Europe - Explore

Steam rising from the water at Szechenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Europe's Top 5 Hot Springs To Stay Warm During Your Winter Getaway

By Felix Gott 2 hours ago

When the weather is cold, Europe's wide array of soothing hot springs can get you warmed up, and here's the five top options to visit on your winter trip.

beautiful view of cinque terre on the coastline, italy

Avoid This Common Mistake When Planning Sightseeing Activities For Your Trip To Italy

By Olaoluwa Akinbayo 16 hours ago

From museums to restaurants to natural wonders, there's a lot to do if you're sightseeing in Italy, just don't make this crucial mistake while planning.

Long exposure of train on viaduct at winter sunset

Europe's 5 Most Spectacular Sleeper Trains For Your Next Ski Getaway

By Felix Gott 1 day ago

Overnight train travel has made a big resurgence in Europe in recent years, and these are the five most breathtaking options out there for your next ski trip.

Switzerland's Gorgeous Riviera Is A Budget-Friendly, Less-Crowded Alternative To Lake Como

By Tosh Bene 2 days ago

Tucked away from the tourist trail, Switzerland's gorgeous riviera offers visitors a budget-friendly way to enjoy Swiss beauty without the crowds.

an aerial view of the village of Torno on Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy

A Charming Italian Town With Storybook Vibes Has A Lakeside Promenade & Gorgeous Scenery

By Nally Preseault 2 days ago

Looking for an Italian getaway on your vacation? Look no further than this surprising town that looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale.

a view over the French Renaissance château of Chenonceau showing off the arched gallery reflected in the water below

Rick Steves Calls This Beautiful Gem The Most Romantic Château In All Of France

By Carolyn Hall 3 days ago

France is brimming with beautiful manor houses and castles, known as châteaux. While Versailles is one of the best known, this alternative is a can't-miss.

cheerful man and woman enjoying pizza in selfie

The Unspoken Rule Tourists Should Know When Ordering Pizza In Italy

By Olaoluwa Akinbayo 3 days ago

Most tourists wouldn't miss the chance to order pizza when visiting Italy, but there's something they should know before placing their order.

Bright, colorful huts on the beach o the island of Ærø, Denmark

One Of Rick Steves' 'Favorite Island Getaways' Is Among The Best In All Of Europe

By Mitchell Peterson 3 days ago

Travel guru Rick Steves calls this picturesque European destination one of his "favorite island getaways." But you may be surprised to learn where it is.

A Stunning Town Along Lake Como Offers Authentic Italian Charm Without The Crowds

By Emily Adam 3 days ago

If you want to go see the stunning beauty of Lake Como without the overwhelming number of tourists, then head to this small town nestled on its shores.

Large pool overlooking a valley with a stone wall on one side

This European Retreat Offers A Unique Spa Experience To Relax And Unwind

By Shelby Nater 4 days ago

Greece might be known for sun-kissed islands and historic ruins, but it's also a wonderful destination for a bit of pampering, especially at this glitzy resort.

Mirror balls and plants surrounded by graffitied walls in a ruin bar in Budapest

Rick Steves Recommends Checking Out The 'Ruin Pubs' In This Part Of Budapest

By Felix Gott 4 days ago

Budapest’s ruin pubs mix crumbling charm with electric energy, creating one of Europe’s most unforgettable and unconventional nightlife scenes.

Rick Steves Says This European City's Once-Vibrant Café Culture Has Made A Comeback

By Madison Scrivano 4 days ago

Once home to gilded coffeehouses filled with artists and revolutionaries, this European city’s café scene is buzzing again after decades of silence and decay.

Parliament square in centre of London with Big Ben and a red bus

Tourists In London Should Be Wary Of This Unexpected Weekday If They Want To Avoid Large Crowds

By Felix Gott 5 days ago

London has beautiful art, historic museums, gorgeous architecture, and fab places to eat and drink, but plan for weekend crowds on this weekday.

Tourists Should Know This Dining Etiquette Rule For An Enjoyable Experience In Paris' Cafés

By Ryan Cashman 5 days ago

Cafés are integral to Paris's food culture, and knowing the proper etiquette for visiting one will save you from potential embarrassment or misunderstandings.

Why Rick Steves Recommends Some Of Europe's Most Clichéd Attractions Despite The Crowds

By Amanda Morgan 5 days ago

Rick Steves says experiencing crowded European clichés like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum are still worth it. They're world famous for a reason, after all.

old concrete bunkers amid beach dunes and grass

The Overlooked Beach In France Rick Steves Recommends For US History Buffs

By Anna Robinson 7 days ago

Venture to this underrated, windswept beach in Normandy to see D-Day museums, paratrooper memorials, and historic sites where Allied troops landed in WWII.

View of the Grand Canal with boats and colorful facades of old medieval houses from the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy

Rick Steves' 'General MacArthur Approach' Is The Secret To A Stress-Free Europe Trip

By Felix Gott 8 days ago

European travel expert Rick Steves suggests this approach to avoiding as much as stress as possible while trip-planning, a nod to General Douglas MacArthur.

Rick Steves Likens This Riverside City In The South Of France To A 'Medieval Fairy Tale'

By Amanda Morgan 9 days ago

Travel expert Rick Steves has highlighted a gorgeous French city on the river for eager tourists, equating visiting it to a real-life medieval fairy tale.

Houses and an old castle reflected on a river

Northern Ireland's Only Island Town Boasts Castle Views, Cozy Shops, & Cobbled Streets

By Mitchell Peterson 9 days ago

In Northern Ireland is a small island town that's bursting with gorgeous castle views and more exciting shops and restaurants than you could hit in one trip.

a black and white still of an italian view of a white villa overlooking the sea

These Movies About Italy Will Rouse Your Wanderlust And Inspire Your Next Trip

By Carolyn Hall 9 days ago

Italy is a romantic and captivating country, so it's no wonder it serves as the backdrop to many excellent films. These films in particular should inspire you.

Aerial view of Chester showing rooftops, a red-brick church, and mist rolling over the fields

This Charming City In Europe Boasts Stunning Medieval Architecture And Historic Sights

By Felix Gott 10 days ago

For those who love medieval architecture, England has always been a great spot, but this particular town in Cheshire seems to be underappreciated.

The skyline of the old town centre of Ronda, Andalusia, Spain

Rick Steves' Protégé's Warning About The Friendly Tourist Offices In Small-Town Andalusia

By Felix Gott 10 days ago

Andalusia is one of the most charming regions in Spain, but be prepared for a culture shock if you're not accustomed to the Spanish way of life.

An aerial view of Isola Sacra and the beaches along the Bay of Fiumicino in Italy

Why Tourists May Want To Reconsider Traveling To This Popular Spot In Italy In 2026

By Carolyn Hall 10 days ago

Italy is packed full of beautiful destinations that are popular with tourists, but this heavily trafficked spot in the country may be best avoided in 2026.

Diners at an outdoor restaurant along a canal in Italy

Social Media Users Are Up In Arms About This Bizarre European Menu Practice

By Shelby Nater 10 days ago

Social media users are debating a strange restaurant habit still seen in some European cities, sparking questions about gender, etiquette, and modern manners.

Scenic village among mountains and a green valley

This Rick Steves-Recommended Train Ride Is A 'Super-Scenic' Scandinavian Journey

By Tosh Bene 10 days ago

If your idea of perfect train travel includes breathtaking views, then this Scandinavian excursion won't disappoint. Even travel guru Rick Steves was amazed.

Close-up of a thief stealing a purse from a handbag

This Popular European City Has A Ruthless Reputation For Pickpocketing Tourists

By Felix Gott 10 days ago

One of Europe's most visited cities, this destination offers sun, style, and culture for all. However, its popularity also makes it a hotbed for pickpockets.

Pastel-colored houses on the waterfront on Procida island

This Underrated Tourist Destination In Italy Offers A Scenic Coastal Escape From Crowds

By Felix Gott 11 days ago

This Italian island should be on your itinerary if you're seeking a quiet escape that still delivers when it comes to scenery, culture, and cuisine.