Essential Europe Travel Tips from Rick Steves for an Unforgettable Summer

“Be out early, be out late,” Rick Steves told iBestTravel. “Go to the less-famous places, and treat them like the famous places.”

Rick Steves wants travelers to break away from the over-hyped sites when exploring Europe.

“You find that everybody wants to go to the same places more than ever,” he said. However, this European travel expert and TV host, at the helm of the popular tour company Rick Steves’ Europe, emphasizes that there are plenty of smart ways to enjoy peak season.

“There are great alternatives to the famous places everybody is hell-bent on going to,” Steves mentioned after recently concluding a whirlwind 45-day research tour covering more than 10 major European cities.

Across his best-selling guidebooks, TV shows, and small-group tours, Steves advocates for embracing local culture, staying at independent hotels, dining at mom-and-pop restaurants, and exploring alternative cultural sites instead of tourist traps.

Summer is indeed the most popular time to visit many European destinations, leading Steves to share his top summer travel tips with iBestTravel to assist anyone planning a high-season vacation.

Avoid Herd Mentality

There is no off-season when it comes to popular sites, according to Steves. Travelers aiming to visit top spots like the Sistine Chapel or the Musée D’Orsay will need to plan far ahead and still contend with crowds upon arrival.

“The most grueling part of travel is the heat and the crowds of summer,” he expressed.

Steves advises to explore other museums or institutions that provide a similar, or even superior, experience. For example, visitors can often gain entry to the Opera del Duomo Museum in Florence instead of facing long waits at the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Additionally, while seeing Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam requires a reservation, visitors can freely explore the Dutch Resistance Museum, he noted.

“There are countless lesser-known sites that don’t possess marquee value, yet they are highly rewarding,” he added.

He emphasizes the importance of building itineraries around personal interests and spending limited time wisely each day. The focus on visiting iconic sites now also includes a surge in social media-driven selfie moments, making the experience even more competitive.

“Are you a traveler constantly facing lines and mob scenes?” he questioned. “It’s not indicative of a good traveler to follow the crowd. It certainly doesn’t allow one to truly enjoy Europe.”

If one were to eliminate the top 30 sites from consideration, Steves proposed, Europe would remain just as captivating and devoid of crowds. “Smart travelers should avoid the herd mentality,” he advised. “As we discuss gaining herd immunity, we should also reject herd mentality during our travels.”

Indulge in Local Favorites

Travelers will frequently need advance reservations for specific museums and sites. In a shift from previous guidance, Steves now suggests reserving one quality meal in advance: “If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, it’s wise to ensure your spot ahead of time,” he stated.

With a goal of updating his 50 essential guidebooks by the end of 2022, Steves is focusing on how the pandemic has reshaped his past recommendations.

During his recent travels, he noted the resilience of some independent restaurants, which continued to attract local clientele—those eager to explore dining options within their own towns. “I anticipated needing to update my guidebooks with unfortunate closures, but thankfully many small businesses have thrived during the pandemic,” he expressed.

He emphasized that while using guidebooks or older recommendations is acceptable, it’s crucial to call restaurants for confirmation of their current status and operating hours, as these are often subject to change.

“There’s an interesting sort of affluence in Europe at present,” he remarked. “Many people are ready to step out, leading to busy restaurants that aren’t necessarily tourist traps—they’re simply popular for a reason.”

Visit ‘Second Cities’ Instead

For those still planning a summer trip, Steves recommends considering a smaller “second city” over the main tourist hotspots. “Instead of Edinburgh, why not Glasgow? If Dublin is on your list, consider Belfast instead. You might also swap Bath for Bristol, or Paris for Marseille; and Lisbon for Porto,” he suggested.

These less-popular destinations often lack the glitz of their larger counterparts yet offer exceptional food, rich history, and cultural experiences without large crowds.

Timing is also important in terms of summer weather, Steves stated, noting his preference for traveling to northern regions, particularly above the Alps during summer. “I seek peak season and favorable weather; the crowds in Ireland and Britain add to the vibrant atmosphere,” he remarked.

However, Steves expressed his aversion to overcrowded destinations like Barcelona, Salzburg, and Amsterdam during peak summer months.

Regardless of the timing of travel to Europe, Steves feels grateful that people are traveling again after prolonged pandemic restrictions. For peak summer travel, employing smart strategies can enhance the overall experience.

“Be out early, be out late,” he reiterated. “Seek out the less-famous locations, and treat them with the same regard as you would the renowned ones.”