Europe: The Rough Guide, Third Edition

The Rough Guide series consistently keeps me pleased with their insightful, entertaining and accurate (given the changing nature of our planet) information. The listings are organized really well, so I was blissfully able to avoid tedious searching when I needed a quick point of reference. The Europe guide is clearly an equal to Lonely Planet, actually I find that I now prefer R.G. ....just as informative (practical info, social & cultural context), slightly less preachy, and definately more fun.

The Rough Guide reads well, and their price ranking system (1-5) for all locations is sharp, clear and useful. Their Ireland Guide is especially good. They provide well-researched information that puts each place they discuss in context, unlike the Let's Go, which simply lists one thing after another. This is more for 30-something middle class couples with a bit of money for bed & breakfast accommodation and evening jazz than for low-low budget travellers. Also does less to relate how to come closer to the local culture than Lonely Planet (though it's better then Let's Go).