Rick Steves

You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Europe. With Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door, you'll learn how to:- Plan your itinerary and maximize your time- Pack light and right- Find good-value hotels and restaurants- Travel smoothly by train, bus, car, and plane- Avoid crowds and tourist scams- Hurdle the language barrier- Understand cultural differences and connect with locals- Save money while enjoying the trip of a lifetimeAfter 40+ years of exploring Europe, Rick considers this travel skills handbook his life's work, and with his expert introductions to the top destinations in Europe, choosing your next trip will be easy and stress-free. Using the travel skills in this book, you'll experience the culture like a local, spend less money, and have more fun.

Inside Rick Steves Central Europe you'll find:* Fully updated comprehensive coverage on the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, and Slovakia, plus side trips to Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Romania* Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favourites* Top sights and hidden gems, from the cobbles of bustling Bratislava, to country roads winding through the Julian Alps, to the striking chapels and cathedrals of Prague's Castle Quarter* How to connect with culture: Bask in the energy of Kraków's Main Square Market, sample local wines from Hungarian vintners, or soak in the steamy thermal baths in Budapest* Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight* The best places to eat, sleep, and relax* Self-guided walking tours of lively neighbourhoods and historic museums* Detailed neighbourhood maps for exploring on the go* Useful resources including a packing list, phrase books, historical overviews, and recommended reading* Over 1,000 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Eastern Europe!

Inside Rick Steves Sicily you'll find:* Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Sicily* Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favourites* Top sights and hidden gems, from Mount Etna and the Byzantine mosaics of Monreale to the Ballarò street market and Siracusa's puppet museum* How to connect with culture: Savour seafood-centric cuisine made from ancient recipes, catch an opera performance at the Teatro Massimo, or sample authentic Marsala wine* Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight* The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of local Nero d'Avola* Self-guided walking tours of lively neighbourhoods and incredible museums* Detailed maps for exploring on the go* Useful resources including a packing list, a historical overview, and useful Italian phrases* Over 450 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down* Complete, up-to-date information on Palermo, Cefalù, Trapani and the West Coast, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, Ragusa and the Southeast, Catania, Taormina, and moreMake the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Sicily. Expanding your trip? Check out Rick Steves Italy.

Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Budapest. Admire opulent Golden Age architecture, soak in a thermal bath, and wander the winding streets of old villages: with Rick Steves, Budapest is yours to discover! Inside Rick Steves Budapest you'll find:- Fully updated comprehensive coverage of Budapest, as well as day trips to Gödöllö Palace, Lázár Lovaspark, Holókö, the Danube Bend, Szentendre, Visegrád, Esztergom, and more- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favourites- Top sights and hidden gems, from the ornate Parliament building and the Széchnyi Baths to local unicum distilleries (Hungary's favourite spirit!)- How to connect with local culture: Catch a world-class opera performance, dive into a bowl of goulash, or sample paprika at the Great Market Hall- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of pálinka- Self-guided walking tours of lively neighbourhoods and historic museums- Detailed neighbourhood maps for exploring on the go- Useful resources including a packing list, a Hungarian phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading- Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you downMake the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Budapest. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Eastern Europe.

* Strategic advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money* Two-day itineraries covering Dublin, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Town and Peninsula, County Clare, Galway, Aran Islands, Belfast, Portrush, and the Antrim Coast* Rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps* The best of local culture, flavours, and more, including insightful walks through the most interesting neighbourhoods and museums* Trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around* Over 350 full-color pages with detailed maps and vibrant photos throughout* Suggestions for side trips to Valley of the Boyne, Wicklow Mountains, Rock of Cashel, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Connemara and Mayo, Bangor, and DerryExperience Ireland's legendary warmth and beauty for yourself with Rick Steves Best of Ireland! Planning a longer trip? Pick up Rick Steves Ireland, an in-depth guide perfect for spending more than two weeks exploring Ireland.

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Venice:- City walks and tours: Eight detailed tours and walks showcase Venice's essential sights, including St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal, plus handy neighbourhood breakdowns- Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money- What to eat and where to stay: Savour calamari at a cicchetti bar, mingle with locals with a spritz con Aperol in hand, and stay in a romantic canal-side hotel- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout- Full-colour, portable, and slim for exploring on the go- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, and moreLightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Venice's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Venice truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Spending more than a week in the city? Try Rick Steves Venice.

* Strategic advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money* Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast* Rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps* The best local culture, flavours, and more, including insightful walks through museums, historic sights, and atmospheric neighbourhoods* Trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around* Over 500 full-colour pages with detailed maps and vibrant photos throughout* Suggestions for day trips to Milan, Lake Como, Pisa, Verona, and PaduaExperience Italy's Old World romance and New World excitement for yourself with Rick Steves Best of Italy! Planning a longer trip? Pick up Rick Steves Italy, an in-depth guide perfect for spending more than two weeks exploring Italy.

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Italy's Cinque Terre:- City walks and tours: Six detailed tours and walks showcase the essential sights of each village, including Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and more- Rick's strategic advice on which experiences are worth your time and money- What to eat and where to stay: Enjoy local wine and seafood antipasti, chat with locals at a family-run trattoria, and admire views of the ocean from your hotel- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus individual village maps throughout- Full-colour, portable, and slim for exploring on the go- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, and moreLightweight yet packed with valuable insight into the history and culture of Italy, Rick Steves Pocket Italy's Cinque Terre truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Italy!

From the world's largest castle to the coziest pubs, experience the Old World charm of the Czech Republic with Rick Steves. Inside Rick Steves Prague & the Czech Republic you'll find:- Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Prague and the Czech Republic- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites- Top sights and hidden gems, from the city's stunning Old Town Square and Prague Castle to charming neighborhood bars and restaurants- How to connect with local culture: Take a dip in freshwater peat spas, explore the medieval villages of Bohemia, or enjoy a wine-cellar serenade with friendly vintners- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a pint of local Pilsner- Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and thought-provoking museums- Detailed maps and directions, including a fold-out map for exploring on the go- Useful resources including a packing list, a Czech phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading- Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down- Complete, up-to-date information on Prague, Kutna Hora, Terezin Memorial, Litomerice, Konopiste Castle, Karlstejn Castle, Krivoklat Castle, Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, Trebon, Telc, Trebic, Slavonice, Olomouc, Kromeriz, Wallachia, Mikulov, Pavlov and the Palava Hills, Lednice and Valtice, and moreMake the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Prague & the Czech Republic. Spending a week or less in the city? Check out Rick Steves Pocket Prague

Hit France's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of France! Inside you'll find:- Strategic advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money- Short itineraries covering the best of Paris, Normandy, the Loire, Dordogne, Provence, the French Riviera, and Burgundy, including Versailles, Nice, the D-Day beaches, Côtes du Rhône, Monaco, Avignon, and more- Rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps- The best local culture, flavors, and more, including insightful walks through museums, historic sights, and atmospheric neighborhoods- Trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around- Over 400 full-color pages with detailed maps and vibrant photos throughout- Suggestions for side trips and excursionsExperience France's old-world romance and modern-day excitement for yourself with Rick Steves Best of France! Planning a longer trip? Pick up Rick Steves France, an in-depth guide perfect for spending more than two weeks exploring France.

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Florence:- City walks and tours: Five detailed tours and walks showcase Florence's essential sights, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, plus specific recommendations for each neighborhood- Rick's strategic advice on what's worth your time and money- What to eat and where to stay: Sample artisanal gelato, chat with locals over a glass of Chianti, and enjoy the Old-World ambience of a Florentine bed and breakfast- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout- Full-color, portable, and slim for exploring on the go- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, basic Italian phrases, and moreLightweight yet packed with information on what to do and see, Rick Steves Pocket Florence truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Spending more time in the region? Try Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany.

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Barcelona:- City walks and tours: Six detailed tours and walks showcase Barcelona's essential sights, including Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, the Barri Gòtic, and more- Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money- What to eat and where to stay: Sample authentic pintxos at a tapas bar, drink cava with friendly locals, and sip café con leche in a cozy coffee shop- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout- Full-color, portable, and slim for exploring on-the-go- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, basic Spanish and Catalan phrases, and moreLightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Barcelona's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Barcelona truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Spain!

Stroll along Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves, Croatia and Slovenia are yours to explore! Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find:- Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites- Top sights and hidden gems, from Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split to stunning waterfalls and mountains in Slovenia- How to connect with culture: Taste wines at a vineyard in Hvar, tour museums and Baroque churches in Zagreb, and sample fresh seafood at an open-air market in Dubrovnik- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of local wine- Self-guided walking tours of lively towns and interesting museums- Detailed maps for exploring on the go- Useful resources including a packing list, Slovenian and Croatian phrases, a historical overview, and recommended reading- Over 800 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down- Complete, up-to-date information on Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Istria, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, the Bay of Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys, Ptuj, Maribor, the Karst, Piran, and moreMake the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia.

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Paris:- City walks and tours: Six detailed tours and walks showcase Paris's essential sights, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Eiffel Tower, a stroll along the Left Bank, and more.- Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money.- What to eat and where to stay: Sip café au lait at a sidewalk café, chat with locals over a picnic of camembert and rosé, and admire the lights of the Eiffel Tower from your balcony.- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time.- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout.- Full-colour, portable, and slim for exploring on-the-go.- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around on the Métro, basic French phrases, and moreLightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Paris's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Paris truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Paris or Rick Steves France!

Marvel at elegant architecture, explore stunning Alpine countryside, and get to know a unique culture: with Rick Steves on your side, Austria's top cities can be yours! Inside Rick Steves Vienna, Salzburg & Tirol you'll find:- Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Vienna, Salzburg and Tirol.- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favourites. - Top sights and hidden gems, from Mozart's house, the Vienna State Opera, and stunning Hapsburg palaces to the eerie Bone Chapel and the oldest salt mine in the world.- How to connect with culture: Sip a beer brewed onsite by monks, nibble a Sacher torte in a corner café, or catch a concert at a historic classical music venue.- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight.- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of wine.- Self-guided walking tours of lively neighbourhoods and incredible museums.- Detailed maps and directions, including a fold-out map for exploring on the go.- Useful resources including a packing list, a German phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading.- Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down.- Complete, up-to-date information on Vienna, the Danube Valley, Bratislava, Slovakia, Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, Innsbruck, Bavaria and Western Tirol, the Italian Dolomites, and more. Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Vienna, Salzburg & Tirol. Have a week or less to explore? Check out Rick Steves Pocket Vienna or Rick Steves Pocket Munich & Salzburg!

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Rome:- City walks and tours: Six detailed tours and walks showcase Rome's essential sights, including the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the lively Piazza Navona, plus handy neighbourhood breakdowns.- Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money.- What to eat and where to stay: Grab a quick lunch of pizza al taglio, people-watch as you sip wine on a sunny piazza and savour a multi-course meal at a neighborhood enoteca.- Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time.- A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout.- Full-colour, portable, and slim for exploring on the go.- Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, and more. Lightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Rome's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Rome truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Spending more than a week in the city? Try Rick Steves Rome!

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in London: ·City walks and tours: Six detailed tours and walks showcase London's essential sights, including the National Gallery, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey, plus handy neighborhood breakdowns ·Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money ·What to eat and where to stay: Dig into hearty pub fare with the locals, wash down a classic fish n' chips with a pint, and linger over high tea ·Day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time ·A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout ·Full-color, portable, and slim for exploring on the go ·Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, and moreLightweight yet packed with valuable insight into London's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket London truly is a tour guide in your pocket. Spending more than a week in the city? Try Rick Steves London!

Walk in the steps of Socrates, test the acoustics of the amphitheater of Epidavros, and set sail for Santorini: with Rick Steves, Greece is yours to explore! Inside Rick Steves Greece: Athens & The Peloponnese you'll find:- Comprehensive coverage for spending two weeks or more exploring Greece- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites- Top sights and hidden gems, from the Parthenon and the Agora to the small towns and beaches of the Peloponnesian Peninsula- How to connect with culture: Go back in time at the National Archaeological Museum, sample olives and feta in the Mediterranean sunshine, or sip ouzo at a local taverna- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax- Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums- Detailed maps for exploringon the go- Useful resources including a packing list, a Greek phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading- Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down- Complete, up-to-date information on Athens, Nafplio, Epidavros, Mycenae, Olympia, Patra, Kardamyli, the Mani Peninsula, Sparta, Mystras, Delphi, Hydra, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese. Spending a week or less in the city? Check out Rick Steves Pocket Athens!

Bike cobblestone streets, cruise on charming canals, and stop and smell the tulips: experience the Netherlands with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Amsterdam and the Netherlands Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the Van Gogh museum and Rembrandt's home workshop, to cozy "brown" cafés How to connect with local culture: Explore Amsterdam by bicycle, sample distinctive Dutch cheeses, and chat with a friendly local over beer brewed from 1,000-year-old recipes Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax over a pint Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, a Dutch phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft, Alkmaar and Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, Marken, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, the Historic Triangle, Flevoland, Keukenhof, Aalsmeer, Leiden, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands. Spending less than a week in Amsterdam? Try Rick Steves Pocket Amsterdam.

With Rick Steves, Lisbon is yours to discover! This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves Portugal includes:Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on Lisbon's best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist trapsTop sights and local experiences: Relax and people-watch at an Art Nouveau café, or take a trolley tour of the famed colorful hills. Wander tangled medieval streets and museums of ancient art, and sip delicious port with locals at an authentic fado barHelpful maps and self-guided walking tours to keep you on trackWith selective coverage and Rick's trusted insight into the best things to do and see, Rick Steves Snapshot Lisbon is truly a tour guide in your pocket. Exploring beyond the city? Pick up Rick Steves Portugal for comprehensive coverage, detailed itineraries, and essential information for planning a countrywide trip.