rick steves paris tour guides

Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour

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• Visits to a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches
• Enjoy guided neighborhood walks through the city's historic heart
• See the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art - almost next door - at the Orsay Museum
• Enjoy a farewell feast together, sharing travel memories

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Travel themes.

• Hiking & Walking
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions.

• Louvre Museum
• Historic sightseeing
• River cruise
• Wine Tasting

Trip includes

• A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
• Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Paris come alive for you
• All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 13 group sightseeing events, 7-day Métro subway and bus transportation pass, Paris bus orientation tour, 6-day Paris Museum Pass, allowing free admission throughout the city, Seine River cruise, Louvre Museum tour, Orangerie Museum tour, Orsay and Cluny Museum introductions, Montmartre walking tour, Historic Paris walking tour, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Marais walking tour, Versailles tour… and more
• All group transportation during the week in and around Paris
• 6 nights' accommodations in a memorable, centrally located hotel
• All breakfasts and half your dinners
• All tips for guides and driver
• Rick Steves Travel Store credit to use toward guidebooks for your trip
• Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
• Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
• Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2017
• 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
• Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
• Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing

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We'll gather at our hotel in Paris at 3 p.m. for a short meeting and orientation stroll around our neighborhood, followed by a panoramic tour of the City of Light aboard a private bus. Then we'll get acquainted with one another over a delicious "Welcome to Paris" dinner together. Sleep in Paris (6 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light.

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!

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• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Rick Steves .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Rick Steves Reviews & Ratings

This was my first rick steves tour. the hotel was comfortable . . i was underwhelmed..

First, I’m an experienced traveler. I found the group tours to be sluggish and slow and larger than I like, about 25 people. One woman disappeared, not bothering to...

MontvaleTom

Great Tour of Paris

My family and I took the seven day Paris tour run by Rick Steves and had a great time. Excellent guide and perfect mix of scheduled events and free time. The special...

Other Rick Steves Reviews

This is about the store not the tours.

We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged me...

A Perfect 10

Sicily is Pure Eye Candy :: Will Leave You Wanting More :: Seamless Way To Travel The Island

A perfect "10" for the Rick Steves' Best of Sicily 11-Day Tour. My 1st tour with any company. This was a perfect combination of scheduled time and free time .. with ...

Longtime Travelers

Terrible Covid Experience

We are in Ireland now, traveling with Rick Steves Tours and a group of 27. Two days ago a member of the group tested positive for Covid, and we had all been exposed....

See all Other Rick Steves reviews

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Tour operator, rick steves.

Our mission is to inspire, inform and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live. We strive to keep our own travel style, our world outlook and our business practices consistent with these values.

About Rick Steves

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 80 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and website. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

--We research and write European guidebooks, produce a public television series and a public radio show

--We organize and lead energetic tours throughout Europe

--We sell select travel bags, guidebooks, maps, DVDs, and other travelers' supplies

--We offer travel consulting and trip planning services

--We teach do-it-yourself travel seminars

--We provide a wealth of free information about travel in Europe via our Travel Center and Website

--We travel a lot

What we don't do

--We are not travel agents, so we don't book flights, hotels, or rental cars

About Travelstride

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Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received, unless noted otherwise below. After 30 days your deposit becomes nonrefundable, and will be forfeited should you decide to cancel your reservation. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become nonrefundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days

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Rick Steves Gave Me a Personal Tour of Paris — Here’s How You Can Get One, Too

This informative guided tour of Paris might just be Rick Steves Europe's best-kept secret.

Kelsey Fowler

As someone who doesn’t mind spending time alone on vacations, I find some of my favorite travel memories include walking around a city or exploring a museum on my own. On a recent trip to Paris, I wanted to experience the history and atmosphere more than the last time I had set foot in the City of Light, when I was focused on checking off the “must see” tourist attractions.

So, driven by the mindset of traversing the city more as a traveler and not a tourist this time around, I decided that, rather than hiring an expensive personal guide, or hopping along on a packed group walking tour, I would turn to one of the most trusted guides in European travel: Rick Steves . Steves is a renowned travel writer, synonymous with European travel and his philosophy of embracing local culture while abroad. The Rick Steves guidebooks are hugely popular — in fact, I picked up the pocket version of the Rick Steves Paris book specifically for this trip.

While I couldn’t book Steves to guide me personally through Paris, I did have the next-best-thing : his audio tour. As I set out to explore the Left Bank, I had the convenience — and added company — of hearing Steves directly in my ear as I started my walk. Great audio guides allow the listener to explore cities at their own pace without needing to map out an itinerary in advance. Simply download the audio tour, head to the first landmark, and hit play.

Steves spent a lot of his 2022 travels talking to himself, carefully noting updates and changes for his 60 self-guided audio tours. In April 2023, Rick Steves Europe republished updated versions of these tours , with guides in Athens, London, Salzburg, Paris, and more. The walking tours are excerpted from Rick Steves guidebooks, and the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app includes bonus features like a companion map, tips, and the full script of each tour.

I opted for the Historic Paris Walk audio tour , as it covered a lot of the neighborhood near my hotel . The tour is advertised as a three-mile journey, and Steves recommends two hours for walking, and another two hours if you choose to go inside the sights.

Zachary Scott/New York Times Magazine/Courtesy of Rick Steves' Europe

Starting out at Notre-Dame de Paris, I was instantly immersed in the story of Paris that Steves tells, building on the history of the city and religion that led to the construction of the cathedral. Even though the Gothic landmark is still undergoing repairs from the 2019 fire, I was able to listen to a good portion of the tour anyway, as Steves hits on a lot of the history and architecture on the outside.

One of the great things about the audio tour is each chapter of the narration has a separate title and picture, making it easy to navigate forward or backward in the audio to find the right location. Walking through the center of the city, I enjoyed having Steves as a companion, bringing me from spot to spot with enough insight to keep even my jet-lagged self interested. His style of narration is friendly and informative. 

The tour also includes verbalized step-by-step directions, so, if you have a good sense of direction, you can easily follow the turns and head to the next landmark or street without missing a beat. (I did have to pause once or twice to look around and make sure I was headed in the right direction.) But it’s easiest to follow the tour in the order Steves has laid out, as I completed almost a full loop around Île de la Cité, from Notre-Dame, to Pont Neuf, the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter, and Place Saint-Michel.

Of course, when I got to the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company , I had to pause the guide to go inside. And that wasn't the only time I deviated from the tour: when I reached Sainte-Chapelle, I decided to skip that section as well. Because of Notre-Dame’s closing, this nearby church is even more popular now, and the line was too long for me to wait that day. In the updated tour found in the Rick Steves Audio Europe app, Steves does point out this is the one place to get an advance ticket for.

But as I walked through Paris, it truly felt like I had a personal guide with me. I didn’t feel like a tourist at all — I never had to pull out a map or a guidebook, and it made me appreciate walking through the city while learning its history.

The next day, I went to the Musée d’Orsay , one of Paris’s most popular museums, perhaps best-known for its extensive Impressionist collection with works by Van Gogh and Monet, among many others. Here, I pulled out my pocket-sized Rick Steves Paris guidebook (and quietly read it aloud to a friend as we walked the vibrant maze of Manets and Picassos). Steves also has an audio tour of the museum, and others, like the Louvre, if you’re more inclined to listen rather than read. 

If you — like me — are not an art student, but still want to appreciate these masterful works, Steves’s guides are helpful in pointing out which works are important to stop at, and what to look for once you’re there. I loved hearing more about the art world throughout history in Paris, and Steves is able to compare and contrast differing styles and movement, and build on that knowledge as you progress in time throughout the museum.

The Steves guides allowed me to explore landmarks and places I wouldn’t have otherwise known about, and get a great understanding of the city without any language barrier. Plus, self-guided tours offer flexibility and independence, while still offering a rewarding and informative experience. 

The Rick Steves audio guides are all completely free. Interested travelers can install the Rick Steves Audio Europe app to download the latest versions of the tours.

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Rick Steves Paris 2020 (Rick Steves Travel Guide) Paperback – October 1, 2019

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• Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Paris
• 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 Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles to where to find the perfect croissant
• How to connect with culture: Stroll down Rue Cler for fresh, local goods to build the ultimate French picnic, marvel at the works of Degas and Monet, and sip café au lait at a streetside café
• 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 vin rouge
• Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums and churches
• Detailed maps, including a fold-out map for exploring on the go
• Useful resources including a packing list, French phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading
• Over 700 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down
• Annually updated information on the best arrondissements in Paris, including Champs-Elysees, the Marais, Montmartre, and more, plus day trips to Versailles, Chartres, Giverny, and Auvers-sur-Oise
• Print length 713 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Rick Steves
• Publication date October 1, 2019
• Dimensions 4.55 x 1.05 x 7.95 inches
• ISBN-10 164171171X
• ISBN-13 978-1641711715
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Editorial reviews, about the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rick Steves (October 1, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 713 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164171171X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1641711715
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.55 x 1.05 x 7.95 inches
• #185 in Paris Travel Guides
• #721 in General France Travel Guides
• #1,962 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Rick steves.

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 100 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

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Eating My Way Through Paris

I can return to Paris again and again for the rest of my life. Just being there–with no intention of seeing anything new–is a fine vacation opportunity. With our tour over, I enjoyed a personal day before heading for Amsterdam and the Netherlands to scout for my upcoming TV shoot. The plan: Take my own audio tours and eat very well.

After 50 days of steady work (OK–steady fun, too), I treated myself to a Michelin-star restaurant. We don’t list many destination restaurants in our guidebooks, but people come to Paris to eat well, and you’ll certainly do that at Le Violon d’Ingres .

At Le Violon d’Ingres, the dishes are extremely creative and, while excellent, I’m glad I opted for a sampler menu which gave me twice as many plates (with half-sized portions) as a regular menu. The Degustation Menu cost €95 for eight small plates served delicately and beautifully presented. I added on the matching wine. If you’re planning on binging for an extravagant meal in France, you’ll get the best value in smaller towns in the countryside. But for me, my fine Parisian dinner at Le Violon d’Ingres was a splurge I’ll never forget.

As we list his restaurant in our book, renowned chef Christian Constant dropped by to see us. There’s a family tree-type photo wall of all the chefs who’ve trained with Monsieur Constant. After our meal, I was not surprised that his kitchen has spawned so many highly regarded and successful chefs.

3 Replies to “Eating My Way Through Paris”

Paris is now a leisure experience for us too. And if a couple of foodie friends come with, I feel like that is all we do for a week is eat and drink and half hardly take in sights and museums.

I bought some chocolates at the Christian Constant chocolate shop the last time I was there. For some reason I didn’t know that he had a restaurant too. I will put that on my list of places to splurge!

Like Rick I’m also planning on a michelin-star restaurant while I travel in Berlin in early July. I figure if I’m in the neighborhood why not have a brief splurge.

But what I don’t know is how to dress, and like most who read Rick’s guidebooks I like to pack light. Does anyone know what the etiquette is for nice restaurants in Berlin?

Can I get away with a button up and slacks? Do I need a tie? Or must I tote a sports coat all over Europe? I noticed in the pictures above Rick is in jeans!

Comments are closed.

So-Called 'Tourist Traps' That Rick Steves Loves

N ot all tourist traps are created equal. Sometimes you can have a blast visiting an extra-touristy place, too. While hot spots like the Amalfi Coast, Venice, or Toledo may be filled with tourist trap attractions and restaurants, these destinations are still among the most beautiful in the world. Listening to the advice of travel experts like Rick Steves will help you organize your trip in the most enjoyable manner -- no matter how big the crowds are.

The American TV show host and author is well-known for his love of underdog destinations and under-the-radar places. Still, there are uber-popular European getaways that Rick Steves loves despite all the shortcomings of overtourism. At the end of the day, it's not so much about where you go as it is about how you plan your time there. Let's embark on this grand tour of European destinations that often get described as "tourist traps," with Rick Steves as a guide.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Salzburg, Austria

An ultimate stunner, Salzburg is among the most walkable and history-filled European cities . Baroque architecture is everywhere you look, the epic 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress towers over the city, and Alpine peaks provide an ultra-cinematic background. Also, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and the primary filming location for the 1965 Julie Andrews-led movie The Sound of Music. When you've got so much beauty, people will flock to enjoy it. "I love this city, but it's overrun with tourists," concludes Steves before adding that he chooses to "celebrate" them rather than complain.

In the case of Salzburg, the crowds are justified, and instead of fighting it, the best way is to embrace the touristy side. That in no way means that you should succumb to the tourist traps of the Old Town. Whether it's the Mozart pilgrimage or visiting the Sound of Music, have a clear plan of places you're going to (preferably with prices), always check the menu before ordering at the pubs and restaurants in the city center, and be sure to venture outside of the touristy Altstadt to get a true picture of the town.

Hallstatt, Austria

There's hardly a dreamier village in the world than Hallstatt. Hugged by the crystal-clear waters of Hallstätter See and dramatically placed against an alpine backdrop, it's a photogenic delight, with its 18th-century stone Evangelical Church and streets filled with fairytale-like colored houses. Moreover, Hallstatt also boasts the oldest salt mine in the world . No wonder tourists want to see these shores, the scenery is irresistible. The surge of popularity of Hallstatt is so big that in 2023, locals blocked the tunnel leading to the village, demanding caps on daily visits.

Rick Steves writes about Hallstatt as a more peaceful alternative to Salzburg. The host recommends spending a night to fully escape the crowds. With the majority of visitors being day-trippers, staying overnight will allow you to immerse yourself better in the joys of alpine living, greet the spectacular sunrises over the lake, and have a village largely to yourself when the main visitors have boarded their tour buses and left. Hallstatt is also a getaway to the stunning Dachstein Mountains with plenty of hiking and cycling trails.

Toledo, Spain

Proximity to Madrid and easy access by train and bus make historic Toledo a prime day trip destination from the Spanish capital. This, in turn, casts a "day trip curse" on the town. Think overpriced, inauthentic restaurants and tacky souvenir stalls on narrow, crowded streets. And while the tourist trap qualities are certainly there, Toledo is a gem of a town that deserves every visitor it gets. Occupying a hill over the Tagus River, it lures you with an amalgam of cultures, the mighty Alcázar of Toledo, and marvelous architecture everywhere you look.

Rick Steves admits that Toledo is "mobbed by day-trippers" and advises to stay for the night to see how "the real Toledo emerges." Thankfully, this town surely knows how to keep you busy throughout the day, and it's a treasure trove of world-class attractions. Step inside the gorgeous High Gothic Toledo Cathedral to witness the works of El Greco, Goya, Titian, and more. Get lost in the maze of twisted streets filled with old churches, mosques, and synagogues. Don't forget to try the marzipan (or mazapán de Toledo); the sweet treat has been produced here since the 16th century and enjoys EU protection.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Four million. That is the number of visitors the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre National Park received in 2023. The five dramatically perched villages on Italy's Ligurian coast are among the most alluring European attractions. Car-free, reached only by train and connected by an  epic hiking trail with spectacular coastline views , Cinque Terre gets incredibly crowded during the high season. The tourist trap restaurants prey on visitors on the narrow streets and sea-facing piazzas of the tiny villages, making people spend more on less than authentic cuisine. But Cinque Terre remains a stronghold of tradition, a place to "inhale slower-paced Italian culture in perhaps its purest form," per Steves.

The travel guru is a passionate admirer of the national park, and Vernazza is among his favorite European beach getaways. Steves enjoys what is known as "la vita pigra di Vernazza" (or the lazy life of Vernazza). That includes sipping gelato on the bench while people-watching, taking long passegiatas (serene strolls), admiring the craggy coast and infinite Liguarian blue, and tasting locally-produced wine on scenic restaurant terraces. Just stay overnight to experience the peaceful Cinque Terre without the day trippers.

Capri, Italy

Sublime is a good word to describe Capri. Rising from the azure waters of the Bay of Naples, its high white rocks, scattered Roman villa ruins, exclusive resorts, and picture-perfect panoramas make it a sought-after bucket list destination. This island is the full package, unapologetically cinematic and utterly beautiful, but there's another, more unflattering side to Capri. Rick Steves calls Capri a "world-class tourist trap" due to astronomical prices, hordes of day-trippers during the summer months, and the rushed atmosphere on the ground. Still, there's so much to love here, and visiting outside the high-season craze will allow you to encounter a blissful island escape.

Rick Steves suggests a boat tour around the island for the best sightseeing. Go to the Blue Grotto, too; it's among the most striking sea caves in the world for a reason. You can also visit Grotta Bianca (or the White Cave) as an alternative, with its limestone glory and dramatic coastline views. To save money on accommodation instead of uber-expensive hotels in Capri town, opt for the better-priced B&Bs in Anacapri. And certainly don't eat at the tourist trap restaurants next to the port of Marina Grande -- choose the places outside the popular areas for authentic gastronomy.

The Black Forest, Germany

Spanning over 2,320 square miles in the southeast German state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest has space for everyone to enjoy its green delights. Here, thick woods meet idyllic valleys, the mountain ranges rise over the quaint towns, and the rivers create idly saunter by -- heaven for anyone looking for a natural escape. However, it is also among Germany's biggest tourist traps , according to Rick Steves. But worry not; that status primarily applies to the spa town called Titisee, which is packed with tacky memorabilia stores, tourist crowds, and all things cliché. Steves loves the other parts of the Black Forest, untouched and fresh air-filled.

The best way to experience the blissful side of this region is by venturing into the countryside and exploring the sleepy, small towns. Steves recommends the spa town of Wolfach as a must for any Black Forest itinerary. It boasts a picturesque cafe-dotted market street, a logging history museum in the castle, and excellent access to hiking trails. The TV host also advises trying the Black Forest cake, a mouthwatering local dessert made of dark chocolate and finessed with cherry filling.

Innsbruck, Austria

Although it may be "tourist-filled," as Rick Steves  writes in one article, and an "overrated tourist trap" in another blog post, the TV host still finds Innsbruck filled with medieval charm and beauty. The town's location is majestic, and the high Alps are everywhere, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning panoramas. The Nordkette cable car is located within the city limits, enabling you to have breakfast on the gorgeous Main Square in the morning and then an alpine lunch at 2,256 meters, marveling at the view of Innsbruck from the top. Such accessibility is a major draw of Austria's fifth-biggest city.

Innsbruck is an ideal place for an easygoing alpine vacation. Visitors are often amazed by the breathtaking Baroque interiors of the old churches, the charming provincial museums (like the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum that Rick Steves visited for the Innsbruck episode, available on YouTube ), and tasting hearty Tyrolean cuisine. Don't miss the crumbly nut strudel at Strudelcafé Kröll, have a bite of Graukäse (local grey cheese), and munch on soul food staple Tiroler Gröstl (a fried mix of bacon, onion and potato with egg on top).

Venice, Italy

For Steves, Venice is a tale of two cities. One is "garishly touristic," as the TV host writes . It's the overpriced St. Mark's Square restaurants, rip-off souvenirs produced a thousand miles away, crowds invading the narrow bridges, daytrippers providing nothing to the local economy, and selfies, selfies everywhere. It's a tale of a fragile urban ecosystem pushed to the limits of its capabilities where tourists are not welcome anymore.

Yet, worry not, another Venice exists. Rick Steves promotes the "romantic and tranquil" side of the city that you can encounter by booking an overnight stay and getting off the beaten path. Early morning and late evening see La Serenissima at its most sublime, as the pathways become deserted, the canals exude stillness, and the boats peacefully sway to the rhythm of unhurried lagoon waves. That's exactly the kind of Venice you should aim to discover. And don't forget to check out the under-the-radar lagoon islands like Giudecca with white marble Santissimo Redentore Church, San Giorgio Maggiore with spectacular Venice views, and luscious Lido, representing the classic Italian Adriatic resort experience.

Granada, Spain

It's very easy to fall for Granada. This Andalusian town is constantly buzzing with excitement, offers some of Europe's most impressive architectural masterpieces, and greets you with an enticing mixture of Christian and Moorish civilizations. Coming here, you are immersed in a universe of easygoingness filled with the sounds of street musicians, lively conversations coming from the many terraces on the many plazas, and the excitement of impromptu street parties. Sure, there are numerous tourist traps here and there, but they all weave seamlessly into the overall vibe. Just steer clear of restaurants next to the monuments, don't buy from street souvenir vendors, and purchase tickets for attractions from authorized sellers.

The Alhambra, a magnificent UNESCO-protected Moorish fortress, is the undeniable centerpiece of Granada. Book your tickets beforehand to get in; the entry slots are limited, and you risk missing an opportunity to see a true triumph of ninth-century engineering. The Rennaissance Catedral de Granada is another must, guaranteed to take your breath away with its exquisite interiors. And take a peek inside the Alcaicería covered market. Steves sums it up well, saying that "it's a tourist trap today, but this colorful mesh of shopping lanes and overpriced trinkets is still fun to explore."

San Gimignano, Italy

San Gimignano is the original Manhattan of the ancient world. At the height of its power during medieval times, this Tuscan town boasted 72 so-called tower houses -- erecting one was a show of wealth for local patrician families. Even though only 14 towers lived to see the 21st century, San Gimignano epitomizes Italian architectural genius. The town is a time capsule, as the whole historic core has been left largely intact throughout the centuries. As an authentic Tuscan gem, it also receives loads of tourists who mostly come here for day trips.

"Despite its tourist-trap feel, it's still worth slotting into your Italian itinerary," says  Steves , who suggests staying overnight for a special romantic experience. As with other popular small towns around Europe, the magic returns once the daytrippers disappear. Visitors stay among the wonderful rolling hills, olive groves, and wineries of the region, a perfect recipe for a high-quality slow travel holiday.

Fado In Lisbon, Portugal

Fado is not just a Portuguese musical genre that originated in Lisbon in the 19th century -- it is a way of life. Unfortunately, today, if a destination is famous as a "birthplace" of something, the inauthentic, tacky, overpriced "experiences" start to pop up around the most popular areas, promising authenticity and only deceiving in the end. That's the case in the Portuguese capital. According to Steves , attending a fado concert has become "one of Lisbon's favorite late-night tourist traps." The worst-case scenario here is listening to a mediocre, uninspired performance with a disinterested audience that includes zero locals eating food that costs much more than it should.

But how do you find a fantastic establishment that plays authentic fado? Your first option is to visit the interactive Fado Museum, which fully immerses you in the history and modernity of this fascinating music genre. The Alfama district (behind the museum) is filled with tiny, casual bars where you can stumble upon a genuine fado performance and have a fantastic Portuguese meal to accompany it.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

"Amalfi Coast towns are pretty but touristy, congested, overpriced," laments Rick Steves , yet he seems to love it there and features this alluring part of Italy among his all-time favorite European beachside hideaways. There's no mystery here; the Amalfi Coast is stunning, and nothing can prepare you for seeing this crescendo of natural beauty for the first time. Cascading towns challenge the rules of engineering, ultra-narrow roads offer head-turning vistas with every curve, and the Tyrrhenian Sea glistens under the blissful sun.

But with all its merits, the Amalfi Coast can make your holiday miserable very quickly. More accurately, its minefield of tourist traps can be a challenge for unprepared travelers. That's why it's important to do your homework before coming here. Research restaurant prices beforehand, spend extra time to find the most suitable accommodation, choose times outside of peak hours for commuting, and keep in mind the challenging geography when arriving in a rented car.

Pisa, Italy

Is there anything more quintessentially touristic than the Leaning Tower of Pisa? While it's extremely easy to write it off as a tourist trap, this destination may be among the most misunderstood in Italy. Many come here for the tower, snap a few Instagram pictures in various poses, maybe buy a kitschy mini version for the fridge, and leave. Those who stay overnight in Pisa will have a chance to experience a gorgeous Tuscan city with several aces up its sleeve regarding history, architecture, and, of course, food. And in contrast to the leaning white monument, the town itself will be "virtually tourist-free," according to Rick Steves .

Once you have more time on your hands as an overnight visitor, take a closer look at the sprawling Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes the gorgeous Romanesque Duomo, the biggest Baptistry building in Italy, and the tranquil Camposanto Monumentale cemetery. Venture inside Pisa proper to see the palazzos along the romantic banks of the Arno River, explore the superb Rennaissance Cavalieri Square, and admire Keith Harring's masterful pop art "Tuttomondo," painted on the facade of Sant'Antonio Abate church.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany

"Even with crowds, overpriced souvenirs, and a nearly inedible pastry specialty (the over-promoted, fried ball of pie crust called a Schneeball), Rothenburg is still the best," opines Steves about one of his favorite towns in Germany . Set in the Bavarian region of Middle Franconia, it's a medieval open-air museum of a town. Only the payment terminals at the local cafes and the selfie-taking mobile phones of thousands of tourists give hints that we are in the 21st century. Rothenburg is a lesson in preserving a medieval city core that manages to be both overly touristy and super cute simultaneously.

The town is quite special for Rick Steves, as the TV host fell for its quaint charms during a backpacking trip in his youth. Back then, it was a largely undiscovered part of Germany. Today, Rothenburg attracts more than 2 million visitors yearly (with daytrippers making up the majority). As with other small gems, Rick Steves' best advice to avoid crowds is to book a room and spend the night. This way, you will enjoy the picture-perfect beauty of Rothenburg to yourself in the evening and witness the sleepy town wake up with a coffee cup in hand in the morning.

Read the original article on Explore

753 German Views; Mudlarking the Thames Travel with Rick Steves

• Places & Travel

A German journalist shares some timely thoughts on what his fellow citizens find appealing about America, as well as his insights into the intriguing differences between our two societies. Then a London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian era, and even as far back as Roman times.

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More by Rick Steves

France tries to shed its rude reputation ahead of the Olympics

Is the unfriendly Parisian a myth? A local goes undercover as a tourist to find out.

Paris is in the home stretch of preparing for the Olympics. A new 8,000-capacity arena has been opened in the north of Paris, the Olympic Village was inaugurated by Emmanuel Macron in early March, and authorities are still desperately trying to make sure the Seine is swimmable by the summer. The country is slowly but surely getting ready for the more than 15 million visitors that will descend on the capital and its suburbs between July and August. But there’s still something to consider — something a bit less tangible.

Are Parisians ready to welcome these visitors? Like really welcome?

France gets a bad rap when it comes to friendliness. There’s, of course, the long-standing cliché of the snooty French waiter or the surly Parisian, and a viral TikTok earlier this year of an American woman tearfully telling the camera that traveling in France was “isolating” and that French people were unwelcoming got thousands of comments — many from people agreeing with her.

“This kind of bad PR doesn’t worry me because it’s anecdotal,” says Corinne Ménégaux, the head of the Paris tourism office. “I think maybe 15 or 20 years ago the French were less welcoming, but nowadays we’ve got past that cliché. You inevitably have a small percentage of people who aren’t nice, and there’s not much you can do about it. It’s a reality of big cities, just like in London or New York.”

That hasn’t stopped France trying to clean up its rude image before foreigners come to town. Last year, the regional chamber of commerce updated a decade-old hospitality campaign called “Do You Speak Touriste? ” in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup held in Paris. The official guide touched on cultural differences, gently reminding the French that “The cultural tendency in France is to openly show one’s emotions, through one’s gestures or tone of voice. […] In other countries, disagreement is expressed a lot less openly.”

“There’s still the cafe waiter who doesn’t speak to you and sullenly serves you a Coca-Cola for 15 euros. I’m not saying that doesn’t exist anymore. But we have seen a real improvement,” said Frédéric Hocquard, the city councilor responsible for tourism and nightlife in Paris. He says that the covid-19 pandemic was the great turning point.

“There was this period when we had no tourists at all. And the tourist industry realized it had to make a bit of effort.”

A friendliness pledge

Part of Paris’ effort to revamp its reputation is a “hospitality charter,” which has been signed by more than 1,600 businesses in the tourism sector, from hotels to restaurants to tour guides. The agreement is based around three main principles: promote sustainable and environmentally friendly measures; make visitors’ experiences more fluid; and support local businesses. Businesses that have signed up will be able to display a sticker or sign on their establishment so that tourists know that they’re a trusted place. The city is also training workers in newspaper kiosks, bakeries and tobacco shops to be able to answer tourists’ questions.

Both Ménégaux and Hocquard agree on one point: Visitors to Paris also have to do their part. . In an ideal world, Ménégaux would like tourists to sign a “good tourist etiquette” charter of their own. “When people come to Paris, we want them to commit to respecting certain things: to respect their neighbors’ peace and quiet, to use a reusable water bottle and not buy plastic ones and not to buy products made in China when you can buy local.”

Differences in etiquette are among the first things some foreigners notice when they move to or visit France. American expats and social media content creators Ember Langley and Gabrielle Pedriani devoted a video to the thorny issue of French politesse in their lighthearted TikTok series, “The ABCs of Paris.” In the video , Langley warns, “What’s considered polite in the U.S. might not be considered polite in Paris.” The two go on to give tips such as “Smile less”, “Get into a debate over dinner” and “Arrive fashionably late.”

“I see Americans in the Metro and it’s like — read the room. Everyone else is being quiet!” Langley said in an interview. “When you’re a traveler, and you’re coming here on vacation, it’s easy to forget that 2 million people are living their lives here. You need to be respectful of the local culture and approach your interactions humbly.” But Langley says it’s a misconception that the French are rude; it’s just a matter of cultural differences. “The biggest thing here is that the customer is not always right; in the U.S., the customer is king.”

Going undercover as an English-speaking tourist

I decided to put Parisians’ friendliness to the test myself. As a Brit who has lived in Paris for a decade, speaks French and has even obtained French nationality (with immense gratitude), I put on my best British accent and went to see how I was treated around the French capital.

The experiment began at ground zero: in front of Notre Dame cathedral, which is still blocked off and undergoing renovation work after an enormous fire engulfed the roof in 2019. With a friend, I headed into the archaeological museum in the crypt. “Hello! Parlez-vous anglais?” I asked the woman behind the ticket desk. I was greeted with a broad smile and patient description — in English — of the museum and ticket prices. She wasn’t even bothered by a patently stupid question about whether we could visit the cathedral, gently explaining that the site wouldn’t be open to the public for months.

We thanked her and headed back up into the sunlight.

Next stop: a bouquiniste. These Seine-side booksellers have to tackle tourist questions day in, day out. The man running his stall opposite the cathedral cheerfully took the time to find books in English for us, before recommending that we try Shakespeare and Company just across the road, one of Paris’s most famous English-language bookstores. It was the same at the tourist trinket shop, where we asked for directions to the Eiffel Tower or down in the Metro station, where the woman behind the counter told us that her English wasn’t very good and yet valiantly answered all of our questions about transport passes with broken but determined English.

By this point, I had even ditched my poorly-pronounced French icebreaker, just bouncing up to them and speaking directly in English. And yet everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles and a genuine desire to help. I’ll admit that I was surprised — it’s been years since I was a tourist in the city, but I certainly remember eye-rolling, terseness and a certain unwillingness to help.

It was time for the ultimate test: asking for oat milk in a Parisian cafe. We chose a touristy spot on the Place Saint-Michel, where the servers were every inch the stereotype, in white shirts and black bow ties. Our server swept up to us haughtily but didn’t blink when we responded in English, even though he initially couldn’t understand my question. “Hot milk?” he kept repeating. When he finally understood, he laughed, waving his hands dismissively. “ Non, non , it is not possible, soy milk, vegan milk, we do not have, only la vache .” To make his point, he added with a flourish, “Moooo!”

My request had managed to elicit the famous “ c’est pas possible ” — well-known to anyone who has struggled with French bureaucracy and customer service — but it was said with such good humor (and a complementary animal sound), so how could I be offended?

The more than a dozen tourists I spoke to had also had largely positive experiences. Samantha Capaldi, visiting from Arizona with two friends, told me, “We love it here,” before admitting with a wry smile, “We’re trying to blend in but we’re so loud, everyone notices us.” In the four days they’d spent in Paris, they’d observed the same cultural differences Langley mentions in her videos — such as not getting tap water automatically with your meal at a restaurant, or being given a funny look when ordering an appetizer alongside an entree. “They kind of laugh at us, but not in a mean way,” she continued. “Trying to speak French helps a lot.”

Carla, from Sheffield in the United Kingdom, was in Paris with her boyfriend Brian to celebrate the anniversary of their first date. She’s visited Paris several times and has noticed a marked difference in the way she’s been treated compared to previous trips. “I’m a bit of a weightier person and I’ve been deliberately ignored in restaurants before — other people being given menus before me or served before me. But I rarely get that now. Everyone seems really nice.”

It seems that the city’s efforts in recent years are paying off and Parisians are — dare I say it? — learning that a little hospitality goes a long way. The only thing left is being able to get oat milk in cafes — but maybe it’s up to Americans to let that go and lean into France’s love of dairy. Mooo!

Catherine Bennett is a writer based in Paris.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

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Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .