Rick Steves

Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his new book, For the Love of Europe. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook. ©2026 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Delving Into Derry

Small and pretty, the city is a welcoming and manageable place for visitors—and most of its sights can ...

Travel November 10, 2026
Foodie Florence

Restaurant competition in Florence is fierce, so it’s easy to find delicious Tuscan specialties at fair prices—even in ...

Travel November 3, 2026
Portugal’s Douro Valley: Drink It In

The Douro Valley is the only place that can legally produce “port wine.”

Travel October 27, 2026
Bone Voyage: Exploring Europe’s Cemeteries and Crypts

Over the years, I've popped into a lot of burial grounds—some peaceful and scenic, some eerie and evocative—with ...

Travel October 21, 2026
St. Andrews: Hit the Links, Books, and Beach

St. Andrews has been a tourist destination for centuries—in part because of its important role in Scottish history.

Travel October 13, 2026
Picnic Like a Pro in Europe

Some of my all-time best picnics have been enjoyed on a castle wall ... accompanied by a commanding ...

Travel October 7, 2026
France’s Resilient, Awe-Inspiring Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic churches have proven to be resilient—both physically and as powerful works of architectural art.

Travel September 30, 2026
Despite Changes, Venice Still Charms

Despite all the changes, Venice still awes me with its ethereal beauty and lovely views—which can hit you ...

Travel September 22, 2026
Climbing for Europe’s Best Views and a Broader Perspective

Europe is full of climbable structures.

Travel September 15, 2026
Seeing Seafaring Scandinavia Through Its Great Maritime Museums

Tap into the region's seafaring heritage by visiting excellent museums in Stockholm, Oslo, and just outside Copenhagen.

Travel September 8, 2026
Güzelyurt: A Beautiful Land

Güzelyurt is best known in Turkey as a town where historic enemies—Greeks, Turks, Kurds, and Bulgarians—live in peace.

Travel September 1, 2026
Tranquil Tomar: A Break From Portugal’s Tourist Tumult

Bustling Lisbon and the sunny Algarve coast are well known to tourists (for good reason), but quieter places ...

Travel August 19, 2026
Italy Connoisseurs Choose Leisurely Lucca

The city is a bit of a paradox; while it has Europe’s mightiest Renaissance wall, it hasn’t seen ...

Travel August 4, 2026
The Art and Value of Journaling as You Travel

Travel can make you a poet. And travel can make you spiritual.

Travel July 28, 2026
Stratford-Upon-Avon: To See or Not to See?

The best Shakespeare-related thing you can do in Stratford is see a play.

Travel July 14, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Bastille Day in Paris

The Bastille, with eight towers and 100-foot-high walls, was an intimidating fortress that had long functioned as a ...

Travel July 8, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Appreciating the Italian Renaissance

Think of the extraordinary “class of 1500” living during that exciting time.

Travel July 1, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Old-School Joys in Portugal’s Nazaré

Nazaré strikes the ideal balance between romantic old-world Portugal and bustling seaside resort.

Travel June 23, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Helsinki Highlights

Helsinki holds its own among Nordic capitals with its creative spirit, zest for architecture and design, and steamy ...

Travel June 16, 2026
Bavarian Charms: Carvings, Castles, and Cute Towns

My favorite home bases for exploring the Bavarian Alps are Füssen and Reutte, which straddle the Austrian border.

Travel June 9, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Tips for Beating the Heat in Europe

Visit the cooler destinations during the summer months and save the hot destinations for winter months.

Travel June 2, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: A Taste of Wales in Spunky Cardiff

Most travelers planning a trip to Britain don’t realize you can hop a train in London and, in ...

Travel May 26, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Natural Poetry in Italy’s Lakes District

Though just an hour north of Milan, Italy's Lake District feels a world away from the business and ...

Travel May 19, 2026
Rick Steves’ Europe: Europe’s Animal Shows and Experiences

Throughout Europe, you’ll find vivid and memorable animal demonstrations and experiences.

Travel May 12, 2026
Belgian Cuisine: The Sweet, the Savory, and the Sudsy

Wedged between Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Belgium often gets lost in the mix.

Travel May 6, 2026
Lyon Brings Memorable Bites—but No Taste of Mass Tourism

Lyon provides an elegant French urban scene—all with no hint of crass tourism.

Travel April 28, 2026
Europe’s Love for Soccer—and the World Cup

For most of the globe, the World Cup is as big as it gets—and Europe is no different.

Travel April 21, 2026