Rick Steves Portugal: Exploring the Underground Railroad

Ron Tintner: Liked comprehensiveness

United States on Nov 14, 2023

Debra L Smith: This book is in very good condition. There are no markings, there is even a map. I am sure this book will give me some insight to Portugal before I decide to go which I plan on doing.

United States on Sep 28, 2023

World Traveler: Having lived in Portugal 30 years ago (before the age of RS guidebooks) I was anxious to see what this book had to offer. It follows the same recipe as all of his books: A rushed 2 week itinerary, good basic information on the biggest sites, and helpful information on transportation options. But it lacks any information on Madeira and the Azores. I wish the walking tours maps had a bit more detail in the form of more street names. For me, it's easy to get lost. Keep in mind that even a 'current' book goes to press well before the date on the cover, so check his website for updates, TripAdvisor for reviews, and verify hours and costs of restaurants and lodging. I wish he'd dump his $ rating for restaurants and accommodations. Almost everything is higher; in some cases nearly double. Sometimes I wonder if he gets kickbacks from hoteliers and restaurants. I've pretty much given up on his recommendations for restaurants and hotels. At least in the Balkans and London, I haven't found them to be reliable. Combine this book with the Lonely Planet version for the best overall look at your options.

United States on Jul 10, 2020

Amazon Customer: Having just received my copy, I have not had a chance to read through it all (although knowing Rick Steves I have no doubt it will be informative without listing every single restaurant and hotel in every city as many guidebooks do). However, my initial disappointment is that aside from the 28 pages, the entire book is black and white. There are photos but with their lack of color they add very little. One of my favorite parts about planning a trip is looking at the places, food, and people and imagining myself being there. With the current format, I end up turning to google or another resource to see what a site actually looks like. At over $20 per book, I expect guidebook pages to be high quality both in material and color.

I am keeping the guidebook because I trust Rick Steves, but I may not have purchased had I known it was black and white.

United States on Jul 07, 2020

George Tkachyk: We are spending a month in Portugal, based in the Algarve, and touring out from there. We are staying in Ferragudo, Rick's " less desirable" area. Obviously he didn't check it out since it is a gem of a spot. Add it to list of desirable areas to visit. We are Rick' fans. But he sure blew this one.

Canada on Feb 09, 2020

dillsmylove: Another great book by Rick Steve's.
Thoroughly enjoy the advice and suggestions in this book. I like that it's not a heavy huge book. Makes it way easier to travel with.

Canada on Dec 11, 2019

Jon L Albee: I want to love Rick's books so much. I really do. They're so well written, and what they DO cover is covered with the utmost professionalism and useful insight. You even learn some things. Rick really wants you to LIVE the culture when you travel, and the passion for this kind of travel is evident to all of his fans.

It's the stuff that he DOESN'T cover that always leaves me just a little bit disappointed. Granted, he makes it clear that his guides are intended to be selective, and are not intended to be catch-all country handbooks. But I always buy a Rick Steves Guide knowing that he's going to hit all the high points, but every now and then he misses something special.

In this case it's the Palacio de Mafra. Nobody, absolutely nobody is going to travel to Portugal and miss this extraordinary palace. From its gorgeous library to its Basilica church (with six massive pipe organs) to its shear scale, this is a must see on any itinerary. Distance? 40km from Lisbon. It's like suggesting that someone go to Paris and skip Versailles. Rick's book makes no mention of it, anywhere.

The rest of the book is excellent. The best, actually. If we only had Rick's wisdom...

United States on Oct 08, 2019

Amazon Customer: Rick Steves always finds the things that I like to do ... not always the most important and expensive attractions. Good "backdoor" finds and cities; often points out the 'too touristy" areas. Always good town walks.

Canada on Aug 16, 2019

SR: I like Rick Steeve's travel materials. He only recommends places he has been to and checked out himself. Good info, good maps, good details. Use in conjunction with his travel videos on his website or You Tube.

Canada on Jun 26, 2019

Doug A: Updates previous versions. An excellent resource if you are travelling to Portugal and well worth the price. Steves does not cover every town but does a great job of the main cities plus selected towns that are less touristy, which most other authors miss. With a good sense of humor and expertise, Steves guides you through the areas of most interest and tells you what areas are probably not worthy of your time. A great resource that puts the emphasis on local travel, local cuisine and local customs on a budget.

Canada on Apr 02, 2019