Don't have an account? Barcelona's most historic neighborhood is the Barri Gtic, with a 14th-century cathedral as its navel. People will look for alternatives. Everybody goes to Lisbon, why not Porto?". Maybe Atlanta? Steves: Oh, no. ", 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Fred those must be third and fourth cities. If you plan your trip right, youll be the superior of Steves two known traveling groups: those who wait in line, and those who dont. Europe may be crowded, but it provides endless joy if you know where to find those offbeat, back-door nooks. Book yourself a little extra time between connections, and carry on your bag. "Travel to learn more. "La Ribera"). People are still wanting to go to France and Germany and England, but a lot of people have had that kind of experience and now they want to do something a little more away from the mainstream, he said. North of the Alps is kind of like Seattle, south of the Alps is kind of like California. In the 1930s, Aarhus covered over its river to make a new road, but in the 1980s, locals decided to remove it. Many travelers go to crowded, touristy places then complain about the crowds. The centerpiece is the striking Elbphilharmonie a combination concert hall, public plaza, hotel, and apartment complex. "Europe is better organized and more willing to give you a good time than ever before . Chicago isn't NYC. For German Americans, Hamburg has a special meaning, because their ancestors may have sailed from this harbor. Gaud labored on the Sagrada Famlia for 43 years, until his death in 1926. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, boasts the stunning Grand-Place. Although Id never suggest skipping those places entirely, I like to complement them with a visit to the countrys second city. In fact, if you have four days to spend in any of these capitals, I recommend cutting your visit a day short to make time for these cities. Touristy towns really come into their own late at night and early in the morning. Steves: Recognize that we have sort of a herd mentality when it comes to travel these days. Barcelona: Spain's Vibrant and Spirited Second City by Rick Steves Meanwhile, Hamburg has rebuilt its futuristic and fascinating harborfront, and most visitors are Germans in town to experience the citys legendary nightlife. In three hours, the inferno killed over 40,000 people, left hundreds of thousands homeless, and reduced eight square miles of Hamburg to rubble and ashes. Alas, it is the time and money requirements that force us into these short snippets of other places. Rick lives and works in Edmonds, Wash. Local guides, travel tips and the latest industry news. What You Need To Know As Europe Reopens: Travel Expert Rick Steves - Forbes Across his best-selling guidebooks, TV shows, and small-group tours, Steves is a devoted advocate of embracing local culture, independent hotels, mom-and-pop restaurants, and alternative cultural sites over tourist traps. Everywhere you go, you'll find the city's architecture to be colorful, playful, and unique. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. "If people are smart, they're going to not be in that herd mentality," he said. It is such a double edged sword - balancing the need for tourist $$ against the 'over-crowding' and being 'loved to death' syndrome. This "second city" enjoys a friendly competition with Copenhagen, whose sophisticates sniff that's there's no need for intercity rail connections in Denmark because there's only one city theirs. Spain's second-biggest city has become, famously, one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe pre-pandemic, Barcelona was getting about 12 million visitors a year. He also hosts a public radio travel show called Travel with Rick Steves and has authored numerous travel guides. Rick Steves. getty "One of the bonuses that I hope we gain now is that when we travel, it's important to do so thoughtfully," explains Steves. Weve cleaned out the places that did close. And then, when the coast is clear, all of those travel dreams are dusted off, and people turn them into reality. People said, No one is going to be kissing cheeks in Paris, because everybodys going to be so worried about germs. Theyre kissing cheeks with a vengeance in Paris right now, because they have survived COVID. We seriously love Italy like our second home and stay in touch with friends we have made through our travels. In a departure from some of his previous advice, Steves said, he now also recommends booking one nice meal ahead of time. Most of us on this forum happens to be from one of those few counties. Athens: Enhancing the Old with the New by Rick Steves By Rick Steves. At 8:00, a rocket is fired and the mozos take off. Or visit a Budapest thermal bath, slip into a too-tight bathing suit, and challenge some big guy to a chess match. Rick Steves: Thoughtful travel to find Europe's 'back doors' - SFGATE My favorite town here is Beilstein, where you can sit at your guest house sipping wine produced right in the valley, gazing at views of the river and distant vineyards. Set new password Didn't receive confirmation . Nyce: We most often associate travel with leisure, but youre making a geopolitical case for it. (photo: Cameron Hewitt) The Acropolis features four major monuments the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike all of which have struggled to survive centuries of war, pillaging, and now . I liked the Beatles, but didn't care about Beatles tours. (photo: Cameron Hewitt) Natural Google Calendar addicts may favor a new COVID-created system: required bookings. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Were meeting with our guides each month, and were making our protocols in an ever-changing COVID world for that coming month. "Differences between first and second class: Normally, first class is configured with three plush seats per row (whether in compartment or open-style seating) and second class has four skinnier, basic seats in the same space. How Rick Steves Became America's European Travel Authority - Forbes So if its a 20 euro meal, its a $20 meal.. - Trier, Germany Then came a hellish onslaught of incendiary bombs: 700 bombers concentrated their attack on a relatively small area. Of course those born and grown up in the US may have different opinions, based on personal preference. Seattle? But if they need tourism to thrive or just survive, then they have no choice but to advertise. A pleasant three-hour train ride from Copenhagen, Aarhus is well worth a stop. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. It's also a thriving 21st-century metropolis with an inviting harbor boardwalk, avant-garde architecture, and Las Vegasstyle nightlife. Rick Steves at Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany. But modern Aarhus is elbowing its way into the itineraries of tourists with some notable attractions and a thriving street scene. City of Seattle. The goal to finish the church by the 100th anniversary of Gaud's death, in 2026, seemed optimistic even before the 2020 pandemic dashed that dream, bringing delays and a drop in funding. It's also fun to seek out museums suited to your private little fancies. Visit secondary sights. When I first started traveling, back doors to me were Europe's undiscovered corners and untrampled towns that had, for various reasons, missed the modern parade (like Dingle, on Ireland's western edge, or Portugal's Salema, tucked away on the southern coast). Thats great, but as far as choosing a destination in Europe, everything is as exciting as it has always been, Steves said. Above the Old City, beyond the bustling Plaa de Catalunya hub, is the elegant Eixample district. Everybody goes to Lisbon, why not check out Porto? See how to submit here. Hank, I'm with you. Sorry Carlos, LA would not be in my top US cities. Sep. 25, 2017. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. . Then came a hellish onslaught of incendiary bombs: 700 bombers concentrated their attack on a relatively small area. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. In 1960, when the bank was being built, local archaeologists had a chance to excavate the site. Places like London and Paris are OK since they are so much bigger and, the cruise ship crowd will not be showing up to overrun the city. Second Trip with teens. Join the old retired French guys in a game of petanque. Whatever your boarding pass reads, if youre going to Europe, Steves said youre likely to be embraced. March 25, 2023. Rick Steves London (2023 Travel Guide) - amazon.com Read the Trinity Place Timeline. Italy's Best Destination: Anywhere - Rick Steves Europe Finding 'Back Doors' in Today's Europe - Rick Steves Europe Dodging crowds in London quickly loses its charm. These day-trippers inundate the town, see the marquee attractions, do some shopping, then retreat to their home bases. This beautiful little village bullied onto a ledge between a towering mountain and a gorgeous lake doesn't have Salzburg's sightseeing, but it offers a break from the bustle, even with its recent surge of popularity (and since most of its visitors don't spend the night, it's all yours in the evening and early morning). But nearby, you can have a similar and quieter experience along the Mosel River. Apart from the obvious first tier cities in Germany , it's good to know that I have visited numerous towns and cities in the 2nd , 3rd or 4th tier in Germany . One example is HafenCity, a huge development project that enlarged downtown Hamburg by about 40 percent. These day-trippers inundate the town, see the marquee attractions, do some shopping, then retreat to their home bases. On July 27, 1943, they hit the city center first with explosive bombs to open roofs, break water mains, and tear up streets making it hard for firefighters to respond. "It's not the mark of a good traveler that follows that crowd. With climate change, the Mediterranean is really hot in the summer tracking average temperatures is just a bell shaped curve when getting away from the heat, Steves said. It gained notoriety as a rough and sleazy sailors' quarter filled with nightclubs and brothels. Kelsey Fowler is a New York City-based journalist who specializes in covering travel, business, and news. I for one agree, and also would rather they not advertise. Unshackled by the obligation to be their countrys role model, second cities are free to just be themselves. When the Washington Statebased travel guide and TV host Rick Steves decided to return to Europe in early 2022, he wasnt sure how many of his favorite local spots had survived two years of pandemic life. Would Venice be a 2nd city since Rome gets so much glory? Watch on. Blog April 22, 2014 by Rick Steves Europe's "Second Cities" Like Portugal's Porto Come in First I am really into "second cities" these days. Work will pick back up as soon as visitor numbers do (the admission is pricey but you know it's for an exciting cause). . And then, of course, COVID hit, and everything was mothballed for two years. Will be more assured of seats together and space for luggage if we get first class tickets rather than second class. Facebook Somehow the towering spire of St. Nicholas' Church survived the bombing. Yokohama isn't Tokyo. For an edgier slice of the city, step just beyond the Barri Gtic into the neighborhood called El Born (a.k.a. This is their second trip to Europe. Barcelona is the capital of Spain's stateless nation of Catalunya, where the locals speak a different language, fly a different flag, and talk constantly and fervently about independence from Spain. And to me, that means all of us are individual ambassadorsindividual forces for peace. Today's main challenges for this epic work-in-progress: construct the tallest church spire ever built, ensure that construction can withstand the vibrations from speedy trains rumbling underfoot, and find a way to buy out condo-owners to fulfill Gaud's vision of a grand esplanade approaching the church. Visiting the most iconic, famous sites now includes the added phenomenon of people all vying for the same selfie to post on social media, Steves said. But second cities will continue to increase in popularity as the hordes of tourists jam the hot spots. By Rick Steves Buchanan Street is the heart of modern, commercial Glasgow and it's a fascinating place to people-watch. Rick Steves' Europe Traditional "rabelo" boats, which. How to avoid tourist crowds overseas: Travel king Rick Steves shares While the recent lifting of rent control and changes in demand as more apartments become Airbnbs have caused many of the old-time shops to fold, thankfully the character of this quarter survives. While every tourist in Paris descends on the Louvre and Orsay, places like the Rodin Museum, with a spectacular sculpture garden, or the Cluny Museum, with its mysterious "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries, are positively peaceful. No matter what time of year people are planning to visit Europe, Steves said he is just thankful people are traveling again after the pandemic put many plans on hold. Most curiously, they discovered the headless skeleton of a man he's possibly Aarhus's oldest murder victim. 'Europe Awaits' Star Rick Steves' Gay Rumors & More Details I assume "second cities" just means second in terms of population? The navigable river meant the Vikings could easily run their ships inland if a hostile attack came from the open waters. Glasgow Surprises with Art, Design, and Culture by Rick Steves From Baroque palaces to stunning modern skyscrapers, and from riverside . Richard John Steves Jr. (born May 10, 1955) is an American travel writer, author, activist, and television personality. Since 2000, he has hosted Rick Steves' Europe, a travel series on public television. When health orders were in effect, many tourist destinations began limiting howmany people could go in and out with timed entries. In the course of my career, weve been through many tragic disruptions, but they didnt really stop people from traveling. Krakow isn't Warsaw. This is Barcelona's quintessential Modernista building and Gaud's last major work before he dedicated his final years to the Sagrada Famlia. (Yes, Glasgow's population is bigger than Edinburgh's. Rick Steves' Europe | Great German Cities | PBS Just going by recognition, amount of tourism, and economic factors. 2020 CATALOG NUMBER 1103.1 Complete Video Script We're starting in Lyon, the gateway to the French Alps. The iconic main square, Plaa de Catalunya, sits at Barcelona's center, dividing the older and newer parts of town. And they speak Spanish and English as well they're well-educated Europeans. Steves: If we travel, we are better connected with other nations, and the family of nations can work more constructively together. Detours with locals. While lacking the popularity and the bucket-list sights, Europes second cities tend to enjoy a creative edge, a strong civic spirit, a Rust Belt toughness, fun-loving eateries with cutting-edge menus, entertaining street art and far fewer tourists, which also means lower prices, a more authentic welcome and arguably a more honest cultural experience. When summer starts, Steves will visit the Scandinavian capitals and Estonia before heading to Poland and Iceland to be a part of different television shows. Though Hamburg is mostly rebuilt, many WWII-era bunkers were just too expensive to tear down. Interesting that 6 of the 11 cities on the map he shows are in the U.K. We are planning a summer 2024 trip with our teens (will be 16 & 17). Perspective | Rick Steves: Don't skip Europe's second cities But what about the little guys? My Account / Log In; Log In. Hamburg's delightful lakes the Aussenalster and Binnenalster were created in the Middle Ages, when townsfolk built a mill that dammed the local river. Its Instagram, crowdsourcing, and Tripadvisor. Last year, they were back in business, and this year, they expect to be making a profit again. "There are so many unsexy sites that don't have the marquee value, and they are really good," Steves said. All of our countries are much more than a few major cities. Everybody goes to Paris, why not Marseille? Aarhus, Denmark's Second City - Rick Steves' Travel Blog August 30, 2013 by Rick Steves Aarhus, Denmark's Second City Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, has a population of 256,000 and calls itself the "World's Smallest Big City." I'd argue it's more like the world's biggest little town: easy to handle and easy to like. Sign In - Rick Steves Auth My hope is that moviegoers will use our conversation as a springboard for appreciating the beauty of the world beyond our borders.. Rick Steves - Wikipedia Ill be on this tour May 12th.and this is making it even more exciting and real.obrigada and saude !!! There is already a flood of that. - Malbork, Poland I find all of these much-improved lately underrated and great to visit. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Remember that the more understanding and context you bring to a place, the more youll enjoy it. You need to anticipate chaos in the airports. All that is indeed going on in Barcelona, where it's easy to see why residents feel dismay at its increasingly theme-park feel. Im proud to be from Seattle. Not just Rick Steves, been in the zeitgeist for several years now. A thoughtful traveleran ethical traveler coming out of COVIDcan reduce the toll of travel by paying for their carbon. Or you can break free from that and realize that you can study the options and choose sites that are best for you. In France, the great sights of Paris dominate most visitors itineraries. Having been raised in The Bronx, I empathize with Marseille which I refer to as The Bronx of France - just doesnt seem to get the respect it deserves. Since then, construction has moved forward in fits and starts. Have not visited any of the others, except for Malbork, which is absolutely recommendable. Everybody goes to the same handful of sites. We've already got herd mentality, and in your travels, that's not a good thing.". And its an ethical issue for travelers: If youve got COVID, do you isolate yourself, or do you put on a mask and keep on traveling? Steves said relying on a guidebook or recommendations from a few years ago is still fine, just make a habit of calling restaurants to confirm they are open, he said, and expect hours of operation for many businesses have probably changed. But with modern affluence and the rise of tourism, the charm of the Ramblas is all but dead. ", Take away the top 30 sites, Steves said, and Europe would be just as exciting and there wouldn't be any crowds. And thats really tough to get through. Maybe you've already heard about the changes . In the third month, prospective travelers surpassed the number of tour seats the company had sold in the entirety of 2019 more than 31,500 seats. Rick Steves: Im traveling, even though Im stuck at home. Aarhus has another famous corpse the Grauballe Man, the world's best-preserved "bog man." Those are popular destinations compared to previous years. "Be out early, be out late," Rick Steves told T+L. This Catalan Champs-Elyses has long been a quintessential Barcelona experience. Join the locals. With the goal of updating his 50 most important guidebooks by the end of 2022 with new research from this year, Steves plans to address how the pandemic affected his previous recommendations. I love Europe's modern side, and that's an angle many travelers miss. You can travel even farther back in time by peeking at the artifacts on display at the Viking Museum, tucked in the cellar of a bank in the center of town. And all too often, that tourist-pleasing destination is a travelers one and only stop. In Madrid, the paseo is still the paseo. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Caroline Mimbs Nyce: Is COVID the biggest challenge that youve been thrown in your career? In March, Tacomas Pacific Lutheran University honored the international travel expert and Edmonds resident with its 2023 Wild Hope Award for his commitment to helping others build cultural connection by exploring new destinations. Americans have the shortest vacations in the rich world, so we need to know how to use our time smartly, Steves added. Support 89.7 NPR News and receive a special thank-you gift, including Rick Steves' Europe packages containing DVD sets, books and more. For Germany, it's castles, beer, and the Rhine River. To enjoy these places without the crowds, spend the night. While readers interests in visiting European destinations might vary from his own, Steves offered tips that will help anyone trying to go overseas this year. "I want peak season, I want the good weather," he said. Second cities, I call them. Really enjoying this tour! "Go to the less-famous places, and treat them like the famous places.". No need to demean these other places. In Munich, theyre sliding on the benches in the beer halls, and clinking their big glasses and singing, just like before. As the locals like to say, "Aarhus" is Danish for "progress. Log in to access services associated with Rick Steves Tours or our Travel Forum. The runners are called mozos. Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, calls itself the "World's Smallest Big City." "You find that everybody wants to go to the same places more than ever,". Then stop calling them "second cities". Much of Barcelona's Modernista architecture is found here especially a row of colorful facades built at the end of the 19th century (including Casa Batll, Casa Amatller, and Casa Lle). (photo: Cameron Hewitt) The pedestrianized canal zone in Aarhus is an always-lively place to get a bite to eat. If modern art isn't your thing, Aarhus has more traditional fare, including a fine open-air folk museum known as Den Gamle By (The Old Town). You'll see plenty of Hamburg's bold new architecture as well as its more established beach communities. They artfully canalized the river, creating a trendy avenue that's now the town's place to see and be seen. Everybody goes to Madrid, why not check out Cordoba?. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I love human bones, so in Rome, while everyone's at St. Peter's, I visit the Capuchin Crypt, with thousands of 18th-century bones stacked artistically. The Washington Post - By Rick Steves 1d. Today it cobbles together all these elements into a one-of-a-kind culture. RICK STEVES' EUROPE: Great German Cities | KPBS Public Media
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