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Discover the beauty and history of 10 European universities, perfect for travelers seeking inspiration and culture.
European universities are the oldest and among the most beautiful in the world. Tourists should include them in their visit plans. Exploring these 10 European universities can be inspiring and educational, and seeking essay writing help can ensure your academic work is handled while traveling. UKWritings.com offers reliable support for students needing help with their essays, making it easier to focus on experiences like these.
University of Oxford, England
Let’s travel around England and start in Oxford—the oldest university in England and the English-speaking world. The University of Oxford is older than old—its origins as a world-class center of learning emerged in the 11th century. To wander around Oxford is to touch down on another world, like a spacecraft from HG Wells. The campus is filled with old yellow-stone buildings.
If you study at the University of Oxford, you should visit the Bodleian Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and you can find almost 12 million things on the shelves. Book lovers will be madly in love with this place.
The Bodleian Library viewed from Radcliffe Square. Photo by BethNaught via Wikimedia Commons
Visiting European universities is a must-do for any academic enthusiast, and for those pursuing advanced degrees, seeking the best dissertation services in the UK can provide the support needed to succeed. Do tour Christ Church, whose dining hall inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies (your magic wand doesn’t have to be lost to enjoy the dining hall)
University of Bologna, Italy
Then, it’s off to the University of Bologna in Italy, which dates back to 1088. Bologna is my favorite European city, too—great food and lovely architecture.
Archiginnasio, main seat of the University of Bologna between 1563 and 1803. By Wwikiwalter – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Anatomical Theater of the Archiginnasio at the University of Bologna in Italy—the oldest university in the world—is a wood-paneled room complete with a stage where students used to sit and watch dissections. It’s quintessentially medieval, replete with carvings and other artifacts from the era.
Take time to climb the Asinelli Tower while you’re in Bologna. Although it’s not part of the university, it is in the town center and you can see the whole university from the top.
Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
From there, we can go eastward to Prague and Charles University, founded in 1348 and one of Europe’s earliest universities. Of course, Prague is a fairytale city, with its castle on the hill and its picturesque old town square.
With its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Prague is a great place to vacation. Photo by Jakub Hruška via Pixabay
From an outside view, the Carolinum, the main building of Charles University, is worth stopping by. The impressive Gothic oriel window is almost blindingly beautiful inside. You can also look into the Great Hall, where the ceremonies are held.
Karolinum is the oldest building of Charles University, built in the 14th century. Photo by VitVit – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague. Built in the 14th century, it’s not part of Charles University but is named after Charles IV, the same Charles who founded the university. It’s a grand expanse lined with statues and offers a decent view of the city and Charles University.
University of Salamanca, Spain
Next, we are off to Spain to visit the University of Salamanca. Founded in 1218, it is Spain’s oldest university.
Another pastime at the University of Salamanca is to try to spot the frog. On the façade of one of the buildings, there is a carving where part of the statue is a frog. The legend is that you will do well in your exams if you spot it. Never mind that you might not be a student.
The main university library is another nice one, which replaced the old one in the Escuelas Mayores. It’s a gorgeous little early Baroque building whose second floor you can wander dreamily around, sniffing at the tome-laden shelves and various ancient manuscripts. You don’t need to be able to read old Spanish to enjoy the atmosphere.
The old library of the University of Salamanca. Photo by Antoine Taveneaux – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
University of Cambridge, England
It’s time to head back to England and the University of Cambridge. The second oldest university in the English-speaking world, Cambridge, like Oxford, was founded in 1209. It’s a beautiful little city, with the River Cam running through it and numerous green spaces and parks.
Punting on the Cam is a great way to see historic colleges and wildlife in Cambridge. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Indeed, punting down the River Cam is one of the most popular tourist activities in Cambridge—a flat-bottomed punt (the boat), propelled along with a long pole, will get you up close to the university’s Backs—the gardens in the backs of the colleges that run down to the river.
Do not miss King’s College Chapel, a 15th-century Gothic gem decorated with a beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling. If you’re lucky, you will visit while the King’s College Choir sings.
King’s Chapel and King’s College entrance gate at Cambridge University. Photo by IR_Stone via iStock by Getty Images
University of Coimbra, Portugal
Let’s travel to Portugal now to visit the University of Coimbra. Established in 1290, it is one of the world’s oldest schools still in constant use. The school sits perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. From its summit, you can view Coimbra and the surrounding region.
The loveliest room at Coimbra—its Joanina Library, named after the former king who commissioned it, with its gilt bookshelves and enormous colorful ceiling frescoes—is also the chilliest. Try to forget the bats that nest there to keep the books free from insects.
Biblioteca Joanina or Joanine Library in Coibra, Portugal. Photo by xiquinhosilva from Cacau – 94999-Coimbra, CC BY 2.0
The other big highlight is the University Tower, where you can go up to the top for views over town. But when you do, don’t forget to walk a few steps beyond the lookout area to check out the old student jail. Yes, a jail. The university had a jail.
Heidelberg University, Germany
Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is the oldest university in Germany. Heidelberg is a picturesque city in the Palatinate, and the old castle hovering above the Neckar River dominates the view.
Heidelberg University Library. Photo by diegograndi via iStock by Getty Images
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the tour of Heidelberg University is a stop in the Student Prison. As in Coimbra, when the Germans imprisoned students who misbehaved, students at Heidelberg regarded internment as an accolade. They rejoiced in spending at least one night there and etched graffiti into the walls.
Of course, while in Heidelberg, you can also take a stroll through the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg), a trail running along the north hillside of the Neckar River opposite the old town and the university, with a good view of the two, and with the option of following in the footsteps of all the great minds who were affiliated with this university.
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Next, we fly north to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen. The oldest university in Denmark was established in 1479.
Main building of the University of Copenhagen. Photo by Mik Hartwell – CC BY-SA 2.0
The Round Tower in the University of Copenhagen courtyard is always a good place to visit. Built in the 17th century as an observatory, it has a spiral ramp leading up to the top, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of Copenhagen.
Take time during your visit to see the University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, an oasis in the midst of the city. The 1874 Palm House, a spectacular 3,000-square-foot glass conservatory, is still open and welcoming visitors.
The Palm House in Copenhagen Botanical Garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Eoghan OLionnain from Brussels, Belgium – Botanic Gardens, Copenhagen, CC BY-SA 2.0
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Our third choice is Trinity College Dublin, the oldest university in Ireland, established in 1592. It is also located in the downtown area of Dublin, where you can combine attractions and touring.
Trinity College, Dublin. Photo by Stephen Bergin via Creative Commons
The Old Library in Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells—a pre-eminent illuminated ancient manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament—is a must-see for anyone visiting Trinity College. On the whole, Ireland’s museums and its incredible Trinity Library rank as the country’s best attractions.
The Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin. Photo by Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Once you’ve seen the library, visit Trinity’s main square. The ancient buildings around the grassy lawns bring the college’s history to life. Look for the bell tower in the middle of the square. They call this the campanile.
University of St Andrews, Scotland
We will end our academic tour in Scotland, at the oldest Scottish university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. The University of St Andrews is in a quaint seaside town renowned as the “home of golf.”
View across St Salvator’s Quadrangle at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Photo by Holger Uwe Schmitt – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Perhaps the highlight of the university’s year is the May Dip. Each year, on May 1st, students go into the icy North Sea at sunrise, which (so the story goes) guarantees to bring success to the exams that lie ahead. If you don’t fancy dipping yourself, you can always go to the beach and watch those who do.
Visiting European Universities
As for the old universities in Europe, beyond those mentioned above, there are many more than our list of the top 10 European universities to visit. Visit as many as you can! Besides the traditional, impressive architecture and the endless variety of objects, paintings, books, chairs, emblems, and so forth, there are the halls, the quiet corners, the staircases, and the general atmosphere of centuries of scholarly life. Any of the 10 universities are worth checking out, whether you are a serious scholar, building buff, or history buff. Therefore, if you plan a trip to Europe, include some of these venerable learning seats in your vacation —no student ID is required.
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to learn more about our favorite destinations in Europe and some of our student travel recommendations.