Helpful guide for the budget travellers. Also useful for those who have limited stay at each destination since Rick Steve ranks popular sites into categories of must-sees to additional sites to see if time permits. I got a free city map at Rothenburg, Germany from one of the souvenier shops there for just carrying the book. So definitely perks included.

Not only does Rick Steves writes candidly, which makes for fun reading, but his recommendations are usually right on (well, except for the Haus der Musik in Vienna, Austria!). We were in London and then did a driving tour of Germany and Austria last year using only Rick Steves' Best of Europe as our travel guide. 8 out of the 10 places that we stayed at were recommended by Steves. Using the e-mail/fax/phone information that Steves provided, as well as any discount rates he cited, we made reservations well in advance (2 months before leaving for Europe) in order to get the best rates. Of those, 90% of them turned out to be decent, clean and well-located hotels/B & B's. We were so happy with the London hotel recommended by Steves that we vowed to always return to stay at that same hotel whenever we find ourselves in London! In fact, when we DIDN'T stay at a Steves-recommended accomodation, we almost always regreted it.

The places Steves recommends are usually the 'Do not miss' sights, which is great when you want to hit the important touristy sights of Europe. But if you want to get off the beaten path, you'll need another guide to supplement Steves' book.

Alas, I would have to buy another Rick Steves guide to plan our next trip as someone stole mine at the end of our trip!

This was a great source of information. we did several of the suggested short walks. Some of the prices were a little outdated but the only true failing I saw was the lack of emphasis placed on Shopping. Overall Great job Rick. It was good having you.

I came across Rick Steve from watching his shows on HDTV. This guide is the first book I bought from him, and while I like its narrative approach, it has the main drawback of turning you into an even less adventurous of a traveller. He PICKS the sites for you at the expense of skipping more interesting destinations.

Case in point: there's nothing here on Portugal (what?!), Norway (fjord!), Sweden, and Eastern Europe. NOTHING. Dordogne, Wales, the Mezzogiorno, Swiss cities, and the French wine country? Crickets. And this is a 1350-page book!

Positive things I'll say is when the destinations are discussed, it is done well. I find it a welcome contrast to the other guidebooks that mention an attraction and a one-sentence description--the Yellow Page entry style.

So it's a balance you have to make. IF you agree with his choices, then grab this book, otherwise, whip out a notepad and head to the nearest bookstore then browse the different travel guides for ideas.