From Rick Steves’ Europe. Crowds and lines are a genuine nuisance at top European attractions, and too many people spend big chunks of their vacation time fighting mobs of people. When you can, buy tickets online in advance to major sites. Advance tickets are generally timed-entry, meaning you’re guaranteed admission on a certain date and…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Most people recognize and appreciate any sincere attempt to connect with them, and sometimes your effort alone can spark one of those special moments when we recognize each other’s shared humanity. Risk looking goofy. Even with no common language, rudimentary communication is easy. Butcher the language if you must, but communicate.…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. The best of these places offer comfort and character at affordable prices in smartly renovated older buildings that still retain their Old World feel. You’ll climb lots of stairs, as a hotel’s lack of an elevator and AC is often the only reason it can’t raise its prices. And you’ll be…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. You probably won’t find Michelin star restaurants in our guidebooks. Instead, we look for restaurants that are Michelin guide restaurants, or "Bib Gourmand." These establishments are usually less expensive and more casual while still providing quality food. To make your dollar stretch further, don’t be afraid to split plates. Ordering two…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. When eating in Europe, spring for quality, local ingredients at the markets and dishes that feature in-season produce at restaurants. Eating local, fresh ingredients not only supports the local community, but ensures a memorable culinary experience. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe. *Check out…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. When searching for a good meal in Europe, look for a small handwritten one-language menu. A small menu means the establishment is concerned with serving food profitably, but at a good price. It’s handwritten because it changes frequently in order to serve ingredients that are in season. And it’s one-language because…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. When you carry your own luggage, it’s less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. Lengthy delay or quick, last-minute flight change? No problem—your bag is with you. You can also save money by bringing less. Read the fine print when you are choosing flights to understand add-on fees for checked…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. One more way that Louis XIV proved he was a divine-right ruler was by controlling nature…like a god. The lavish grounds at Versailles — elaborately planned, pruned, and ornamented — showed everyone that their king was in total command. The Gardens and fountains at Versailles come alive at selected times, offering…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ugFmDGDzExY Also available across the US on public television — check your local listings — and streaming (free!) at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe In this entertaining, information-packed hour, join Rick Steves as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel. With Europe as our classroom, we’ll learn the essential skills…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. The granddaddy of European palaces is Versailles — King Louis XIV’s 17th-century escape from Paris. Louis was the embodiment of the notion that some people were born to be rulers — and everyone else just needed to follow the rules. As a "divine monarch," he had to impress upon his people…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Visiting Versailles can seem daunting because of its size and hordes of visitors. The online reservation system is a work in progress (book well ahead, and expect lines and waits even with a reservation). Versailles merits a full sightseeing day. In general, allow 1.5 hours each for the Château, the Gardens…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Every king’s dream, Versailles was the residence of French monarchs and the cultural heartbeat of Europe for about 100 years — until the Revolution of 1789 changed all that. In 1837, about 50 years after the royal family was evicted by citizen-protesters, King Louis-Philippe opened the palace as a museum. Today…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. These days Europe is very crowded—everybody seems to be going to the same places at the same times. There are two IQs of European travelers: those who wait in long lines and those who don’t. Savvy travelers avoid the crowds and make reservations in advance when smart. Watch "Rick Steves Experiencing…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Thoughtfully decide what’s best for you—a guided bus tour or a DIY trip armed with a good guidebook. And either way, appreciate the value of tapping into the services of local guides whether on shared walks or hired just for you. Watch "Rick Steves Experiencing Europe" on American public television —…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Rick Steves guest stars on The Simpsons, where he visits Homer in his dreams and guides him through "Dream World." Stream the full episode (titled "Full Heart, Empty Pool") on Hulu. *Check out Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:* • “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show • “Travel with Rick Steves”…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. See your choice of a room or bed as part of the experience. Save money and maximize the memories by knowing your options. Watch "Rick Steves Experiencing Europe" on American public television — check your local listings. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information. *Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Y3X1S_BgOec Taking you on a spring journey through Spain, Slovenia, Italy, and Greece, “Rick Steves’ European Easter” celebrates this 2,000-year-old story in a variety of cultures. You’ll feel the emotion of this special time as the Passion of Christ unfolds during Holy Week. We’ll join Andalusians carrying…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Now premiering across the US on public television — check your local listings. Also streaming at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/poland This one-hour "best of Poland" special begins in Kraków, with a stunning square, historic castle, and nearby, communist-era Nowa Huta and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp memorial. Then we head to bustling Warsaw for skyscrapers and…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/7glld8yO3Xo This one-hour special begins in Reykjavík, with endearing sights and thermal pools, plus a side-trip to the Golden Circle’s gorges, geysers, and waterfalls. Then, after fording rivers in a desolate valley and spotting puffins on volcano-shaped islands, we drive the 800-mile Ring Road — connecting glaciers,…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. There are two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wished they packed light. Get serious about living out of a carry-on-the-plane-size bag. Watch "Rick Steves Experiencing Europe" on American public television — check your local listings. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information. *Check out more Rick…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Join Rick and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on a spectacular musical journey through Europe. This unique special blends powerful Romantic-era anthems from composers like Strauss, Grieg, and Verdi with breathtaking visuals and Rick’s cultural insights. Experience Europe’s history, the passion for freedom, and the spirit of unity across borders. Perfect for…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Maximize every mile, minute, and dollar on your vacation by doing your homework and planning smartly. The stakes are high. You’ll be glad you did. Watch "Rick Steves Experiencing Europe" on American public television — check your local listings. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information. *Check out more Rick Steves’…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. Located an hour north of Dublin, the historic ruined monastery Monasterboice is notable for its round tower — a standard feature in Ireland’s early Christian churches — and its ornately carved high crosses. Made of sandstone, the Cross of Murdock is considered the finest high cross in all Ireland. It was…

From Rick Steves’ Europe. The Hill of Tara was the most important center of political and religious power in pre-Christian Ireland. It was seat of the High Kings of Celtic Ireland. St. Patrick came to the Hill of Tara to ask the pagan King’s permission to spread Christianity. He explained Christianity to the king using…