Winter can be everything here in Brazil, but in Europe now it is hot weather. With the end of the school year around this time, many European cities are more empty. That is, it is a great opportunity to visit the sights more calmly. With that in mind, we have listed the 4 best university cities to visit in summer in Europe:
Salamanca, Spain
The city with the oldest university in Spain is usually packed with students in its historic center. The summer in Salamanca offers the perfect environment to visit the university buildings, the Plaza Mayor and the famous Casa de las Conchas. It is also a great opportunity to get to know the city’s beautiful cathedrals or walk along the banks of the Tormes River.
Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra has one of the oldest universities in the world and is a World Heritage Site. Thus, the university environment dominates the city so much that its main attraction is Queima das Fitas. This is a festival in May, which marks the end of the school year, full of concerts, beer and cultural activities.
As of June, Coimbra is practically empty. This opens the city for tourists to explore the university buildings, as well as the impressive Joanina library, one of the most beautiful in the world. The city’s cathedral and botanical gardens are also must-see attractions. A tip: don’t miss the chance to have a coffee by the river while watching the sunset!
Padua, Italy
However, when students go home in the summer, you can easily enjoy the architectural and artistic monuments. And the best: without the endless queues. The Scrovegni chapel, with paintings by Giotto, the Palazzo della Ragione and the Basilica of Santo António de Padua are essential places to visit.
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Famous for the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham is also one of the UK’s top university cities . The fact that it has two very important universities, as well as thousands of students, makes the city very dynamic, with a remarkable nightlife. This is where you find the “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem”, a legendary pub that claims to be the oldest in England, serving beer since 1189.
In the summer, Nottingham becomes a ghost town – and not just because it has been voted the UK’s most haunted city. Even though it is half empty, the city has several sights to visit. Nottingham Castle, the underground caves, the Galleries of Justice Museum and Wollaton Park and Hall leave no room for boredom!
