Nothing feels as freeing as travelling after graduating. So why not explore one of our European cities and toast your achievement while you’re at it? We can’t think of a better way to celebrate. But where to this summer? Handy suggestions incoming... 

Prague 

You’ve clock-watched in exam halls lately, we get it, but we recommend you do some more of it at Prague’s captivating Astronomical Clock. See it all twinkling amid lights after dark or turn up on the hour to hear it chime in front of you. Wandering around the Old Town Square is a must, and you can see painters honing their craft at easels on the Charles Bridge. Gawp at the colourful graffiti art of the John Lennon Wall, then sup local pilsners at Letna Beer Garden. Enjoy roasted meat for dinner then cheers over a small glass of absinthe – or a chimney cake, if the pint was enough.  

Athens 

Athens is Ancient Greece’s HQ, but that’s as close as you’ll get to being reminded of your old department building. Get ready to bombard your camera roll with snaps of the commanding Acropolis, fascinating Parthenon and mighty Mount Lycabettus. The Museum of Cycladic Art offers a new style of education, or you could simply favour getting your steps in after all those long nights in the library, over at The National Gardens. They’re gloriously green, so another area primed for pics! How about considering the best of both worlds and hopping on a boat trip across to Poros or Aegina? Back in the city, Monastiraki Square entices with wallet-friendly, fuss-free eateries serving whopping gyros and sweet loukoumades (doughnuts).  

Rome 

If you can’t switch off your appetite for history and culture, make a beeline for the Eternal City. Rome is a smorgasbord of bygone eras, where religion paves the way around the Vatican, while Vespas pip and beep across the other districts. Neighbouring the remarkable Colosseum – AKA the former fighting arena of fear-addled gladiators – is the Roman Forum. It’s like walking back in time there, so prepare to be in awe! Saunter down the Spanish Steps, toss a coin for first-job luck in the Trevi Fountain, and go shopping down some of the trendiest streets. Whatever you do, embrace aperitivo hour by saying yes to prosecco and olives – why not, you’re celebrating? Rome’s also renowned for its ribbons of pasta, grilled artichokes and fabulously fruity gelato. 

Budapest 

If you’ve been holding out for some R&R for months, let that sigh of relief out in Budapest. At Szechenyi Baths, you can book a dunking in the thermal waters when it suits you or even see if there’s one of their ‘sparties’ (yep, ‘spa parties’) on. Those who’d prefer to stay dry can work from the Hungarian Parliament Building to the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, then across Chain Bridge to visit Buda Castle. Talk about epic. And don’t miss the oranges, blues and greens on the roof of Matthias Church while you’re that way! Ruin pubs will become your pals after dark, and Budapest Pinball Museum’s pretty cool too. Cake fiend? Make for Ruszwurm Cukrászda or the opulent New York Café. 

Krakow 

A varied city with tonnes of character and many stories to tell, Krakow is a winner. From experiencing jazz clubs and hip cafés in Kazimierz to pottering around market stalls at Rynek Główny, there’s a whole heap to do. On sunny days, pack up a picnic of pierogi (dumplings) to take to Planty Park, then if it rains, go underground to marvel at the cathedral at Wieliczka Salt Mine. Schindler’s Factory can be visited, if you’re keen to learn more about the sobering local history, and Auschwitz is a couple of hours away in the car. Shopping malls, buzzy bars and horse-drawn carriage rides add to Krakow's appeal. 

Porto 

Trade in your normal morning caffeine fix for a leisurely flat white in a renowned brunch spot – there's no rush, after all. And if the mood strikes to chomp a pastel de nata (custard tart) or two, we won’t judge. Further along the Douro Valley, you can head off on wine tasting tours with a view, though you may prefer to stay put and chalk your trip up to an on-foot sightseeing adventure. Shop for tasty local produce at the kaleidoscopic Bolhão Market, behold the super-tall Clerigos Tower and kick about at FC Porto Stadium and Museum. Carmo Church, with its blue-adorned architecture, will hook your camera’s lens, then wait until dark to see Dom Luís I Bridge at its most photo-worthy. 

Got a birthday coming up as well as having graduation celebrations on the cards? Here’s where to go when.