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Rick Steves’ Travel Blog

Here you can browse through my blog posts prior to February 2022. Currently I'm sharing my travel experiences, candid opinions, and what's on my mind solely on my Facebook page. — Rick

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Barcelona’s Ramblas RIP?

For more than a century, strolling down Barcelona’s main boulevard, the Ramblas, has been the thing to do when visiting. Sadly, the charm of the Ramblas has not survived the rise of mass tourism in Barcelona. Back when locals enjoyed strolling here, there was plenty of business to keep characteristic flower stalls, bird markets, and newspaper stands healthy. It’s what gave the Ramblas its unique cultural charm. But today, the local clientele that kept these characteristic stalls in business is gone, replaced by tides of tourists. Consequently, the street is lined with what many tourists buy — tacky trinkets and lousy street food. Still, if you come to Barcelona…you’ve got to ramble the Ramblas.

This is Day 12 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Traveling in Spain’s Fast Lane

We hear so much about Europe’s problems. Traveling here, I see its successes. Spain, with one of the most miserable economies in Europe, is now laced together by bullet trains so good that you hardly need to fly. Here’s a quick peek at the ride from Madrid to Barcelona — nonstop with speeds ranging from 250 to 300 kilometers per hour (around 180 mph). It’s so nice to zip from downtown to downtown without having to deal with airports in 2.5 hours. And my train ticket included subway rides on either end, which made it even better. On the plain in Spain, the AVE train puts you in the fast lane. (You may want to turn up the volume for this video — I’m whispering so I don’t disturb slumbering passengers.)

This is Day 11 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Croquette Happiness with the Two Javiers

My Spanish friends just love croquettes — croquetas in Spanish. To me they taste like soggy tater tots. But at Madrid’s Restaurante Palacio de Cibeles, when restaurateur Javier and tour guide Javier share with me their love for these morsels (and a little historic/cultural context), they suddenly become much tastier. As Javier reminds us: Life is good — especially with good food and good friends.

This is Day 10 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Feeling the Pulse of a Great City

Walking down Madrid’s delightful pedestrian boulevard enjoying the paseo with my local guide, Nygil Murrel, I learn some fun insights about Spain’s capital city.

This is Day 9 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.