Europe - Explore

A Seaside Town In Italy Offers Sun, Sea, And Sicilian Delights

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

This underrated town less than an hour from Palermo is one of the best places in Sicily where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean views and excellent seafood.

What Americans Often Get Wrong About Greeting Etiquette In France

By Nada Kabil 4 months ago

It's common for Americans to misunderstand French greeting etiquette, leading to awkward first impressions. Here’s how to greet locals the right way.

A bus driving near the Duomo in Milan, Italy

What Rick Steves Recommends To Explore European Cities Like A Local Instead Of A Bus Tour

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

Travel expert Rick Steves recommends doing this fun activity rather than a bus tour if you want to get around and see the best sights in European cities.

Follow The Windswept Scottish Islands' Charming Folklore Trail, Narrated By A Local Storyteller

By Isabel OToole 4 months ago

Let a local storyteller guide you through a windswept Scottish island. This narrated folklore trail excursion is one of the best ways to explore Scotland.

Aerial view of open market in France with people shopping

The Etiquette Rule Tourists Often Break While Grocery Shopping In France

By Christine Dulion 4 months ago

It's always a good idea to watch one's manners while traveling, and at markets in France, you'll want to be extra careful to not break this etiquette rule.

A Famous Park In Brussels Is Abundant In Nature And Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy

By Camila Pérez B 4 months ago

This gorgeous park in Brussels is a treasure trove of fun activities to do both indoors and out. Here's why you should visit or take a guided tour.

Boats on the water and houses in the distance on the Bay of Arcachon

The Secluded Bay In France Known For Beaches, Tasty Seafood, And Europe's Largest Sand Dune

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

This little coastal town in Southwestern France has all the trappings of a great beach vacation, including excellent seafood and Europe's largest sand dune.

The Most Mouth-Watering Bakeries In Paris, According To Locals

By Jenna Intersimone 4 months ago

The patisseries and boulangeries of Paris are more than hubs for baked goods. They form the fabric of the city's culinary scene. See those worth visiting.

Pena Palace landscape in Sintra, Portugal

The Magnificently Colorful Palace Rick Steves Calls 'The Versailles Of Portugal'

By Shelby Wilkerson 4 months ago

Rick Steves calls this one magnificently colorful palace "the Versailles of Portugal." Discover the magic behind this one-of-a-kind travel destination.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, California

One Of Europe's Most Mesmerizing Cliffside Castles Inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

If you've seen Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland, you may be surprised to see the stunning real-life castle that inspired it in the Alps of Germany.

View of Cabo de Gata, Almería, in Spain with the Mediterranean sea

A Sun-Kissed City In Spain Combines Mediterranean Charm With Wild West Adventures

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

This an unexpected attraction in Andalusia, Spain is a major destination for film buffs and lovers of the Old West alike. Here's what to expect if you go there.

How Madrid's Culinary Scene Transformed The City Into Europe's Must-Visit Food Destination

By Isabel OToole 4 months ago

See how Madrid's culinary scene has transformed to turn the city into one of Europe's top must-visit food destinations. Plus, find the best things to eat there.

12 Common Myths To Stop Believing About Italy Before You Visit

By Daniel Feininger 4 months ago

Shed all preconceived notions about Italy so you can enjoy its diversity, culture, and offerings freely. Don't know where to start? That's where we come in!

Aerial view with Palombaggia Beach in Corsica island, France

The Pristine Beach In France Where Crystal-Clear Waters Gently Meet Sandy Shores

By Jen Ottolino 4 months ago

This idyllic beach on the French island of Corsica is one of the best places to enjoy the sun, sand, and blue waters. Here's why it should be your next trip.

The Picturesque Lake In Italy That Matches Lake Como's Beauty Minus The Crowds

By Nada Kabil 4 months ago

Escape the crowds of Lake Como at this hidden gem in central Italy. Boat or paddle on the calm waters, or savor the catch of the day at a lakeside restaurant.

A Flower Haven Featuring Over 7 Million Blossoms Is Known As The 'Garden Of Europe'

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

This beautiful and famous garden right outside of Amsterdam is one of the best places to travel in Europe in the springtime. Here's why you should go.

A man and woman smile while riding a cargo bike

Don't Hop On A Bike In Denmark Until You Know The Local Cycling Etiquette

By Robert Isenberg 4 months ago

Riding a bike is more than just a pastime in Denmark. It's important to know the rules of the road if you want to get around easily while also staying safe.

Scotland's Coastal Escape Offers Breathtaking Trails, Fresh-Caught Seafood, And Cozy Pubs

By Nikki Wentling 4 months ago

This seaside town is a haven for outdoor lovers and food enthusiasts alike, with great hiking, fresh-caught seafood, and welcoming pubs by the sea.

River cruise boat departing from Venice, Italy

Experience Italy's Longest River On Scenic Cruises That Stop At Dreamy Seaside Villages

By Amy McMahon 4 months ago

Treat yourself to incredible views of dreamy seaside villages in Europe during this scenic cruise down Italy's longest river. Here's what to know before you go.

The Breathtaking City In Spain With A World-Famous Museum And Michelin-Starred Eateries

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

This extremely underrated city in Spain is home to one of the most recognizable museums in the world and has some of the best food in Europe.

A Hidden Cliffside Town On The Amalfi Coast That Feels Like A Peaceful Escape

By Camila Pérez B 4 months ago

If you want to plan a vacation to Italy's Amalfi Coast but want to avoid crowds, check out this peaceful nearby town that offers just as much beauty and fun.

Bed in a hotel room overlooking Lisbon, Portugal

The Crucial Travel Splurge Rick Steves Swears By To Save Time And Elevate Your Entire Trip

By Amy McMahon 4 months ago

Traveling on a budget can be difficult, but Rick Steves has some great advice for travelers that may be pricier, but ultimately worth your hard-earned money.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin with blue skies

The Most Hipster Neighborhood Full Of Unique Shops In Berlin, Per Rick Steves' Tour Guide

By Shelby Wilkerson 4 months ago

This chic Berlin neighborhood is not only the hippest in the city, but it's also one of the hippest in Europe, says one tour guide on the Rick Steves website.

Swiss village with snowy mountains at night

What Tourists Need To Know About 'Swiss Directness' Before A Vacation To Switzerland

By Jen Ottolino 4 months ago

It's not uncommon to have culture shock in a new place and many travelers note that "Swiss directness" is one of the most surprising aspects of Swiss culture.

Packing a suitcase after a European shopping spree

Rick Steves' Guide To Getting Your European Shopping Haul Back To The US Pain-Free

By Maura Bielinski 4 months ago

Shopping in Europe can be exciting but also stressful when you have to think about getting your haul back home. Rick Steves has some excellent tips for this.

The Fairytale Village In France That Inspired 'Beauty And The Beast' Is A Storybook Escape

By Madison Scrivano 4 months ago

Several adorable small towns in France inspired "Beauty and the Beast," but only one offers travelers a storybook escape into a fairytale village. Find it here.

The waterfront hotel Il Sereno Lago di Como

A Modern Hotel On Lake Como Is Redefining Waterfront Luxury With Swim-Up Room Access

By Jennifer Kling 4 months ago

Indulge in modern luxury at this top-rated hotel on Lake Como. Unwind at the spa, boat across the lake, and swim up to your waterfront suite after taking a dip.