The Best Places to Take a Gap Year in Europe

Published by Raj Patel

#8. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, home to more than a fifth of Sweden's population, is going to be a fun city no matter who you are. The city is known for its passion for rock and roll and you'll see why if you ever decide to patron at one of the city's rock clubs.

Not into head banging music? Don't worry. If you're a history buff, you'll love visiting the Medieval Museum, which features hundreds of artifacts from the era. Stockholm won't have a problem accommodating you if you love hitting the slopes, as it has some great mountains. Because of the wide variety of things to do and see, Stockholm is a great place to spend your gap year.

We recommend: Volunteers for Peace in Sweden

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Sweden

#7. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is home to one of the United Nations headquarters and due to lenient Swiss tax laws, is one of the leading banking cities in the world. If you're the career-oriented type, these facts alone should intrigue you enough to consider spending a gap year in Geneva.

And while it is cold there (it can reach below zero in January), it makes for some great skiing and snowboarding on the famous Swiss Alps. Also, if you're a chocolate lover, you're in luck as Swiss chocolates simply cannot be beat!

We recommend: United Planet in Switzerland

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Switzerland

#6. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, the most populous city in Ireland, is a busy urban city that is at the forefront of education, industry and the arts. The city, featuring great universities and centuries old castles, makes it a great destination for anyone who simply wants to explore, study or both!

Dublin is also known to have a vibrant and lively nightlife. The city is particularly famous for having live street music played throughout the night and having hundreds of pubs. Dublin is be sure to provide a great time!

We recommend: Aspire by API in Ireland

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Ireland

#5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is the perfect example of a city that is deep and rich in history, while still being very relevant to the modern world. W.W.I.I. history buffs will relish at the chance to visit the Berlin Wall while those who are more career-orientated can look for internships at some of the largest companies in the world.

In addition, the city is known for being a very vibrant city with a great nightlife. The varied number of festivals and events like Jazzfest Berlin and Oktoberfest will ensure anyone could really enjoy their gap year here!

We recommend: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange in Germany

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Germany

#4. Rome, Italy

While modern day Rome still features buildings that are thousands of years old, the Coliseum being the most obvious example, it also still offers all the opportunities that you would expect from a leading present day city. Whether that includes attending school or volunteering, you really have an array of options to choose from.

It also goes without saying that Rome can be a very exciting city. Just imagine spending your days exploring countless narrow streets and having some of the most extraordinary food you'll ever try. Saying no to a gap year here will be hard to do.

We recommend: USAC Study Abroad in Italy

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Italy

#3. London, England

At the forefront of the banking and commerce world, London is a modern busy city that never seems to stop moving. If you chose London for your gap year adventure, you'll have tons of fun exploring places like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham palace and the London Eye. After you're done exploring you can enjoy a London staple, fish and chips.

In addition, London has great shopping and amazing museums that are sure to capture your attention (most notably Madame Tussaud's wax museum). Come to London for your gap year and you won't be disappointed!

We recommend: CEA Study Abroad in England

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in England

#2. Paris, France

Arguably the most romantic city in the world, Paris is a great place to spend your gap year. With its charming little cafes and jaw-dropping architecture, Paris is a city you could easily fall in love with during your stay.

A city known for being the fashion capital of the world, Paris is sure to appeal to any aspiring designer or lover of new trends. But the city has so much than that to offer, including world-class museums like the Louvre and highly ranked universities where you can perfect your French. Whether you want to study, experience a new culture or just fall in love, Paris is simply the place to be!

We recommend: ISA in Paris

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in France

#1. Madrid, Spain

The hustling and bustling city of Madrid is a leading modern city where it is impossible to get bored. Whether you go to try some of the roasted ham that the city is known for or go visit Cybele's Fountain, you're bound to have a great time!

If you've recently picked up some Spanish but now want to perfect it, look no further than Madrid! While you practice speaking with the locals, you'll get a glimpse of a culture that is known to be dynamic and passionate. Simply put, Madrid is a great option for your gap year adventure!

We recommend: IES Study Abroad in Spain

Check Out More Gap Year Programs in Spain

Europe's diverse and rich history, along with its strong foothold on the modern world, makes it an ideal place for a gap year adventure. The plethora of opportunities Europe offers means one could do anything from visiting centuries-old Cathedrals at the Vatican to interning at a firm in London.

In addition, Europe is the ideal place for anyone wanting to perfect their language skills. Featuring over 23 official languages, with multiple languages spoken in any given country, it is easy to find the language you want to study. Europe truly is a place with limitless options!

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The Best Places to Take a Gap Year in Europe

#8. Stockholm, Sweden

#7. Geneva, Switzerland

#6. Dublin, Ireland

#5. Berlin, Germany

#4. Rome, Italy

#3. London, England

#2. Paris, France

#1. Madrid, Spain

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Subscribe for daily job updates:

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Life Abroad Articles

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Study Abroad Articles

Volunteer Abroad Articles

The Go Company Blog

The Best Places to Take a Gap Year in Europe

#8. Stockholm, Sweden

#7. Geneva, Switzerland

#6. Dublin, Ireland

#5. Berlin, Germany

#4. Rome, Italy

#3. London, England

#2. Paris, France

#1. Madrid, Spain

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