This article appears in our Print Edition, September 2011 -- Page 59
by Rick Steves
At Europe’s lively open-air markets and bazaars, bargaining for merchandise is the accepted and expected method of setting a price. Whether you are looking for door knockers or hand-knitted sweaters, seize the chance to bargain like a native. It’s the only way to find a compromise between the wishful thinking of the seller and the souvenir lust of the tourist.
Bargaining can be fun if you learn how to haggle. Among many good markets at which to...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, August 2011 -- Page 60
You’re winging your way across Europe, having the time of your life, when you make a simple mistake. You set your bag down as you slurp an extra-large gelato, and before you know it your bag is gone. Unfortunately, today’s the day you tucked your passport, credit cards and extra cash in your bag instead of in your money belt. That sinking feeling is the realization that — except for the euro or two in your pocket — you’ve lost everything.
Odds are this won’t ever happen to you, but if...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, July 2011 -- Page 59
by Rick Steves
Tracking down decent public toilets in Europe can be frustrating. I once dropped off a tour group in a town for a potty stop, and when I picked them up 20 minutes later, no one had had any luck. Most European countries are short on public restrooms, but I can teach you how to sniff out a biffy in a jiffy.
If you ask for a “restroom” or “bathroom,” you’ll get no relief. Instead, say “toilet” or “WC” (short for “water closet”). These terms are direct, simple and...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, April 2011 -- Page 64
After graduating from high school, I took my first trip to Europe without my parents or much money. I subsisted entirely on jam, baguettes and Fanta. When I returned home, my doctor declared me “chronically undernourished.” I’ve never had a jam sandwich or Fanta since.
In fact, one of my biggest passions these days is to find great restaurants in Europe. Whether it’s Wiener schnitzel in Vienna, salade Niçoise in Nice or wurst in Würzburg, a country’s high cuisine is as culturally...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, March 2011 -- Page 64
Despite the economic downturn, France and Spain spent millions of euros last year to upgrade their public spaces and technology for visitors.
In Paris, FRANCE, the top floor of the Orsay, containing its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist rooms, is slated to reopen this spring after a yearlong renovation. Until then, many of the displaced masterpieces are being displayed on the museum’s ground floor.
At the Louvre, the pre-Classical Greek section is closed until spring 2012....
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This article appears in our Print Edition, February 2011 -- Page 66
Some travelers are surprised when I tell them to consider biking in Europe. I explain that it’s not only a cheap way to travel but it gets you close to the ground and close to the people. Whether you rent a bicycle for a day in a bike-friendly city like Copenhagen or decide to pedal across France for a month, you’ll experience a more local side of Europe that many travelers rarely see.
While my schedule usually won’t allow a week-long pedal in the Loire Valley, I’ll often do day...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, January 2011 -- Page 67
My own travel style has evolved over the years. In the past I generally bought one big, fat, wonderful railpass for my entire trip. These days, I cobble together a few cheap flights within Europe, some rail trips and a modest car rental (which I find is becoming a better value than rail).
Renting a car in Europe is generally more expensive and more complicated than in the United States but worth it for the freedom to explore Europe at your own speed.
First decide, though, if...
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This article appears in our Print Edition, December 2010 -- Page 58
If you’re bound for Europe, be warned: your US credit card won’t always work. Thanks to new technological advances, old-fashioned tax evasion and merchants’ disgust with fees, your US credit card is not nearly as welcome as cash.
Much of Europe has started implementing a chip-and-PIN system, using credit cards that are embedded with a microchip and require a Personal Identification Number (PIN code) for transactions. What this means for Americans is that your...
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