Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

An accurate and clear description of effective and well illustrated travel information getting through Amsterdam, Bruges and Brussels,whether novice or experienced traveler. Excellent presentation of museums and collateral side trips to nearby cities. Succinct historical and current information. A practical common sense guide that mirrors the entire series of travel books Steves' has published.

We went to all 3 of these places with just this book. Great suggestions, guides, helpful hints. We had already booked hotels, so didn't use his hotel suggestions. If you're going (especially to Amsterdam) BUY THIS BOOK!

Anyone who's familiar with Rick Steves, from his PBS show, to his syndicated travel column in newspapers, to all of his books, knows that when it comes to having a true European experience, you gotta "bring" Rick. He finds the best places, the best deals, and saves you time and money. Rather than include everything, he only points you to the best of what a particular country has to offer. And since his books are updated every year, the info is as up-to-date as publishing will allow. He saved the Italian town of Vernazza in the Cinqueterra by bringing in tourism, and that alone is worth a 5 star recommendation. If you're going to Europe and you want to experience it like a local, and save time and money to boot, order a copy of the appropriate guidebook. And if you're going to any major museums, get his "Mona Winks" as well. You'll thank him everytime you walk past all the "suckers" standing in line at some major attraction, while you saunter up to the front with your pass that you ordered ahead of time based on his info.

I now leave my American Express card at home, but I never go to Europe without my Rick Steves books.

I've watched Rick Steves on TV and enjoyed his rather unique take on travel. We were traveling to the low countries and I decided to give his book a try. All the resturants recommended were good. Hotels were also good and we even got a discount when we mentioned that we found one of the hotels in his book to the desk clerk. Historical landmarks were even more interesting with all the written history on the sites. We had no intention on visiting Bruges but were very glad we did once we started reading the book. Bruges turned out to be better than Brussels and on par or better than Amsterdam. I'd visit Bruges again before I visited Venice, Barcelona, Munich, or Salzburg. Glad this book steered us in that direction.Maps and day schedules were also very helpful. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and I don't give 5 stars unless well deserved.