Backpacking through Europe can be one wild ride, especially if you know the best places to meet fellow travelers and locals along the way. Below are some of the top bars to check out while you are on your great adventure that will fit your budget and surely fuel incredible stories to take home with you.

As indicated by its moniker, Bar Dow Jones in Barcelona is a mock Wall Street where instead of following the stock market, visitors track the prices of shots! The entire system is based on supply and demand, so the more people order of a particular shot, the more expensive it gets – that is, until the market crashes. The escalating prices and joyous moments when prices hit rock bottom all contribute to the raucous energy that fills the bar throughout the night in Barcelona.

Track Stocks... and Shots at the infamous Dow Jones Bar in Barcelona!

If you’re looking for a great place to catch a game, Red Garter is a must. As one of the most popular American-style sports bars in Florence, there’s always a huge crowd for a big match. There’s more than enough activity happening at Red Garter throughout the week that it’s sure to please everyone though. Whether you participate in their beer pong tournament, karaoke or just have a crazy time on the dance floor, prepare yourself for a wild night on the town.

If you can’t quite decide where to go in London, check out 333 Motherbar, which actually contains two adjoining, yet distinct, venues. The first, 333, is one of the oldest and well-loved clubs in London’s Shoreditch neighborhood and regularly features big name DJs on their calendar. Motherbar, on the other hand, caters more towards the local hipster population with its vintage décor and retro playlist. Whether you dedicate your night to one venue or the other, you are guaranteed to have a crazy night.

For backpackers looking to mingle with locals, stop by Bar Campus in Madrid. Because of its proximity to Universidad Complutense, Spain’s largest university, Bar Campus tends to cater to the student population. Regular beer specials and karaoke nights keep spirits high among revelers even with the ominous cloud of exams looming overhead. Although it isn’t located in the wildest party neighborhood in Madrid, Bar Campus is the ideal place to grab a pint and hangout with all of your friends, both new and old.

Dance it up at MotherBar in London!

Although nearly half way around the world from the true outback, Ned Kelly’s Australian Bar in Munich gives its customers a taste of what it’s like to party down under. Kangaroos, crocodiles and surfing paraphernalia adorn the walls of this cozy and dimly lit space that is popular among Aussies and other English-speakers that frequent the bar. The menu furthers the Australia theme through its exotic options that feature ostrich and even kangaroo as main dishes! With its laidback vibe, Ned Kelly’s is a fantastic place to check out live bands and enjoy great food and drinks with friends.

Party Earth is a global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

There seem to be almost an unlimited number of things to do in Paris, including enjoying countless idyllic cafes that it can be nearly impossible to decipher which offers the best tasse du café in the city. Determining factors, such as the heavenly flakiness of a fresh croissant or the mellow rhythms of a live jazz trio playing in the background are all quintessential to the making of a classic Parisian café experience. To save you hours of listless wandering, below are five incredible cafes in Paris that will leave you longing to return.

For those looking for a quaint respite in Montmartre, be sure to stop by Le Coquelicot des Abbesses. Le Coquelicot des Abbesses is a classic Parisian café that offers a variety of delectable items, from the irresistibly simple pain au chocolat to main menu items such as quiche Lorraine and crepes. The laidback atmosphere makes this café an ideal place to meet up with friends for a weekend brunch or for a quick treat before a day of exploration.

Originally a coal shop, Café Charbon has embraced its industrial past in its hybrid design that beckons back to 19th century France. The intimate décor and authentic vibe attracts a lively bohemian crowd throughout the day and into the night. Wednesdays through Saturdays the café transforms into a cozy nightclub as the lights are dimmed and DJ’s spin tracks for an easygoing dance scene. After dinner at Café Charbon, be sure to check out their sister bar, Nouveau Casino, next door for fantastic live electronic and experimental music.

Enjoy intimate décor, an authentic vibe and a lively bohemian crowd at Cafe Charbon.

Both sophisticated and vintage, Le Bar du Marché is a prime café to linger and people watch for an entire afternoon. This Parisian hotspot attracts a diverse clientele representative of the “bobo” sensation, a mixture of bohemian and bourgeoisie, through its old-city atmosphere and its great location. The simple, yet elegant, bistro fare and antique jazz posters beckon back to the times of the Golden Age, making this café a must for anyone in search of the iconic Parisian café.

La Palette provides visitors with a subtle and charming café experience with its rustic décor and menu comprised of classic French fare. Since its opening in 1905, La Palette has drawn a variety of clientele, ranging from Picasso to Harrison Ford, and continues to be popular with students from the prestigious.

Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Although a majority of the customers are students, the crowd diversifies in the evening when young professionals venture in for an evening of cocktails and delectable cuisine. The year-round terrace also makes this café the perfect spot for warm summer evenings, where you can while away the hours with a great bottle of wine and friends.

Have a subtle and charming café experience at La Palette

Visiting the upscale Café de Flore has become a pilgrimage for those in the know of its bohemian history. Serving as a creative hub for French existentialists such as Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Café Flore is the perfect place to savor exquisite hot chocolate while soaking in its intellectual heritage. Although relatively pricey compared to most cafes, Café de Flore provides customers with an unparalleled experience through its premium location and high quality offerings. Be sure to sit on the conservatory-like patio for an elegant experience sampling aperitifs and people watching rain or shine.

By Party Earth – a global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

Europe is a continent sized adventure land, mesmerizing idealistic tourists with the promise of history, romance, and memories to last a lifetime. With so many enticing options, planning your trip across the pond can be overwhelming. Here are a few places that are sure to captivate your adventurous spirit and exceed your expectations for the ultimate European experience!

Vondelpark (Amsterdam)

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Vondelpark is the city’s largest green space, boasting a bike trail, multiple ponds, four restaurants, and stunning grassy fields. Thousands of locals, tourists, and students flock to Vondelpark daily, soaking up the sun’s heat in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Groups of friends are always seen playing soccer on the grassy landscape or riding bikes around the park’s outer path. During your European adventure, Vondelpark should definitely be on your list of things to do in Amsterdam.

Chill out at Vondelpark during this amazing summer!

Las Ramblas (Barcelona)

There are hundreds of things to do in Barcelona, but for an amazingly energetic atmosphere and cultural vibe, you can’t miss out on Las Ramblas, one of the most captivating streets in the city. It is not only a beautiful avenue, outlined with towering trees and ornate buildings, but a popular shopping quarter. Local and internationally known shops and stores, like Zara, line the outskirts of Las Ramblas, which is always filled with locals, tourists, and those simply out for a stroll. One of the key attractions on Las Ramblas is La Boqueria, an outdoor market offering specialty foods, meats, seafood, and desserts. After spending a day of shopping on Las Ramblas, La Boqueria is the perfect location to rejuvenate during lunch and experience the local culture.

Hofbräuhaus (Munich)

A signature to Bavarian culture is the beer and Hofbräuhaus is a historic landmark in Munich combining this German tradition with bratwurst, pretzels, and good company. The moment you step into the doors of Hofbräuhaus, sounds of a Bavarian band and guests singing national songs ring through your ears. The ceiling is adorned with elaborate paintings of flowers while waitresses, donning traditional Bavarian dress, weave through the crowds selling giant pretzels to patrons. A “come as you are” mentality fills the atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus. Rather than being seated by a waitress, guests are welcome to sit at any one of Hofbräuhaus’ long tables, fostering a friendly environment of mutiple nationalities. For things to do in Munich, Hofbräuhaus should definitely be at the top of your list.

Enjoy a nice cold beer and good company at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich

Piazzale Michelangelo (Florence)

Perched upon a hill overlooking the entire Florentine valley, Piazzale Michelangelo is one of Florence’s most unique and beautiful squares because of its overarching view. Although the square is located a bit outside the city’s center, about a 10 minute cab drive, it is the perfect location to relax with friends over a bottle of wine while admiring the Florentine landscape. The panorama is especially breathtaking just before sunset, when guests see Florence dazzling in lights. Though Piazzale Michelangelo is mainly a tourist hub, with just a few locals, it is definitely one of the most spectacular places to visit Florence.

Party Earth is a global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

Grab a bottle of wine and go enjoy some live music at Vondelpark in Amsterdam!

If you’re studying abroad, backpacking, or on a leisurely vacation, chances are you want to experience the destination in all its glory. Often the first places that enthused travelers are itching to check out are historical monuments, museums, clubs, bars, and restaurants. However, there is one destination that is truly underrated: parks. All across Europe breathtaking parks are open to the public. Visiting these parks allows one to experience serene, natural, beauty and provides an idyllic getaway to the craziness that sometimes consumes traveling and exploring. Here are some of the incredible parks you can’t miss when gallivanting around Europe this summer.

Vondelpark – Amsterdam
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Amsterdam, there’s nothing like grabbing a bottle of wine and some snacks for a visit to Vondelpark, the biggest park in the city where you can experience live music and theater performances on the weekend. This park features lakes, wildlife, and rose gardens away from the canals and restaurants.

Park Güell – Barcelona
One park in particular that is both inspiring, as well as an adequate exercise is Park Güell in Gracia, Barcelona. Get a unique, art-fix here while adventuring through the windey trails you will encounter various Gaudi designed statues, foundations, sculptures, pillars, and of course the famous gingerbread houses that bring you back to your childhood memories of playing Candy land.

Hyde Park – London
Spectacular in length, The Grand Entrance to London’s Hyde Park features massive columns and iron gates leading to the three hundred and fifty acre Park, equipped with meadows, tennis courts, british bowling, and putting greens. Rent a boat and tour the grounds by water while making your way to the adjacent Kensington Gardens.

El Parque del Buen Retiro – Madrid
A vivacious, urban playground, El Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid has ample romantic architecture and dynamic musicians, fortune tellers, vendors. On Sunday evenings, young bohemians are often present jamming away on their bongos and enjoying endless bottles of wine and a sunset.

Englischer Garten – Munich
The Englischer Garten in Munich is one of Europe’s largest municipal parks, equipped with beer gardens, a lake, bike and jogging paths, and at times, nude sunbathers. If you’re looking for something different; enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the Japanese tea house.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Paris

Go and chill out at the beautiful Buttes-Chaurmont Park

Away from the typical manicured gardens, Buttes-Chaurmont’s plants are untended and lush. One of the biggest parks in Paris, Buttes has various panoramic views, but for the best, guests should venture to the park’s central lake and then to the historic Temple of Sybil – a stone gazebo modeled to replicate an ancient Roman temple-that sits quietly atop the island in the middle of the water.

Venture further and encounter a quaint bridge that provides access to a cave where you’ll experience one of the most awe-inspiring and romantic things to do in Paris.

Party Earth is a global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

To those not familiar with this image, this is the financial district of London. Famously, it is simply known as "The City."

Almost all European capitals follow a similar rule as far as their districts, boroughs or areas are concerned. There is the area that tourists visit, which is usually made up of the new part of the city and the old one, breathing a certain medieval air with cobbled streets, gothic architecture and scary gargoyles spying on travelers from imposing cathedrals. And then there is the business area, made of imposing buildings with quirky designs. No gargoyles this time, yet the same feeling of awe and reverence.

To those not familiar with this image, this is The City of London. Simply known as The City.

Just as the museums, markets and fountains in Italy inspire art students, so does The City inspire all those who want to study business. It’s worth knowing that there are quite many educational institutions in London that offer special programmes, or even a special business foundation year meant to help students gain easier access to the prestigious London business schools.

Why is London the international business hub?

Let’s just say that it has 2 major players: The City and Canary Wharf.

According to Wikipedia, The City constituted most of London from its settlement by the Romans in the1st century AD to the Middle Ages, but the conurbation has since grown far beyond its borders. The City holds city status in its own right, and is also a separate ceremonial county.

Today, the City is a major business and financial centre ranking as the leading centre of global finance. Skyscrapers dominate this area and as expected, they are used by the financial sector.

Many major global companies and law firms have their headquarters in the City, including Aviva, BT Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever, Hogan Lovells, Allen & Overy and DLA Piper .

The City’s reputation is easy to understand. It benefits from history in the first place and then from top players.

It is seconded by Canary Wharf, with an interesting history.

Canary Wharf.

Back in 1802, Canary Wharf was one of the busiest docks in the world. Canary Wharf itself takes its name from No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. At their request, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf. (source: Wikipedia)

By the 1950s, the port industry began to decline, leading to the docks closing by 1980. Then Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into back office. That is when the Canary Wharf Londoners know today started to be shaped.

And while they got used to the steel and glass buildings, tourists will still experiment that “open mouthed”, “wow” feeling. Trains, part of the DLR, Docklands Light Railway, will snake their way amidst the skyscrapers, above the canals, making one ask the question: “What would it be like to work here? What would it be like to live here?”

Image source:  http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2441206

Canary Wharf is far from being an inaccessible place. As a source of inspiration, it is open to everybody and has plenty to offer in terms of restaurants, cinemas and shopping. If you take a look here, you’ll come across an amazing schedule, with events that will most definitely entice.

With two major financial players, The City and Canary Wharf, London is definitely the place to be for both future entrepreneurs and the experienced ones. On top, London itself has so much to offer that it’s simply inconceivable not to benefit from this amazing life experience.

Check out the Rocket located in the hip Camden Town!

The glorious pub –  England’s oldest form of drinking establishment and a quintessential cornerstone of British drinking culture. With over 5,000 of them in the greater London area, there’s practically one on every block. They range in size and atmosphere, from quiet joints catering to neighborhood locals to loud rambunctious scenes with live music and drunken crowds. Below are four diversepubs in London that are sure to satisfy your thirst. 

The Rocket

Those looking for a rowdy good time need look no farther than The Rocket, located in King’s Cross in close proximity to the ultra-hip Camden Town neighborhood. Surrounded by a number of nearby universities and colleges, and offering killer drink deals, there is never a lack of beautiful young partygoers at this hectic pub. With bar games, a pounding dance floor, and late hours, The Rocket is always a hotspot for anyone interested in some old-fashioned booze-fueled mingling.

O’Neill’s

If you’re interested in an alternative scene, forget the English and head straight to O’Neill’s, located in the Chinatown section of theSoho district. During the day, O’Neill’s dimly lit interior and cozy, simple décor is populated with blue collar and friendly locals enjoying heavy stouts and deep dishes of shepherd’s pie. But the unassuming building

fills up at night with all types of people looking to avoid the chic club scene. As the second floor opens its doors, live rock musicians take the stage, playing the classics. When the cheap drinks have you feeling warm and fuzzy, head up into the packed room and rock out to renditions of The Police while you try to find your own Roxanne on the dance floor. 

Enjoy some heavy stouts and classic rock at O'Neill's!

The Lock Tavern

The Lock Tavern is an ultra-hip pub in Camden Town that is a go-to spot for music lovers. The large two-story pub, with cozy interiors and outdoor areas on both floors, brings in some of the best music in London. But check the schedule ahead of time, because this tavern is known for its diversity, putting on shows ranging from live rock music to dubstep to Korean pop. It’s an eclectic mix of fun-loving hipsters and lively crowds that make for a pub experience far beyond the traditional.

The Old Queen’s Head

Sometimes the name of a place is all that it takes to catch your attention from the street and pull you inside, but this centuries-old Camden Town pub is much more than meets the eye. The historic décor of leather seating, gold-framed portraits, and a 17th century fireplace creates a deceivingly proper atmosphere. Rowdy trivia and comedy nights are a regular occurrence early in the week. And on a weekend, first time visitors here will stare in wonder as a bunch of hipsters and rockers congregate in the mannered pub, like muggles at the sight of robe-toting characters with owls heading for platform 9 ¾. The later it gets, the more booze flows and finally a neon sign will flicker from a dark stairwell indicating what everyone has been waiting for: the second floor is now open. The upper room of The Old Queen’s Head turns into a decadent party as big-name DJs and indie/electro bands take the stage, and the atmosphere quickly strays far from what the proper name implies. So if you’re looking for a night of shameless drinking and dancing but don’t want to deal with the commotion of a nightclub, go to The Old Queen’s Head, where even after hundreds of years, is still the place to be. 

For Anna, London feels more like America - and is her refuge from the culture on the Continent.

Study abroad is an exciting time. But as many thrilling experiences, it can also be overwhelming. And sometimes… sometimes, you just want to go home. How strongly you know you may react is something to consider before even going abroad, actually: evaluating the question of what you personally are going to like best. Do you want to go somewhere downright different? Try China, Buenos Aires, or even to a lesser degree Italy. European cities like Paris, Rome, or Berlin can offer a pretty substantial alternative to American culture on a basic level… greetings of bises instead of hugs being a small example of what you will confront.

Or do you want to experiment with life abroad but not stray too far from your comfort zone and language? England, Ireland, and Scotland provide the perfect escape: just different enough from the US while within the European Union, allowing for quick jaunts to more “exotic” places (Greece one weekend, Spain the next), yet not scary enough to intimidate you with linguistic misunderstandings and awkward cultural faux pas.

Even if you prefer studying somewhere conspicuously new, the differences that are exhilarating and amusing at the beginning can grow taxing over time. You may find yourself resenting the cultural peculiarities that once made the place so special to you; you may even feel like a foreigner and crave to be “normal” again. This reaction is completely normal, one of many study abroad symptoms. In which case there’s no need to purchase an expensive plane ticket back over the Atlantic. All you need is a weekend spent across the Pond.

France is not the most culturally eccentric place. Still a part of western culture, the French differ from Americans in subtle ways. But subtlety, nonetheless, can make you grow weary. After spending two years in Paris, I found myself restless a month ago, dreaming of returning to the US, to a wider wardrobe selection, to Mexican food, to familiarity. In December, I had planned a jaunt to London specifically to see a ballet and decided to make it a weekender considering it would be my last trip to London (my third in total) until who-knows-when.

The London Tube.

London and I have a tumultuous history. The first time I went, I frankly hated it. Granted, this was over a year ago when my infatuation for Paris was so intense that nowhere could compare. London disappointed me by being too modern, too varied in architecture, and too, well, American. The Brits would kill me for saying this, but London, to me, seemed like a European version of New York City. And in January 2012, I had absolutely no interest in being anywhere near the US. I was studying abroad, and the last thing I wanted to see was something familiar.

Fast forward nine months when I returned in September for 24 hours, just long enough to see two musicals and check out the Harry Potter studio tour (so worth the money, by the way, if you love the movies). I had just spent a summer at home more content away from Europe than I had expected after being almost forcefully pulled away in May. I was now at peace with my American identity and where I fit within Europe. So, this time I found London charming.

My love of London is directly proportional to how much I miss New York. And this last time, I REALLY loved London. Six more months in the future, I was feeling ill at ease in my former European paradise, out of place, and homesick for simple things like American gossip magazines and a vast, conveniently available selection of foods, as oftentimes Parisian food can seem a repetition of baguettes, cheese, and ham in endless combinations. In terrible need of a reminder of my desire to be here and even more so to be comforted by a homey environment, London came at the perfect time. Like every other American who steps off a plane or train onto English soil, I felt like the rebellious child finally coming home. Our ancestors removed by centuries speak English with a different accent, but ultimately they remind me a lot of us…

They appreciate small talk. Many Europeans are very reserved. Unlike rowdy, rambunctious Americans who like to partake in casual conversation, they tend to value their privacy. It is considered extremely rude to ask a stranger personal questions; even asking how you are can be a violation. The problem in this is that, like many a red-blooded American, I love small talk with strangers, even if I never learn their names. Not only in London did countless British people ask me directions but, as I was traveling alone, I small talked with people at every step. Simple things like exchanging looks of frustration on the street when a car splashed me and two guys, a British man offering to take my picture at Abbey Road if I took his (later divulging his entire life story about why he was there without prodding), a husband and wife in a Thai restaurant who ended up talking to me all dinner after I timidly asked the wife for a recommendation off the menu, and a Dutch woman living in Spain visiting her daughter in London at a musical gushing how much she loved it. As a very social person who loves to hear the stories of people from all over the world, this is something I perhaps miss more than anything.

They have trashy American magazines. It’s a guilty pleasure, yes, but I do love a good People or Us magazine sometimes. And celebrity magazines are just not the same when written in French. So when in London, it’s time to stock up.

They know how to make good snack food. England is not known for a specific cuisine outside of stereotypical fish & chips and meat pies. But one thing the British do seem to be really good at is snack food. Every time I go to London, I raid a local Marks & Spencer or Waitrose for all the chips (or crisps, as they call them), popcorn, and cookies they have. The French do have wonderful pastries (that I will never deny) but their grocery stores can be lacking in good snacks. Cheddar crackers, chocolate chip cookies, sour cream and onion snack mixes, and a large variety of outlandish chip flavors (from salt and vinegar to chicken to shrimp cocktail) line my kitchen counter after a weekender.

And on that note, cupcakes, and bagels! Not every country seems to know about them.

They have food from every place you can imagine. It’s easy to forget that not everyone has as adventurous and varied tastes as the US. We pride ourselves on our boundless boulevards with a Denny’s, Olive Garden, Chipotle, Outback Steak House, and P.F. Chang’s within one short stretch. But Paris proves not as conspicuously diverse… or at least not as conveniently and affordably so. London is a breath of fresh air of Indian restaurants next to Greek next to Italian next to Turkish. Perfect to re-spice up your life.

THEY SPEAK ENGLISH. This can never be emphasized enough when you are studying in a country with a completely different language than you’re used to.

They will understand your sarcastic comments, figuratively and literally.

Their stores are actually open on Sundays. I can’t tell you how big a deal this is.

They have diverse architecture. A count against it as a historical European city but for it as an American refuge. As London was hit hard during World War II, its buildings aren’t as uniform and consistently old as Paris or Rome. Instead, London consists of skyscrapers, brick facades, and many other architectural styles and building heights, much like American cities. Even the bridges range from the legendary Tower Bridge to the extremely modern Millennium Bridge. There’s something for everyone.

And lastly, still architecturally, I’d like to compare the brick to a hug, warm and colorful in comparison to Paris’ limestone’s bises, beautiful yet formal.

When you first study abroad, you want to be somewhere totally unlike your home country. But the thing is, the longer that you are away, the more you crave the comforts of home. London is not New York, no, but it is the closest thing while abroad. Being there felt so right… so comfortable and easy. I honestly didn’t want to leave this time. But I had to. And you know what, I enjoy Paris so much more now that my refuge has revitalized me.

Music, like love, is a universal language. And for those of us who love music, studying it abroad is a life-changing experience. Since music is such a broad topic and has many different roots it makes it a great topic to study abroad. No matter what your area of focus, you can gain amazing insight by

An Orchestra plays in Rome for the International Festival for Sacred Music. Source: Italy Magazine.

visiting its country of origin. Staying in the United States to study music is great but you are doing yourself a great disservice by not traveling to study this art form. Here are three reasons why studying music and studying abroad work in perfect harmony.

A New Perspective

Everywhere does things just a bit differently. In the creative arts it is especially important to get out of your comfort zone now and again. It fosters creativity. Studying at a college with new professors in a totally different music program gives you new ways of thinking about music. Collaborations with other students are that much richer because of the cultural differences. Theories which you have heard before take on new meaning when described in a different language and cultural context. You will return home with a new perspective which will fuel your studies.

The History

It is one thing to read about history, and another to live it. Being able to see where a composer was born, or where they actually sat and played or composed a piece is priceless. You can’t help but think that some of their genius will rub off on you through the ages as you stand where they once stood. The museums are also far better in the musician’s country of origin. They contain artifacts that are unique to the country and offer knowledge you could not get elsewhere but at the source.

The Concerts

You can attend a concert anywhere, but hearing a concert in a 900 year old church is a much different experience

The German Composer Ludwig van Beethoven - "I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose."

which ignites the imagination. The acoustics and the ambiance carry you to a different place and time altogether. It is not a far cry to picture yourself in the 1700s listening to your favorite composer. And if you are lucky enough not just to listen, but to perform abroad, relish every moment of it. For example, having the opportunity to play in a castle is a memory that will last a lifetime and eclipse all other concerts. And how many other people can say they have done that?

There is almost nothing better than being able to go to another country to study music while having it count toward your graduation at the same time. Studying music abroad can be a lifetime experience and depending on what country you chose to study in, it will have a lasting impact on your music career for the rest of your life. There are no downsides to studying music abroad—only upsides that you cannot miss. The knowledge, experience, and memories will only enhance your musical journey and will never leave you.

Amanda Perkins writes and edits the Study Abroad website ClassAbroad.com.  She enjoys traveling, learning, and writing. She recently published a piece on Best Places to Study Music Abroad.

WeHostels.com has created an informative new infographic about saving money while studying abroad and “taking advantage of post-recession trends.”

Check it out:

The New Face of Study Abroad is an infographic by WeHostels.

Christianity has Bethlehem. Judaism has Jerusalem. Islam has Mecca…and beer-lovers have Munich. The capital of Bavaria is not only home to some of the oldest breweries in the world, but also some of beer’s most important history. It was Duke Wilhelm IV, the owner of Munich’s royal Hofbräuhaus himself, who passed the 1500s-era creed – the Bavarian Purity Law – which defined what beer actually was, and over two hundred years ago, it was Munich that first instituted the beloved and all-holy biergärten.

Today, the city has nearly 200 outdoor beer gardens within its vicinity, giving visitors and longtime residents more rich-carb options than an American food court – but with much happier side effects. Luckily for those of you who need a little help deciding which to hit first, we at Party Earth dusted off the old lederhosen and have done some homework for you. So here are our favorite beer gardens in Munich, where you can drink a traditional dark lager, sink your teeth into a mouth-watering plate of schnitzel, and sing Ein Prosit to the green Bavarian landscape…and apparently also get arrested for showing up wearing nothing but lederhosen.

Chinese Tower 

With room for over 3,000 customers, the Chinese Tower is the second-largest beer garden in the world.

With room for over 3,000 customers, the Chinese Tower is the second-largest beer garden in the world. It’s situated in the heart of the Englischer Garten – a stunning and expansive park – and named after the two-hundred-year-old pagoda that towers over it. Under the tall evergreen trees are picnic tables and benches, and a stage by the pagoda plays host to regular traditional oompah bands. The crowds here range from local businessmen to students to travelers – pretty much anyone who likes beer and tranquility. And, like most traditional beer gardens, if you don’t want to buy any of their world-famous Nuremburg Sausages, you can always bring your own food!

Seehaus im Englischer Garten

Also in the Englischer Garten (we told you the park was huge) and located alongside a placid lake, Seehaus im Englischer Garten gives a Bavarian makeover to the classic beach-laden Corona ad image. Enjoy a liter of brew in one of the lawn chairs alongside the water or sit yourself inside the full service restaurant for a bite of traditional grub. The intimate setting attracts a more upscale clientele to Seehaus than your average beer garden, but no matter who you are, there’s no better place to sunbathe or catch the sunset over the lake while you take down a couple of tall mugs.

There’s no better place to catch the sunset over the lake than Seehaus in Englischer Garten.

Augustinerkeller

While traditionally known as a beer hall – one of the oldest in the world at that – Augustinerkeller also boasts an adjacent 5,000-seat beer garden that has been slinging massive steins and inducing hops-heavy hangovers since 1812. While people do come here just for the scenery, culture, and live German music, most come for the beer. The Augustine brewery has had 800 years of perfecting its liquid gold product, which is regarded by locals as one of the best beers in the world – and probably why you can find it in nearly all of the bars in Munich. Oh, and the food is pretty outstanding too. Our favorite is using their Obazda cheese spread as dipping sauce for a giant pretzel. And once you sit out in the garden and taste a liter poured straight from the oak barrel, you’ll be hoping that the place is around for another 800 years.

Muffatwerk

Muffatwerk is a one-stop shop for those trying to complement their beer garden experience with an exciting night out. What was once a city power plant has been transformed into a sprawling club/music venue with the added perk of a beer garden right out back. The crowds in the garden are young and ready to party, so it makes for a great place to chat up some potential dance partners before the music gets going inside. And since it’s always good to have a backup plan, Muffatwerk is located within easy walking distance to several other top clubs in Munich. So put that taxi fare towards another frothy mug while you prepare for the fun evening ahead.

Löwenbräukeller

Another 800-year-old name in Munich, the Löwenbräukeller beer hall and garden is located right next to the historic brewery of the same name. It’s a cinch to take the brewery tour, then go drink so much that you inadvertently decide to take the tour again. The exterior of Löwenbräukeller resembles a medieval castle with a tall gothic spire and corner tower, and with beers tapped from barrels fresh from the brewery, you might just feel like royalty once inside the cozy canopy-covered garden. Many of the patrons at Löwenbräukeller show up in the traditional Bavarian wear, including the dirndls, so it’s easy to feel transported to another time, regardless of how much beer you consume.

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