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Rick Steves' Venice 2009
Admire the gold mosaics and colored marble of St. Mark's Basilica, float down past impressive palaces on the Canal Grande, and find delicious meals at restaurants still frequented by locals— Rick Steves' Venice 2009 allows any traveler to experience all that the city has to offer—economically and hassle-free. Rick offers expert advice on visiting the must-see sights, from the iconic Rialto Bridge to the Venice's top art museum, the Accademia. Also included are tips for avoiding the crowds and exploring Venice's back lanes and local hangouts. With complete museum tours and detailed walks, Rick Steves' Venice 2009 is a tour guide that fits in your pocket.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Rick Steves
585 books716 followersRick 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 29, 2012
originally checked out this book from the library and liked it so much that I ordered it from Amazon. They had the kindle version, but this is definitely a book that I wanted in paperback.
The book contains all the major attractions and "must do" activities in the featured cities. In Venice, it is VITAL for you to do the "pub crawl" he has laid out for you - that was the most fun night we had on our trip :-)
There were also lots of great traveler tips and money saving suggestions. For instance, one thing I never thought about is that lots of restaurants already have a service charge included that covers the tip - typically indicated on the menu, but had I not know to look for that, I would have been over tipping tremendously. Also lots of place to avoid - many of these places were recommended to us by our American friends.
This was an invaluable resource for us in our travels.
The book contains all the major attractions and "must do" activities in the featured cities. In Venice, it is VITAL for you to do the "pub crawl" he has laid out for you - that was the most fun night we had on our trip :-)
There were also lots of great traveler tips and money saving suggestions. For instance, one thing I never thought about is that lots of restaurants already have a service charge included that covers the tip - typically indicated on the menu, but had I not know to look for that, I would have been over tipping tremendously. Also lots of place to avoid - many of these places were recommended to us by our American friends.
This was an invaluable resource for us in our travels.
March 3, 2014
I read the new version each year and always enjoy it. Venice has a lot to offer and it is one of my top 4 favorite cities in Italy (Florence, Rome, and Milan being the other top favorites).
Venice is one of the few guidebooks where Rick includes some good choices of places to stay among the usual dumps and duds. I can actually recommend several of them though still prefer others that are costlier because they are better. Still, many of the 3 star ones he recommends are comfortable and safe. Always look for air conditioning and elevators. You'd be surprised at how many of the ones he suggests have neither and if you like privacy and convenience, always go for the ones with a private bathroom including shower or tub and toilet. Be forewarned that Italy is politically correct in some ways and actually forbids hotels to use air conditioning except for maybe 3 months of the year. They also can't turn on the heat except for a limited time so be aware of this.
The sights and the details on transportation and tickets to see the sights are all well done here and I get giddy just reading the museum sections Be aware of the difference between gondolas and vaporetti (especially price wise). The people of Italy are warm and welcoming, so friendly in fact that you'll feel like a member of the family.
Venice is one of the few guidebooks where Rick includes some good choices of places to stay among the usual dumps and duds. I can actually recommend several of them though still prefer others that are costlier because they are better. Still, many of the 3 star ones he recommends are comfortable and safe. Always look for air conditioning and elevators. You'd be surprised at how many of the ones he suggests have neither and if you like privacy and convenience, always go for the ones with a private bathroom including shower or tub and toilet. Be forewarned that Italy is politically correct in some ways and actually forbids hotels to use air conditioning except for maybe 3 months of the year. They also can't turn on the heat except for a limited time so be aware of this.
The sights and the details on transportation and tickets to see the sights are all well done here and I get giddy just reading the museum sections Be aware of the difference between gondolas and vaporetti (especially price wise). The people of Italy are warm and welcoming, so friendly in fact that you'll feel like a member of the family.
March 21, 2010
Not as good as his Rome guide, but Venice is Venice, it changes and it doesn't and part of it's charm is just getting lost, so I still think it's the best guide out there for this amazing city.
Needs a better map, but you can get one when you get there.
The lagoon tour chapter is dead on. I had no idea it would take so long to get to Murano and Burano.
Best advice from it? Stay in at the quiet, inexpensive (relatively speaking, remember it's VENICE!) Casa Rezzonico. We adored Matteo and Mattia and their little 7 room in was a quite piece of heaven far enough away from the crowds to be delightful, but close enough(15 minutes to San Marco and Realto) to be part of the action. Accademia is 3 minutes away. Spotlessly clean, well decorated, and an ample breakfast is included. We would never stay anywhere else.
Rick gets you to know the culture. His budget advise is fantastic.
If it's your first trip to Europe, read Europe Through the Back Door FIRST!
Needs a better map, but you can get one when you get there.
The lagoon tour chapter is dead on. I had no idea it would take so long to get to Murano and Burano.
Best advice from it? Stay in at the quiet, inexpensive (relatively speaking, remember it's VENICE!) Casa Rezzonico. We adored Matteo and Mattia and their little 7 room in was a quite piece of heaven far enough away from the crowds to be delightful, but close enough(15 minutes to San Marco and Realto) to be part of the action. Accademia is 3 minutes away. Spotlessly clean, well decorated, and an ample breakfast is included. We would never stay anywhere else.
Rick gets you to know the culture. His budget advise is fantastic.
If it's your first trip to Europe, read Europe Through the Back Door FIRST!
January 25, 2008
This was a great book to have while traveling in Venice. The information he included was incredibly helpful and I highly recommend following the walking tours and reading along his behind the scenes descriptions, especially following his tour of the Doge's Palace.
September 6, 2015
Guide books don't get better than Rick Steves.
January 24, 2018
Very practical advice, down to which water taxi to take.
October 14, 2008
(Cut and pasted from my review for the Tuscany and Florence version)
I used this to plan our trip to Venice. If we missed anything, I don't know what it is! I found out about places I didn't know existed and learned how to skip a lot of lines. I personally enjoyed the guy's sense of humor also, but I can see how it wouldn't appeal to everyone. He's kind of corny, but I can be too. Anyway, highly recommended.
I used this to plan our trip to Venice. If we missed anything, I don't know what it is! I found out about places I didn't know existed and learned how to skip a lot of lines. I personally enjoyed the guy's sense of humor also, but I can see how it wouldn't appeal to everyone. He's kind of corny, but I can be too. Anyway, highly recommended.
June 11, 2025
The best traveling book series. Download his free podcasts for walking tours and other tourist sites.
I especially appreciated the focus on not just Venice but the outside excursions like Padua and Verona. They're interesting day trips. Travelers who want more space for their currency/dollar are advised to lodge in Padua. The train trek between Venice and Padua is roughly 30 minutes.
MY GRADE: B plus to A minus.
I especially appreciated the focus on not just Venice but the outside excursions like Padua and Verona. They're interesting day trips. Travelers who want more space for their currency/dollar are advised to lodge in Padua. The train trek between Venice and Padua is roughly 30 minutes.
MY GRADE: B plus to A minus.
January 21, 2011
I read this book cover-to-cover for my recent trip. Overall, I don't think I find Steves as funny as he finds himself, and the majority of restaurants were disappointments, however, he has a great way of cutting to the chase on what to do in a city and his self-guided tours are really good if you can get past the jokes.
July 27, 2013
Excellent book to help you tour Venice effiiciently, takes you to some off beat sites and includes all the maps and hints you could need. There are free apps, maps, and audio tours on his website which I downloaded prior to going. Used some of the pre printed maps but the book was key. I recommend Rick's books to help you get the most out of your city visits.
September 10, 2017
Rick Steves travel guides are just the best. He has the inside scoop on the best non-touristy ways to see all the touristy highlights, and his restaurant recommendations are always right on. My favorite part of his books is that he always includes detailed walking tours with plenty of history and trivia, so you have context for what you're seeing.
October 2, 2009
Really does contain some invaluable tips.
My only caveat is, Rick isn't really an art fan, so he recommends skipping things like the museum in Padua that are really full of fascinating treasures. So, take his art advice with a grain, and memorize the rest.
My only caveat is, Rick isn't really an art fan, so he recommends skipping things like the museum in Padua that are really full of fascinating treasures. So, take his art advice with a grain, and memorize the rest.
September 19, 2015
I use his guidebooks religiously during my European travels. I especially loved the guided tours of the Doge's Palace and the Frari Church in this one. The maps were invaluable, as it's easy to get lost in Venice!
April 17, 2008
I learned that we really didn't have time to see any of Italy on our last round through Europe, so we'll have to hit it next time.
June 22, 2009
Favorite Quote:
To control the poopulation, the city adds bird birth control to the [pigeon:] feed.
To control the poopulation, the city adds bird birth control to the [pigeon:] feed.
August 10, 2014
Read this in advance and then during my first trip to Venice. Excellent resource.
April 19, 2014
Great comprehensive information!
October 21, 2014
We used it quite a bit on our trip. I did take to calling it our Rick James Guide, which has now stuck. "I'm Rick James, bitch!"
May 15, 2015
so dense with information as to be unreadable as a book at many points
June 16, 2017
Rick is the best. Great descriptions of the key places to visit, wonderful restaurant recommendations. Also recommend you download his app which has a number of guided walks and tours.
March 24, 2024
practical and detailed advice
Reintroduced to Rick Steves. Love the depth and ease of cross referencing through the book as well as how detailed and practical his walks, museum tours, boat rides all are. You could literally use just one book as a travel companion to plan and execute!
Reintroduced to Rick Steves. Love the depth and ease of cross referencing through the book as well as how detailed and practical his walks, museum tours, boat rides all are. You could literally use just one book as a travel companion to plan and execute!
April 15, 2022
Chunking away @ our trip this summer and this book was my Bible! I read front to back with multiple copies of pages made along the way…. Be on the lookout as I read more and more of his books before the trip !!
November 8, 2022
Great overview, especially for those doing a quick tour with multiple cities.
June 5, 2025
Rick Steves as always is amazing for walking tours and individual churches/museums/points of interest. so thorough, entertaining and easy to navigate in your own.
November 6, 2024
Very useful. My favorite of the Venice books.
August 30, 2025
I’m a fan of Rick Steves. I find his guides detailed, up-to-date and inclusive. The audio guides are concise but complete and extremely informative, practical and easy to use.
The hotel and restaurant recommendations are helpful and contain important details about location and facilities. Particularly useful are the pointers about elevators and stairs, breakfasts and suitability for solo travelers, families with children and older visitors.
I love Rick's enthusiasm, evident in the downloadable free audio tours, his TV shows and radio interviews and his written guidebooks. This is a person who loves to travel, to learn about the cultures of the world and has a politive outlook and a pro-active approach to life. He is appreciative of his team of 100 dedicated workers who research, travel, write and broadcast.
The hotel and restaurant recommendations are helpful and contain important details about location and facilities. Particularly useful are the pointers about elevators and stairs, breakfasts and suitability for solo travelers, families with children and older visitors.
I love Rick's enthusiasm, evident in the downloadable free audio tours, his TV shows and radio interviews and his written guidebooks. This is a person who loves to travel, to learn about the cultures of the world and has a politive outlook and a pro-active approach to life. He is appreciative of his team of 100 dedicated workers who research, travel, write and broadcast.
February 19, 2020
Very informative and practical.
October 27, 2013
As always. I'll test it out this weekend.
May 3, 2015
Extremely useful and had great comprehensive content!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews