Rick Steves Central Europe: The Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia & More

by Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt

Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Central Europe. From romantic cities steeped in history to the stunning slopes of the Alps, get to know this exciting slice of with Rick Steves on your side, Central Europe can be yours! Inside Rick Steves Central Europe you'll Fully updated comprehensive coverage on the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, and Slovakia, plus side trips to Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Romania 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 the cobbles of bustling Bratislava, to country roads winding through the Julian Alps, to the striking chapels and cathedrals of Prague's Castle Quarter How to connect with culture: Bask in the energy of Kraków's Main Square Market, sample local wines from Hungarian vintners, or soak in the steamy thermal baths of Budapest Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relaxSelf-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and historic museums Detailed neighborhood maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, phrase books, historical overviews, and recommended reading Over 1,000 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Central Europe!

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

2194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[carl theaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual Rick Steves’ good info provided with his charm, which of course helps if you’ve seen his tv show as you can imagine his smiley mug talking to you. From things to see to how to get around, local customs, foods, dealing with money etc

Sometimes not wanting to seem too touristy he goes a little far on the cheap end of things, kind of in the old ‘Europe on $5 a day’, for example, he’ll tell you to just walk in the park instead of going to the famous museum, which is all good if I’m in Europe 5 times a year, but for most of it’s a big trip and ya want to see what you —just gotta see!

had a 2024 edition, current stuff !

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful overview for planning a trip to Poland and Hungary. The history lessons were fascinating and the self-guided tours allowed us to see some famous sites without spending extra money. Every restaurant recommended that we tried was a big hit! For our honeymoon in August 2024, we used the sections for Gdansk, Krakow, and Budapest. We stayed at hotels in all 3 cities recommended by Rick Steves.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Rick Steves' guide, and it is pure gold. So many user-friendly tips that put the traveler and their time, money, energy first in mind. I will read anything he writes. So useful. Thank you.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steves' guides are always useful and filled with important tidbits.