per day. One of the highlights of our trip was going snorkeling. There wasn’t a ton of marine life—just a few scattered fish and the occasional jellyfish drifting by—but the experience itself was so much fun.