Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, December 2017
I'm really into "second cities" these days. For generations, Industrial Age powerhouses in Europe turned into what we would call "the rust belt," while their elegant "first city" counterparts enjoyed the luster of the Information Age. But over the last decade or so, the rust has become a trendy accessory and industrial ruins have turned bohemian chic.
A prime example is Porto -- the hub of Portugal's north and the country's second city. Just three hours from Lisbon by train, it's...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, November 2017 -- Page 53
A fundamental part of enjoying travel in Europe is finding places that I call “back doors.”
When I first started traveling, back doors, to me, were Europe’s undiscovered corners and untrampled towns that had, for various reasons, missed the modern parade (like Dingle in Ireland or Salema in Portugal). But now, with more sophisticated travelers, worthwhile places rarely go undiscovered, and certain destinations that I raved about now suffer from back-door...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, August 2017 -- Page 55
Horror stories about driving in Europe abound. They’re fun to tell, but driving is really only a problem for those who make it one. If you know what to expect, your drive can be a highlight rather than harrowing. Here are a few tips to know before you get behind the wheel.
RESEARCH YOUR RENTAL. Most European rental cars use stick shift (standard transmission), so be sure to ask for an automatic if you’re not used to changing gears, especially if you’ll be driving on...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, July 2017 -- Page 55
Imagine being a teenager forced to spend your summer vacation with robo-tourist Rick Steves (aka “Dad”). My kids, Jackie and Andy, now in their 20s, did that a while ago.
I had to think hard about what would make our trip to England educational and fun for travel partners who dubbed the Beatles tour in Liverpool the “most boring” one on our itinerary. Turns out most teens couldn’t care less about where Paul McCartney went to grade school. But they...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, June 2017 -- Page 53
The ugly tourist (and how not to be one)
I’m going to be brutally frank. Many Americans find their trips to Europe suffer because they’re treated like “ugly tourists.” But those who are treated like ugly tourists are treated that way because they are ugly tourists. They aren’t bad people, just ethnocentric (and there are plenty of tourists from other countries who also qualify as “ugly”).
Even if you believe American ways are superior,...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, May 2017 -- Page 53
ITALY, with more culture, crowds and chaos per square kilometer than anywhere else in Europe, is most enjoyable when you're up to date on its sightseeing and infrastructure news.
• As in other European cities, Florence is beefing up security these days. Visiting some major museums — such as the Accademia (with Michelangelo’s “David”), Uffizi and Bargello — will require a little extra time and patience as metal detectors and x-ray machines for...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, April 2017 -- Page 56
What’s new in Germany, Spain and Portugal
There’s plenty going on in GERMANY in 2017.
• The big news is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a priest and professor of theology, wrote and published his 95 theses, questioning the corrupt ways of the Catholic Church. Throughout Germany, visitors will find events and exhibits honoring this anniversary, highlighted by three special exhibitions running...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, March 2017 -- Page 52
Stories behind great European art
The “Mona Lisa,” the Colosseum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Michelangelo’s “David” — Europe’s cultural treasures are world-class, including some of the most beautiful and enduring objects humans have created. But, let’s face it, too many museums can ruin a perfectly good vacation. For some, Notre-Dame’s vast interior can be a yawning bore, and the Vatican Museums on a busy day can make anyone a Roman...
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