Rick Steves

The painted ceiling of King João’s Library at Portugal’s University of Coimbra is an example of the Baroque illusion technique called trompe l’oeil. (Dominic Arizonia Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Thought-provoking sights at Europe’s great universities

January 20, 2026 at 5:17 p.m.

When touring any city, it’s fun to drop in on the local university. And in Europe, universities can be essential sightseeing, as some are home to great architectural, artistic, and...

Hydra has no real roads, no cars, and no bicycles — so things are transported by donkeys. (Addie Mannan, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Car-free and care-free on Hydra

January 20, 2026 at 5:20 p.m.

The island of Hydra – less than two hours south of Athens by ferry – offers the ideal Greek island experience. But those who come here with an agenda should...

Zermatt is often socked in by clouds — but if you’re lucky to be there on a clear day, you’ll see the Matterhorn peeking out above the chalet rooftops and surrounding hills. (Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Falling in love with the Matterhorn

January 6, 2026 at 2:00 a.m.

I have a confession: I'm in love with the Matterhorn. There's just something about this triangular peak of Disneyland fame – the most recognizable mountain on the planet. Just seeing...

A dramatic stained-glass window at St. Giles’ Cathedral depicts John Knox in the middle of one of his many fiery sermons. (Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

December 30, 2025 at 2:00 a.m.

There’s no better introduction to Edinburgh – the historical, cultural, and political capital of Scotland – than a walk straight down the spine of the old town. Stretching from a...

Rome’s Christmas witch, La Befana, haunts – and then delights – local children. (Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Epiphany in Europe

December 23, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.

Traveling during the holidays in Europe, you'll find the season marked not by the number of shopping days left until Christmas, but by a long series of winter festivals –...

Each culture has a mythic gift-giver that parents use to encourage kids to be nice, not naughty. In Switzerland, there’s two: the dynamic duo of Samichlaus and Schmutzli. (Rick Steves, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Celebrating Christmas in German

December 23, 2025 at 4:28 p.m.

Bavaria and Tirol – two traditional regions of Germany and Austria – are rich in Christmas traditions. While most travelers visit for the Christmas markets, that’s just the start of...

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Villa was plundered. Now, most of its original art and material is scattered across Europe. (Addie Mannan, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Tivoli: For 2,000 years, Rome’s great escape

December 9, 2025 at 3:00 a.m.

When travel dreams take people to Europe, Italy is often their first stop. There’s something seductively charming about this country, its people, and la dolce vita. I always feel at home...

Rising like an iceberg from the sea, Oslo’s Opera House is one of many ways the city has revitalized its waterfront. (Rick Steves, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Oslo, where Norway’s nature, history and culture mix it up

December 2, 2025 at 3:30 a.m.

Walking – or cycling – along Oslo’s harbor is a great way to enjoy the city’s fjord-side setting and re-envisioned harborfront. A series of info kiosks creates an inspiring DIY...

Greek tavernas are often humble at first glance. But after a few laughs and a few drinks, you realize how rich they are in heritage, character, and charm. (Rick Steves, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: The sips and sounds of a Greek taverna

November 27, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

In Greece there's no better spot to "go Greek" than at the local taverna. It doesn't matter if I'm snuggled into the car-free island of Hydra, perched above an untrampled...

Ghent’s St. Bavo’s Cathedral houses the pearl of Flemish painting – the gigantic Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, which is perhaps the most stolen painting in existence. (Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves’ Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: A walk through Ghent

November 18, 2025 at 3:00 a.m.

Once one of Belgium's medieval powerhouses, Ghent today is home to one of Belgium’s biggest universities and a vibrant student population. While it has plenty of pretty canals and gables,...

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