Rick Steves' Europe Video

Chartres, France: Pure Gothic Cathedral

11 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

A great side trip from Paris is the city of Chartres — and its famous cathedral, arguably Europe’s best example of pure Gothic architecture. It wa...

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Red Light District

04 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Amsterdam has plenty of examples of their progressive approach to subjects many people consider unsavory: curbside urinals, prostitutes who are unioni...

Cappadocia, Turkey: Hot-Air Balloon Ride

28 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Cappadocia is rightly famous for its fantastic land formations and labyrinthine cave dwellings going back to early Christian days. And it's also famou...

Bethlehem, Palestine: Church of the Nativity

21 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

No longer just the little town of Christmas-carol fame, Bethlehem is a leading Palestinian city. Its skyline is a commotion of both crescents and cros...

Vernazza, Italy: Cinque Terre's Jewel

14 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In Vernazza, the action's at the harbor, where you’ll find a kids' beach, plenty of sunning rocks, and a wealth of cafés and restaurants. At www.ri...

Loire, France: Château de Chenonceau

07 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The château of Chenonceau in France's Loire is one of the great sights in all of Europe. Earlier châteaux were built for defensive purposes, but Che...

Jerusalem, Israel: Temple Mount and The Dome of the Rock

31 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Jerusalem is alive with religious tradition and passion — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Within a 10-minute walk you can see the Church of the Holy ...

Hierapolis and Pamukkale, Turkey: Curative Waters

24 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In Turkey, we travel to the ancient spa of Hierapolis, famous since ancient times for its curative waters and tranquility. The nearby wondrous white c...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Berlin

17 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — fast-changing, vibrant Berlin. At www....

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Prague

10 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — beautifully preserved Prague. At www.r...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: The Netherlands

03 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — the picturesque Netherlands. At www.ri...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Amsterdam

26 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — progressive Amsterdam. At www.rickstev...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Italy's Verona, Padova, and Ravenna

19 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — Italy's Verona, Padova, and Ravenna. A...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Italy's Riviera

12 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — Italy's idyllic Riviera. At www.rickst...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Palestine

05 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — thought-provoking Palestine. At www.ri...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Best of Israel

29 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — intriguing Israel. Watch the full e...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Paris Side-Trips

22 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — Paris Side-Trips to extravagant pala...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: France's Loire: Château Country

15 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — France's castle-studded Loire Valley...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Central Turkey

08 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — captivating Central Turkey. Watch th...

Rick Steves' Europe Preview: Western Turkey

01 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. First up — friendly Western Turkey. Watch the ...

Galicia, Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago

24 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims reflect on their motivation while heading toward the last leg of their journey. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find...

London, England: Harrods Department Store

17 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Harrods is huge — 300 departments, a million square feet on seven floors — yet classy. Don't miss the Food Halls, Egyptian Escalator, and shrine t...

Paris, France: Café Culture

10 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to savor the famous Parisian café scene. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV sho...

Vienna, Austria: Hofburg Imperial Treasury

03 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The Hofburg Palace's "Treasure Room" contains the best jewels on the Continent. This clip showcases the Imperial Crown, Imperial Cross, and a unicorn ...

Venice, Italy: Musica a Palazzo and St. Mark's Square

27 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Venice's Musica a Palazzo performs the Barber of Seville by Rossini, and café orchestras in St. Mark's Square keep the music playing all night. At ww...

Budapest, Hungary: Castle Hill and Chain Bridge

20 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This video takes you to Budapest's Castle Hill landmarks, including the royal palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Funicular, and Chain ...

Madrid, Spain: Plaza Mayor and Bullfighting Culture

13 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Madrid's Plaza Mayor is an inviting place for people to gather, and host to one of Madrid's many "bull bars" — La Torre del Oro. Grab a quick sangri...

Provence, France: Pont du Gard and Nîmes

06 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, we'll travel to France's Provence region to explore the Pont du Gard aqueduct and more Roman architecture in Nîmes. At www.ricksteves....

Edinburgh, Scotland: Georgian New Town

30 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, we'll travel to Edinburgh's Georgian New Town and Princes Street Gardens. The New Town was a late 18th-century expansion for the upper ...

Rome, Italy: Jewish Quarter

23 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, we'll take a trip to Rome's Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-sa...

North England: Cumbrian Lake District

16 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This video takes you to the Cumbrian Lake District, the perfect spot for relaxtion, scenic hiking, and hilltop picnics. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll ...

Paris, France: Bastille Day Parties

09 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This video shows how Paris celebrates Bastille Day — with parties all day and Eiffel Tower fireworks at night. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find mo...

Stockholm, Sweden: Skansen Open-Air Museum

02 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This video takes you to Skansen, Europe's best open-air folk museum. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, g...

Florence, Italy: Renaissance Art and Architecture

25 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

After the fall of Rome and the Dark Ages, the Renaissance sprouted in Florence under the patronage of wealthy merchant and banking families like the M...

Budapest, Hungary: Great Synagogue

18 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The huge and gorgeously restored Great Synagogue (also called Dohány Street Synagogue) is the biggest in Europe. Tour the ornately Moorish-flavored i...

Tarifa, Spain: Fun on the Strait of Gibraltar

11 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Nestled snuggly on Europe's southwestern tip, Tarifa's whitewashed old town and long sandy beaches beckon. Stiff Atlantic breezes make Tarifa a wind-s...

Bruges, Belgium: Medieval Gem

04 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Bruges' Market Square is ringed by restaurant terraces and old gabled buildings with the 300' bell tower soaring above it all. Climb the tower's 366 s...

Vienna, Austria: Sweet Temptations

28 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The laid-back Viennese appreciate the fine points of life, and right up there with waltzing is eating. Café Demel, on elegant Kohlmarkt Street near ...

Paris, France: An Urban Playground

21 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Paris has a uniquely French way of embracing life. You'll find petanque players in neighborhood parks, summertime sunbathers on the sandy urban "beach...

Venice, Italy: St. Mark's Basilica

14 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Among Europe's churches, the Byzantine marvel of St. Mark's stands alone. After the saint's remains were smuggled here in 828, Venice took his symbol ...

London, England: Treasures of the British Library

07 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The British Library houses over 12 million books though the highlight for travelers is the room full of well-displayed documents that changed the cour...

Lake Bled, Slovenia: Exploring a Dictator's Villa

30 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This lakeside villa was once the summer residence for the Yugoslav royal family. Post-WWII, when Tito ran Yugoslavia with his unique style of Communis...

Oslo, Norway: National Gallery

23 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The National Gallery features art showcasing the powerful beauty of Norway’s landscape and people. A visit here gives those heading into the mountai...

Trastevere, Italy: The Colorful Side of Rome

16 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rome's Trastevere district is the place to immerse yourself in the crustier side of the Eternal City. Tucked between the Tiber River and the Janiculum...

Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland: Romantic Ruins

09 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Along the Antrim coast an hour north of Belfast, the evocative remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. During t...

Barcelona, Spain: Enticing Tapas

02 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona boasts an enticing variety of tapas bars serving small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, deep-fried tasties, and on and on....

Paris, France: The Magnificent Louvre

26 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Filled with over 30,000 works of art, the Louvre is a treasure trove of Western civilization. This vast former royal palace is famous as the home to M...

European Travel Skills: Enjoying Europe's Unification

19 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Europe is continuing to unite — both politically and physically. From the start, the wealthier countries of the European Union have helped their les...

Budapest, Hungary: Heroes' Square and City Park

12 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Budapest's main drag, Andrássy Boulevard, is a good place to stroll and get a feel for today’s urban Pest. At the boulevard's end, you’ll find th...

Vienna, Austria: The Seductive Art of Gustav Klimt

05 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The elegant Belvedere Palace was Austria's first great public art gallery and today houses the city's best collection of homegrown artists including G...

Florence, Italy: The Uffizi Gallery

26 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. On a single floor, travelers experience a thrilling sweep th...

Avignon, France: Youthful City in Medieval Walls

19 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

With its large student population and fashionable shops, Avignon is an intriguing blend of medieval history, youthful energy, and urban sophistication...

London, England: Swanky Shopping and Soho

12 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

London teems with lively shopping districts. Near Piccadilly, stroll Jermyn Street's quintessentially English shops for an elegant experience. Nearby ...

Guernica, Biscay: Symbolic Heart of Basque Country

05 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

While it has deep cultural roots, most people know Guernica for a horrific event in the years leading up to WWII. Picasso's mural, considered by many ...

Stockholm, Sweden: Green, Clean and People-Friendly

29 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Sweden's stunning capital is one-third water, one-third parks, one-third city and bubbles with energy and history. And they have an Ice Bar! Swedes ar...

Venice, Italy: The Doge's Palace

22 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The Doge's Palace — the ruling center and opulent, art-filled residence of Venice's duke — was built to show off the wealth of the republic and to...

Paris, France: Sainte-Chapelle's Dazzling Interior

15 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The best original Gothic stained glass is found in the Sainte-Chapelle church in Paris. Step inside and be overwhelmed by the dazzling light-filled in...

Dublin, Ireland: Dublin's Literary Life

08 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

For many, the most endearing aspect of Irish culture is their love of language — both oral and written. Around the turn of the 20th century, Dublin ...

European Travel Skills: Cruise and Wine on the Rhine

01 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Savor the good life in Germany's Rhine River Valley while picking up some tips for getting the most out of your sightseeing. For more information on t...

Rome, Italy: On the Pilgrimage Trail

25 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In Rome, you'll rub elbows with religious pilgrims from around the world. A major stop on the pilgrimage trail is San Giovanni in Laterano, the first ...

Oslo, Norway: Lively, Lovely City on the Fjord

18 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Spectacularly situated at the head of a 60-mile-long fjord, Oslo is Norway's biggest city - yet it’s easy to navigate with its compact historic core...

Lake District, England: Sheepdog Trial and Hound Show

11 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Sheepdog trial and hound shows in the Lake District are entertaining for weather-beaten shepherds, gentleman farmers and curious tourists alike. The f...

Barcelona, Spain: Center of Catalan Pride

04 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Cosmopolitan Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalunya, the proud and distinct region tucked in the NW corner of Spain. Franco's oppressive fascis...

Copenhagen, Denmark: Canal Boat Cruise

27 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Copenhagen means "Merchants' Harbor" and impressive buildings from many eras hug the waterfront. Harbor tour boats come and go constantly, giving visi...

Paris, France: Monet's Dreamy Water Lilies

20 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Step out of the leafy, sun-dappled Impressionist painting that is the Tuileries Garden and into the Orangerie, a little jewel box of a museum featurin...

Rome, Italy: The Pantheon

13 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The magnificent Pantheon, built by the Romans as a temple to all of their gods, is the Eternal City's best-preserved monument. Engineers still admire ...

London, England: Whitehall Street and Churchill War Rooms

06 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Whitehall, Britain's most important street connects Parliament with Trafalgar Square. A walk here is chock-full of reminders of a proud and hard-fough...

Basque Country: A Proud, Unique Culture

30 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques straddles France and Spain. These proud, industrious and independent people occupy a small yet diverse ...

Salzburg, Austria: The Sound of Music

23 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Salzburg and its residents — at least its tourism industry — hum happily along to Mozart and The Sound of Music melodies. Thanks to its charming o...

Florence, Italy: Famous Dome and Bronze Doors

16 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Florence's landmark Duomo (cathedral) is crowned by Brunelleschi's majestic dome — the first Renaissance dome and the model for many domes to follow...

Rouen, France: The Four C's of Normandy Cuisine

09 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

When traveling in France, seek out local specialties. Normandy, the region NW of Paris is known as the land of the four C's: Camembert, cider, cream a...

Hill of Tara: The Soul of Ireland

02 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The peaceful, green Valley of the Boyne, just northwest of Dublin is the place to commune with the ancient soul of the Emerald Isle. This area boasts ...

Balestrand, Norway: Smörgåsbord with a View

25 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Little Balestrand on the Sognefjord is dwarfed by the surrounding mountainous scenery and serves as a springboard for local adventures. Balestrand has...

Lake District, England: Scenic Drive

18 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Rick drives a 20-mile Lake District loop through pastoral valleys, over rugged mountain passes and beside peaceful lakes. Stops along the way include ...

Copenhagen, Denmark: Happy-go-Lucky Nyhavn

11 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Nyhavn ("New Harbor") is Copenhagen’s recently gentrified sailors' quarter. Wooden sailboats bob in the water next to trendy cafes, jazz clubs, and ...

Barcelona, Spain: Picasso Museum

04 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Picasso spent his formative years (from the ages of 14 to 23) in Barcelona, and this museum, housed in a palace in the Old City is the best collection...

Rome, Italy: Enjoying the Passeggiata

28 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Rick meets one of his tour guides, Francesca, for Rome's ritual evening stroll — the passeggiata — on a walk that laces together its top after-dar...

Paris, France: The Marais District

21 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Paris' trendy Marais district serves up a moveable feast of fashion boutiques, quiet cafés, art galleries, narrow streets, leafy squares like the Pla...

Florence, Italy: Antipasti Feast

14 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Travelers dine like royalty at an "antipasto extravaganza" in one of Rick's favorite Florentine restaurants. Today the chef recommends a parade of pla...

London, England: Make Time for Greenwich

07 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Greenwich is England's maritime capital. Visitors come here for all things salty, including the Cutty Sark clipper ship, the area's premier attraction...

Venice, Italy: Get Lost

31 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Most tourists never get beyond Venice's touristy main drag. Savvy travelers escape the center and its crowds to explore this city's unique labyrinth o...

Durham, England: Magnificent Norman Cathedral

24 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

For nearly a thousand years, pilgrims have set their sights on Durham's great cathedral. Built around the year 1100 to house the bones of the great mi...

Paris, France: Père Lachaise Cemetery

17 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The Père Lachaise cemetery offers a stroll through a vast garden of permanent Parisians. The final resting place of many of the city's most notable c...

Rome, Italy: A Restaurant Respite

10 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

For a peaceful and local-feeling respite from the intensity of the big city, try one of my favorite restaurants in Rome: Ristorante il Gabriello. Clau...

Florence, Italy: Michelangelo's David

03 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

One of Europe's great thrills is seeing Michelangelo's David in the flesh at the Accademia Gallery. Seventeen feet high, gleaming white, and exalted b...

London, England: The City and St. Paul's Cathedral

26 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The historic core of London is a compact district known as "The City." This is Britain's Wall Street, thriving with big time commerce and packed with ...

Venice, Italy: Chowing on Cicchetti

19 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

For a sightseeing break and a fun meal in Venice, explore the back lanes and pop into a rustic bar serving cicchetti — Venetian-style tapas. There's...

Lake District, England: Wordsworth Country

12 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

For poets, William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage is the top sight of the Lake District. Wordsworth — whose appreciation of nature and a back-to-basics l...

Paris, France: The Story of Napoleon

05 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Built by Louis XIV in the 1600s as a veterans' hospital, the Hôtel des Invalides complex now houses Europe's greatest military museum. Under a grand ...

Rome, Italy: The Colosseum

29 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Built in the 1st c AD when the Roman Empire peaked, the Colosseum represents Rome at its grandest. This colossal structure is a massive marvel of engi...

London, England: Westminster Abbey

22 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066 here in this most historic church in the English-speaking world. Filled with the remains of p...

Lucca, Italy: Beautifully Preserved

15 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Lucca is still contained within its massive Renaissance ramparts, which locals treat like a circular community park. A 2.5 mile path atop the walls is...

North England: Hadrian's Wall

08 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Hadrian's Wall, built nearly 2000 years ago by the Romans during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, was a cleverly-designed military rampart manned by 20,0...

Venice, Italy: A Boat Tour of the Lagoon

01 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Surrounding Venice and cradled by the lagoon are a string of low-lying islands which make a nice escape from the hubbub — especially if you can ling...

Paris, France: The Rodin Museum

24 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Auguste Rodin was a modern Michelangelo, sculpting human figures on an epic scale, revealing through the body their deepest emotions. The Rodin Museum...

Paris, France: Window Licking in Paris

20 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Paris is a leader in the fashion world, famous for its high end design. Here, window shopping (known to the French as "window licking") in the bountif...

Rome, Italy: Borghese Gallery

17 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

More than just a great museum, the Borghese Gallery is a beautiful villa set in the leafy surrounding gardens. Art commissioned by the luxury-loving B...

Paris, France: Nighttime Sightseeing

10 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

For a lively and unique way to enjoy Paris, hire a car and driver for a magical after-dark blitz of the city's best views. The French raise floodlight...

European Travel Skills: Eating and Drinking

03 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

One of the great joys of travel is eating. Restaurants filled with locals are where you’ll find high quality and good value. Order your meal with a ...

European Travel Skills: Hurdling the Language Barrier

27 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Today's Europe is increasingly bilingual — and lucky for us English is its second language. You can manage just fine by being polite and by speaking...