Europe - Explore

Jen Ottolino

Here's What It Really Means If You See A 'Servizio' Charge On Your Restaurant Bill In Italy

When you’re settling the bill for dinner in Italy, you might notice a “servizio” charge. But before you worry, it’s worth understanding what it actually covers.

Shelly Abramovich

Italy's Loveliest City For Travelers Who Don't Need World-Class Sites, Per Rick Steves

Whether you're an avid reader, hopeless romantic, or just want to get off Italy's most trodden track, Rick Steves recommends this destination.

Camila Pérez B

The Clothing Mistake That Will Cost You Big Time While Visiting Croatia

While Croatia is a popular European destination for beach vacations and cultural history, you can get in trouble there for making this clothing mistake.

Jen Ottolino

Bologna's Oldest Market Is An Unmissable Italian Gem For Foodies

True foodies can't miss Bologna's oldest market when seeking the best eats around Italy. Here's where it is and what you can look forward to.

Laura Jones

Rick Steves Says This Is The Best Hotel To Stay At In Nafplio, His Favorite Small Greek Town

When Rick Steves sings the praises of a hotel, you know the place is doing something right. This is where to stay in Nafplio, the expert's favorite Greek town.

Shelly Abramovich

The Strange Place Tourists Visiting A Grocery Store In Europe Will Find Milk

When visiting Europe, you'll be confused if you're trying to find milk in the usual spots at the grocery store. You'll need to look here instead.

Brie Schmidt

Why Tourists In Paris Need To Keep Cell Phones Away From Their Train Tickets

Public transportation is the best way to travel around Paris. But if you're using the Paris Metro, keep your tickets away from your cell phone.

Shelly Abramovich

Will You Really Be Fined For Killing Bugs In Germany?

There's a rumor that you can be charged up to 50,000 euros for killing a bug in Germany (including wasps), but is it true? The reality is a little complicated.

Amanda Morgan

What To Know Before Booking A Mountain Hotel In The Swiss Alps, Per Rick Steves

Staying at a mountain hotel in the Swiss Alps is straight out of a dream, but there are some things to figure out first. As always, Rick Steves has the info.

Anna Robinson

One Of The Best Ranking Tourist Attractions In All Of Europe Is An Iconic Brewery

Every corner of Europe is packed with famous landmarks and spectacular destinations, but its best attraction may just be a famous brewery and its iconic pint.

Lee Adams

The Accommodation Mistake To Avoid While Booking A Place To Stay In Venice, Italy

Don't book your accommodation in Venice, Italy without first considering these important details to avoid unnecessary stress on your vacation.

Shelly Abramovich

The Annoying Reason To Avoid Island Hopping Around Greece By Plane

What's the best way to island hop in Greece? It's probably not by plane. Even if it ends up taking longer, there are reasons why the alternatives are better.

Camila Pérez B

What Tourists Need To Know Before Ordering From Italy's Iconic Wine Windows

One major draw of a trip to Florence is the wine - and seeking one of these historic wine windows is all part of the fun! Here's what to know about ordering.

Amanda Morgan

This Little-Known Island In Scotland With Sandy Beaches Offers An Uncrowded Escape

You might not think of Scotland as a beach paradise, but this island offers a beautiful respite, with sandy shores, few crowds, and lots of nature to explore.

Brie Schmidt

The Best 5 Things To Do In Amsterdam On A Long Layover

Long layovers are rarely pleasant experiences, but Amsterdam isn't your usual place. If you've got time to wait at Schiphol, head out and explore.

Anna Robinson

One Of Italy's Oldest Bridges Is An Overlooked, Picturesque Attraction Lined With Chic Shops

Italy's bridges are among the most magnificent in Europe, and one of its oldest is a gorgeous structure lined with shops and packed with history.

Lee Adams

England Is Home To One Of Rick Steves' Favorite Scenic Places To Relax And Recharge

All that traveling can get a hectic, and there's never a bad time to relax and recharge. Luckily for visitors to England, Rick Steves knows just the place.

Lee Adams

Europe's Most Bizarre Roundabout Is A Nerve-Racking Road Tourists Should Try To Avoid

Roundabouts: You either love them or you hate them. This roundabout in Britain has become so iconic that some people visit it as its own tourist attraction!

Hillside stone buildings in Gordes, France

Laura Jones

This Lesser-Known Region Is Home To Some Of France's Best Hill Towns, Per Rick Steves

Rick Steves isn't shy about singing the praises of France, but there is something special about the gorgeous hill towns of this lesser-visited region.

Brie Schmidt

The Free And Easy Way To Get European Walking Tours From Rick Steves Himself

If you can't get on an actual Rick Steves walking tour in Europe, this free and easy alternative is the next best thing. In fact, it might be every bit as good.

old buildings, towers, and river in France

Anna Robinson

This Is The Most Exciting Country In All Of Europe To Explore, Per Rick Steves

Every corner of Europe has something exciting to offer adventurers, but travel pro Rick Steves has exceptionally strong praise for one country in particular.

Brie Schmidt

Escape Crowds At Europe's Lesser-Known 'Golden Island' With Lush Landscapes And Beaches

This underrated destination has stunning scenery, quieter beaches, fascinating ancient history, and it's easier to get to than you might think.

Brie Schmidt

The Bathroom Essential Many Hotels In Europe Don't Provide, According To Rick Steves

Make sure you add this to your packing list before a trip to Europe! While it's a given in American hotels, you're unlikely to find one abroad.

Brie Schmidt

Can Tourists Carry A Passport Card Instead Of Their Passport While In Italy?

A passport card might seem like an easy alternative to the traditional book, but is it any good if you're traveling around iconic Italy? An expert weighs in.

Shelly Abramovich

European Union Passport Stamps Are Coming To An End. Visit Before This Date To Get One

If you want an EU passport stamp, you better travel now! The new electronic system is set to begin, and the era of passport stamps in the EU will be over.

Anna Robinson

The Best View From The Eiffel Tower Is Not At The Top, According To Rick Steves

Gazing out at Paris from the Eiffel Tower is just about as bucket list as the City of Lights gets, but where to get the best view? Rick Steves has the answer.

Brie Schmidt

The Popular European Country People With A Nut Allergy Will Have A Tough Time Visiting

Food allergies shouldn't stop you from exploring the world, but those with nut allergies might want to be on their toes in this popular European country.