Best General Europe Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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General Europe travel guides provide comprehensive and detailed information for travelers who are looking to explore the diverse culture, history, and attractions of Europe. These travel guides cover a wide range of topics, such as transportation, accommodation, food and drink, sightseeing, and local customs and traditions. They also offer practical advice on how to navigate different cities and countries, as well as tips on how to save money and stay safe while traveling. With the help of these travel guides, travelers can plan their trip with ease and confidence, and make the most of their European adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands (2023 Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands (2023 Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 3
Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 General Europe Travel Guides

Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands (2023 Travel Guide)

Steves, Rick
Openshaw, Gene
Apr 4, 2023
Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands (2023 Travel Guide) Cover
Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands (2023 Travel Guide)

Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands is a comprehensive guidebook that covers everything you need to know about exploring Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. From hidden gems to top sights, Rick Steves provides strategic advice and candid insight to help travelers make the most of their time and money. The book includes self-guided walking tours, detailed maps, and useful resources such as a packing list and Dutch phrase book. Whether spending a week or less in Amsterdam, Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands is a must-have for any traveler.

Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide)

Steves, Rick
Rick Steves
Oct 29, 2019
Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide) Cover
Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide)

Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports is a comprehensive guidebook for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Europe's port cities. The book covers 23 ports of call, providing practical travel strategies, self-guided walks, and tours of each city to help readers experience the local culture and cuisine. The book also includes essential logistics, tips for beating the crowds and avoiding tourist traps, and helpful reference photos and maps. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone planning a Mediterranean cruise and looking to savor every moment in port.

Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide)

Averbuck, Alexis
Bain, Carolyn
Bremner, Jade
Dixon, Belinda
Feb 8, 2022
Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Iceland 12 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date and comprehensive guide to Iceland, providing essential information for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. The guide features insider tips to save time and money, cultural insights, and honest reviews for all budgets on eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, and hidden gems that most guidebooks miss. The book also includes pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info. The guide is perfect for travelers who want to glimpse the northern lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon, and drive the Ring Road. Overall, Lonely Planet Iceland 12 is a must-have guide for anyone planning a trip to Iceland.

Lonely Planet Italy 15 (Travel Guide)

Bonetto, Cristian
Atkinson, Brett
Averbuck, Alexis
Clark, Gregor
Dragicevich, Peter
Garwood, Duncan
Hardy, Paula
Maxwell, Virginia
Ong, Stephanie
Raub, Kevin
Sainsbury, Brendan
St Louis, Regis
Williams, Nicola
Oct 26, 2021
Lonely Planet Italy 15 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Italy 15 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Italy 15 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that offers up-to-date advice to travelers visiting Italy. It covers everything from the historical landmarks in Rome to the skinny streets and waterways of Venice and the blockbuster museums in Tuscany. The guidebook provides useful planning tools for family travelers, insider tips to save time and money, and essential information such as transit tips and prices. It also includes cultural insights that give readers a richer and more rewarding travel experience. All in all, Lonely Planet Italy 15 is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Italy.

Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent (2023 Travel Guide)

Steves, Rick
Openshaw, Gene
Apr 18, 2023
Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent (2023 Travel Guide) Cover
Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent (2023 Travel Guide)

Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent (2023 Travel Guide) is a comprehensive and up-to-date guidebook for those planning to explore Belgium. Rick Steves provides strategic advice, top sights, and hidden gems to help travelers make the most of their time and money. The book also includes self-guided walking tours, detailed maps, and useful resources such as a packing list and phrase books. With over 300 pages, this guidebook is the perfect companion for those looking to experience the art, culture, and cuisine of Belgium. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Belgium.

Steves, Rick
Openshaw, Gene
Rick Steves
May 14, 2019
Rick Steves Pocket Amsterdam Cover
Rick Steves Pocket Amsterdam

Rick Steves Pocket Amsterdam is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning a short stay in the city. The book provides six detailed tours and walks that showcase Amsterdam's essential sights, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, plus neighborhood walks through the Red Light District, Jordaan, and the historic city center. The book also offers strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money, day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time, and practical trip-planning tips. With its colorful, portable, and slim design, it is perfect for exploring on-the-go. Overall, this is a fantastic guidebook that provides valuable insights into Amsterdam's history and culture.

Lonely Planet Ireland 15 (Travel Guide)

Wilson, Neil
Albiston, Isabel
Davenport, Fionn
Dixon, Belinda
Le Nevez, Catherine
Mar 1, 2022
Lonely Planet Ireland 15 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Ireland 15 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet's Ireland 15 is a comprehensive travel guide that offers up-to-date information on Ireland's best experiences, accommodation options, and planning tools. The guidebook features a pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with essential travel information, including wi-fi, ATM, and transport details. It also includes insider tips to help travelers save time and money, cultural insights, and over 90 maps. The guidebook covers various regions, including Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking to explore Ireland's beauty. Overall, Lonely Planet's Ireland 15 is an excellent resource for anyone planning to visit Ireland and explore its hidden treasures.

#TOP 8

NYT. 36 Hours. Europe, 3rd Edition

Ireland, Barbara
TASCHEN
May 22, 2019
NYT. 36 Hours. Europe, 3rd Edition Cover
NYT. 36 Hours. Europe, 3rd Edition

The third edition of the New York Times' 36 Hours Europe is a comprehensive travel guide that offers 130 expert itineraries for exploring the continent's best-kept secrets. With practical recommendations for nearly 500 restaurants and over 400 hotels, this book is a must-have for anyone planning a weekend getaway to Europe. It includes new destinations such as Belgrade, the Amalfi Coast, and Galway, along with color-coded tabs for each region and detailed city-by-city maps. The book's author, Barbara Ireland, does an excellent job of providing insightful itineraries that allow travelers to make the most of their stay. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for travelers looking to explore Europe's hidden gems.

Steves, Rick
Rick Steves
Apr 20, 2021
Rick Steves Best of Europe Cover
Rick Steves Best of Europe

Rick Steves Best of Europe is an expertly crafted guidebook that offers advice on the must-visit destinations in England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. With Rick Steves' insider tips on how to beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps, readers can experience the best of local culture, flavors, and haunts. The book also includes trip planning strategies, itineraries, and over 100 full-color maps and photos. Rick Steves' passion for European travel shines through in this book, making it a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Europe.

#TOP 10

Europe Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3328)

National Geographic Maps - Adventure
Natl Geographic Society Maps
Jan 1, 2019
Europe Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3328) Cover
Europe Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3328)

National Geographic's Europe Adventure Map is a high-quality map that provides detailed and accurate information to adventure travelers. The map includes the location of cities and towns, a clearly marked road network, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a waterproof and tear-resistant design, this map is perfect for international travel. The map is divided into the northern and southern extents of Europe, with major roads and ferry routes to help navigate the densely populated continent. Overall, this map is an excellent resource for those seeking to explore Europe off the beaten path.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a travel guide book?

A guide book or travel guide is "a book of information about a place designed for the use of visitors or tourists". It will usually include information about sights, accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and activities. Maps of varying detail and historical and cultural information are often included.

2. Are travel guide books worth it?

Travel guidebooks give you researched facts.

It's not worth bloggers' time to do any more than that. They can't beat more academic sites in the search rankings and even if they could that traffic isn't easily monetized. ... Pop-up, distraction, and battery-free travel information.

Editor's Notes

During our general europe travel guide research, we found 1,000+ general europe travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,187 customer reviews through our big data system to write the general europe travel guides list. We found that most customers choose general europe travel guides with an average price of $18.20.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.