Europe - Explore

An aerial view of tourists visiting a castle and tower in Cinque Terre.

Rick Steves Says This Ancient Castle In Italy's Cinque Terre Is Popular Among Tourists

By Anna Robinson 17 days ago

Rick Steves’ favorite town in Cinque Terre is also home to a charming ancient castle, one that stood guard against pirates in earlier centuries.

This Town Has The Most Strikingly Beautiful Views In Italy's Cinque Terre, Per Rick Steves

By Amanda Morgan 17 days ago

Rick Steves favorite town in Cinque Terre, Italy happens to be Vernazza, but he says that a different village actually boasts even more magnificent views.

the rennaissance style Chateau de Chantilly surrounded by a moat and parkland

This Enchanting Castle In Europe Feels Like Stepping Into A Storybook

By Carolyn Hall 18 days ago

Plan a dreamy day trip from Paris to a fairy-tale French château filled with art, romance, horses, and centuries of history to explore just beyond the city.

This Timeless Croatian Island Town Boasts Medieval Streets And Architectural Treasures

By Tosh Bene 18 days ago

Croatia may not be the most famous country in Europe, but it boasts lots of treats for travelers, including this island town that feels almost out of time.

Two women taking a selfie on a mountain.

Why Rick Steves Cautions Travelers To Avoid Staying Too Long In This Part Of Europe

By Tosh Bene 18 days ago

Rick Steves knows how to get the best value for your travel dollar. That’s why he says tourists should avoid spending too much time in this part of Europe.

The sandstone walls and cobbled streets of Sarlat la Canéda

Rick Steves' Tour Guide's Favorite Town In France 'Ticks All The Boxes' For Travelers

By Carolyn Hall 18 days ago

Rick Steves knows a thing or three about traveling around Europe, as do his tour guides, and one of them absolutely loves this charming French town.

Italian city Tirano with its landmark Basilica Madonna di Tirano, viewed from vineyard over the high hills

One Of Europe's Hidden Gems Is A Scenic Italian Town In The Alps, Full Of Old-World Charm

By Felix Gott 19 days ago

There's an Alpine town in Italy that isn't very famous, apart from for one reason, but it's somewhere that's definitely worth at least a night of your vacation.

Tourists photographing the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

This Magnificent Palace Complex In Spain Is One Of Rick Steves' Favorite Spots In Europe

By Ryan Cashman 19 days ago

European travel expert Rick Steves knows the best places to visit. For a rich cultural and historical experience, check out this palace in Southern Spain.

A huge crowd of tourists in Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice

These Popular Destinations Charge Travelers A Green Fee Tax To Combat Overtourism

By Felix Gott 19 days ago

Traveling to these popular destinations just got more expensive, as efforts to combat the effects of too much tourist traffic have led to new fees.

alpine terrain with turquoise lakes and cloud covered mountain tops scattered with pine trees

This Challenging Hike Through Cloud-Covered French Mountains Offers Magnificent Views

By Carolyn Hall 20 days ago

If you're looking for a breathtaking view on your hiking trip, these iconic French mountains have cloud-covered caps and abundant wildlife to find.

Skyline of Athens with Monastiraki square and Acropolis Hill

Rick Steves Says This Greek District Offers A 'More Intimate Athens' For Tourists

By Felix Gott 20 days ago

Discover this lovely neighborhood of Athens, where history, walkable streets, and local charm offer relief from the city’s usual hustle and bustle.

A man and woman dining outdoors in Europe.

The 3 Words Rick Steves Avoids At All Costs When Picking European Restaurants

By Tosh Bene 23 days ago

Travel expert Rick Steves knows it can be difficult to avoid tourist-trap restaurants while in Europe, so he warns to watch out for these three words.

Tourists Should Avoid This Awkward Etiquette Mistake When Going Out Drinking In Europe

By Anna Robinson 24 days ago

Everywhere you go will have different attitudes toward alcohol, but, in general, Europeans tend to treat drinking in a very respectful way when dining.

These Historic Castles In Europe Add Royal Flair To Your Hotel Experience

By Felix Gott 24 days ago

Europe has many historic castles to explore as a tourist, but what about the castles you can actually "live" inside? Here are Europe's best castle hotels.

A young female traveler feeling sudden stomach problems.

Rick Steves' Best Tips To Help Travelers Deal With Uncomfortable Bathroom Issues In Europe

By Felix Gott 25 days ago

While bathroom discomfort is one of the worst, and most common, problems that can happen to travelers in Europe, Rick Steves has tips for how to handle it.

Woman smiling holding her phone and luggage

The 5 Safest Countries For Travelers To Visit In 2026, According To This Report

By Shelby Wilkerson 25 days ago

Plan a safe international getaway to one of the world’s safest countries in 2026, ranked for low crime, stability, and peace of mind for travelers.

Smiling tourist is holding a map and wearing a yellow backpack while visiting the beautiful city of Lisbon in Portugal

The Ten Most Expensive City Breaks In Europe Worth Visiting (And How To Cut Costs)

By Ian Jackson 25 days ago

A city break is a great way to explore a place for a weekend on a budget, but they're not all affordable. Don't rule out these European cities, though.

Tourists Can Save Money At Europe's Rental Car Counters With This Useful Skill

By Laura Jones 25 days ago

Learn how an outdated skill might help you to take advantage of this clever money-saving hack the next time you rent a car to explore Europe.

Aerial view of Oberwesel and the Rhine river

Rick Steves Recommends This German Town's Castle Hotel With Rhine River Views

By Felix Gott 26 days ago

Here's why a small Rhine Valley town with a hilltop castle-turned-hotel captures Rick Steves' attention and the magic of Germany’s stunning landscapes.

5 Countries In Europe To Stay Warm And Cozy During Your Winter Vacation

By Tosh Bene 26 days ago

You don't have to brave harsh U.S. winter conditions. From west to south, we present European countries that make winter safe and enjoyable without bundling up.

Happy multi-ethnic female friends with drinks walking on street

Tourists May Get Weird Looks For Wearing This Clothing In Germany Outside Of Festivities

By Olaoluwa Akinbayo 26 days ago

Visiting a new country is exciting, but it's not necessarily the best time to take fashion risks. In Germany, some outfits have a very specific time and place.

Four hands holding wooden pieces of a jigsaw puzzle depicting methods of transport to promote sustainable travel

These Cities In Europe Will Start Rewarding Tourists For Sustainable Travel In 2026

By Carolyn Hall 27 days ago

These four European cities are set to implement measures to reward visitors for traveling and staying in sustainable ways during their trips in 2026.

This Popular, Remote Ski Village In Europe Has Plans To Build A Controversial Skyscraper

By Tosh Bene 28 days ago

As is often the case in small, cozy places, a construction project in the works for a remote ski village in Europe is dividing its residents.

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 29 days 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 30 days 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 30 days 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 1 month ago

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