There's no such thing as "the best guide book." Different people expect different things from their guide books and each range of books is geared towards a different audience. These are merely comments on guide books I've used over the years. Generally, I prefer Rough Guide books - although the Lonely Planet series can be very good as well. Quality and depth of coverage does very quite a lot by by destination and guide.

• Rough Guide - Usually excellent on background, historical and cultural information. Generally poorer on places to stay or eat / drink out than the equivalent Lonely Planet.

• Lonely Planet - Does an excellent job of packing a lot of information into one book. Strong on practical information such as accomodation, restaurants, transport etc. Generally thinner than the Rough Guide on historical information but better in the accomodation / dining out stakes.

• Dorling Kindersley (DK) Eyewitness - The Eyewitness are universally very well illustratred. Great for for figuring out what sights to visit. Thin on actual information. Includes excellent maps and floor plans. Not really the book for hotel / dining recommendations.

• Frommers - Like Fodors, a mainstream guidebook with information on major sights, restaurants, hotels. Strong on good-quality hotel and restaurant recommendations. Not strong on historical background.

• Rick Steves - People tend to be passionate about Rick Steves - they either love him or hate him. Generally opinionated, they're not comprehensive guide books but, instead, cover Rick Steves perceptions of highlights. Appear to be geared towards the lesser experienced traveller. People have commented that the hotels he recommends tend to be full of other people also using the books.

• Time Out - Well-regarded guides to specific cities, with useful information on restaurants, cafes, and other "hang-outs". Usually very thorough and current.

• Fodors - Mainstream guide book with information in sights, restaurants and hotels. Some find it too upscale and it's not the best for budget travellers. Generally pretty good on the restaurant recommendations but not strong on historical background. "If you have one day...", "If you have three days..." feature is very handy for travel planning.

• Michelin Red - Hotel and restaurant recommendations. Some find them too upscale. Others point to the non-starred but "good food at moderate prices" listings as a way of balancing price and quality.

• Michelin Green Guides - Good site information, with a star rating system (3 stars: worth a journey; 2 stars: worth a detour; 1 star: interesting) Very useful for planning a trip

Related posts

• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference
• European international dialling codes - quick reference
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (S)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (M)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (R)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (U)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (H)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (A)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (I)
• European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (N)