Rick Steves has been the king of public television travel for decades, wearing those same button-down shirts and khaki pants while teaching us how to avoid "conspicuous consumption." Honestly, even in 2026, his advice on how to pack light and find a local tavern in a Tuscan hill town is still the gold standard. But if you’ve cut the cord or you're tired of waiting for your local PBS station to air the specific episode on the Swiss Alps, you might be scratching your head.
The good news? Rick is basically everywhere. Unlike some creators who lock their content behind a proprietary $15-a-month paywall, the Rick Steves philosophy is all about accessibility. He wants you to see the world, even if you’re just seeing it from your couch in Ohio.
Where to Watch Rick Steves for Free Right Now
If you want the easiest, zero-dollar path, YouTube is your best friend. The official "Rick Steves Europe" channel is a massive archive. They don't just post clips; they post full-length episodes. You can find everything from his 1990s classics (with the truly vintage haircuts) to the high-definition Season 13 episodes released just recently.
It’s the most straightforward way to binge. You don't need a login. You don't need a cable subscription.
Then there’s the official Rick Steves website. This is kinda the "secret" spot that most people forget about. If you go to the "Watch, Read, Listen" section, you can browse every single episode by destination. Want to see everything he’s ever filmed about Portugal? It's all indexed right there. It even includes the scripts, which is super helpful if you're trying to remember the name of that one specific bakery in Lisbon he visited.
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The PBS Connection: App and Passport
Since Rick Steves' Europe is a staple of American Public Television, the PBS App is a mandatory download. Most recent episodes are available for free for a limited time after they air.
However, if you want the "deep cuts" or the full seasons, you might need PBS Passport. This is a member benefit you get for donating to your local station (usually about $5 a month). It’s worth it if you also like Masterpiece or Antiques Roadshow, but for purely Rick content, you can usually find what you need elsewhere for free.
Is He on Netflix or Hulu?
People ask this constantly. The answer is: not really anymore.
Back in the day, you could find curated "best of" collections on the big streamers. In 2026, the licensing has mostly shifted back to public media and his own platforms. You might occasionally find a season on Hulu, but it’s hit or miss. Don't go signing up for a premium streaming service just to find Rick.
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Tubi is a surprising alternative. They often carry several seasons of the show for free with ads. It's a solid backup if the YouTube interface isn't doing it for you.
The Most "Expert" Way to Watch: Rick Steves Classroom Europe
If you are a total travel nerd or a teacher, you have to check out Classroom Europe. It’s a separate site Rick’s team built that breaks down his massive video library into small, searchable clips.
Suppose you don't want to watch a full 30-minute episode on Paris. Maybe you just want to see the 3-minute segment on how the French Revolution changed the Louvre. This tool lets you search for specific historical events, art movements, or cultural quirks. It’s ad-free and incredibly fast.
Don't Forget the Specials
Beyond the standard 30-minute episodes, Rick has produced several hour-long specials that are much more cinematic. You definitely shouldn't skip these:
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- The Story of Fascism in Europe: A surprisingly gritty and important look at history.
- Hunger and Hope: This one covers Ethiopia and Guatemala—not your typical European vacation, but it shows Rick's more serious, philanthropic side.
- The Holy Land: An incredibly balanced look at Israelis and Palestinians that remains relevant.
- Symphonic Journey: This is basically Rick doing travel monologues while a live orchestra plays classical music. It’s weirdly soothing.
Watching While You’re Actually in Europe
If you’re currently on the road, watching a 30-minute TV show on your phone might not be practical. This is where the Rick Steves Audio Europe app comes in.
It’s essentially "watchable audio." He has free walking tours for almost every major site in Europe. You download the tour for the Colosseum or the British Museum, put your headphones in, and Rick narrates your walk. It’s like having him in your ear telling you where to turn left to find the best gelato.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Download the PBS App: Check if your local station is currently airing the latest Season 13 episodes.
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: This is the most reliable way to get notified when new "Monday Night Travel" sessions or festival videos are uploaded.
- Check the Website Archive: Use the "Watch by Destination" feature if you’re actually planning a trip to a specific city.
- Get the Audio App: Download your walking tours before you leave the US to save on data roaming charges.
Whether you're looking for background noise while you fold laundry or you're doing serious research for a three-week trek through the Peloponnese, Rick’s content is more accessible now than it was when it first premiered. You just have to know where to click.