13 Must-Have Europe Travel Books for Your Next Adventure

Discover the best Europe travel books that will inspire your journeys, offering vivid insights and irresistible adventures in every page.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By James Feess (Author)
Great Budget Performer
9.0/10
By National Geographic (Author)
Best for Family Travel
9.4/10
By Rick Steves (Author)
Best for Solo Travelers
9.2/10
By Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
Best for Cultural Enthusiasts
8.6/10
By Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
9.2/10

Best Europe Travel Books

Embark on a literary journey through Europe’s most captivating stories and insightful guides, curated for the curious traveler. Whether you're dreaming of cobblestone streets or hidden enclaves, these must-read travel books will ignite your wanderlust and help you navigate the continent with confidence and flair. Prepare to uncover Europe’s secret gems—all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

Great Budget Performer: The Savvy Backpacker's Guide to Europe

The Savvy Backpacker's Guide to Europe on a Budget: Advice on Trip Planning, Packing, Hostels & Lodging, Transportation & More!
Highlights
Comprehensive travel advice
Budget travel strategies
Helpful planning tips

As a Great Budget Performer, this guide is a treasure trove for cost-conscious travelers.

It offers extensive, easy-to-understand advice on trip planning, lodging, transportation, and money-saving tips designed to stretch every euro.

While it leans toward budget travelers and some info might feel a tad outdated, the core strategies remain highly relevant.

Its concise style makes it perfect for quick reference before and during your trip.

Overall, if you're seeking solid, budget-focused insights with a friendly tone, this book is a reliable companion on your European adventure.

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Price history for The Savvy Backpacker's Guide to Europe on Amazon

Best for Family Travel: Journeys of a Lifetime

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips
Highlights
Beautiful photos
Inspiring travel ideas
Well organized content

The National Geographic guide really shines as the go-to for family adventures.

With over 500 curated trips, it offers a treasure trove of inspiration for creating memorable European experiences.

The stunning photos and well-organized content make planning simple and fun — ideal for busy families wanting to make the most of their trip.

While its large, coffee table size might be a bit bulky for travel, the visual appeal and comprehensive ideas are worth it.

If you’re seeking a colorful, inspiring guide to spark your family’s European journey, this one’s a definite winner.

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Price history for Journeys of a Lifetime on Amazon

Best for Solo Travelers: Rick Steves Best of Europe

Rick Steves Best of Europe
Highlights
Detailed travel insights
Helpful for planning trips
Trusted author reputation

Rick Steves' guide is perfect for solo travelers looking to explore Europe independently.

Its detailed insights and expert tips help you craft personalized adventures, highlighting the best destinations and hidden gems.

Although it’s on the hefty side and might feel bulky to carry around, the rich content and trusted author reputation make it worthwhile for those serious about their solo journeys.

Keep in mind, it’s not the most streamlined option, especially for elderly travelers, but if you want a comprehensive solo travel companion, this book is a top pick.

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Price history for Rick Steves Best of Europe on Amazon

Best for Cultural Enthusiasts: Fodors Europe

Fodor's Essential Europe: The Best of 26 Exceptional Countries (Full-color Travel Guide)
Highlights
Insightful country details
Well written content
Helpful travel tips

Fodor's Travel guide is a treasure trove for cultural enthusiasts eager to dive into Europe's rich history, art, and traditions.

It covers 26 incredible countries with detailed insights that truly bring each destination to life.

While it’s a bit heavy and verbose—meaning it’s not the lightest travel companion—it compensates with well-written, helpful tips and an engaging narrative.

If you’re after a deep cultural immersion rather than just quick sightseeing, this guide is a must-have.

Just be prepared for its weight and the lack of pictures!

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Price history for Fodors Europe on Amazon

Fodor’s U.S. & British Virgin Islands

Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands (Full-color Travel Guide)
Highlights
Informative and helpful
Great for sailing trips
Detailed destination suggestions

Fodor's latest edition offers solid, detailed destination suggestions perfect for sailing trips or quick getaways.

The guide is informative and easy to navigate, with useful tips to help optimize your trip.

While it does miss some ferry prices and covers fewer islands, the rich content compensates well—especially if you're aiming for authentic local experiences.

The compact size makes it easy to carry on the go, and its high customer rating attests to its usefulness.

Overall, this guide is a great choice for travelers seeking reliable info with a dash of adventure.

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Price history for Fodor’s U.S. & British Virgin Islands on Amazon

Lonely Planet Portugal

Lonely Planet Portugal (Travel Guide)
Highlights
Helpful travel info
Clear maps and directions
Reliable for planning

The Lonely Planet 13th edition offers helpful travel info and clear maps that make navigation a breeze, perfect for quick trip planning.

While its less practical layout can slow you down, the reliable content ensures you won’t miss must-see spots or essential tips.

Keep in mind, its reduced offline usability means you'll want to have a backup if you lose signal.

Overall, if you're seeking a trusted guide with tons of insights and easy-to-follow directions, this book is a solid choice—especially for travel enthusiasts who don’t mind flipping pages!

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Price history for Lonely Planet Portugal on Amazon

Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of Europe Europe Travel Books

Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of Europe
Highlights
Inspiring cycling stories
Beautiful illustrations
Practical trip suggestions

The Lonely Planet Cycling Europe is a delightful blend of inspiring stories and beautiful illustrations that make planning a cycling trip feel like an adventure in itself.

While the font size is a bit small and it skews more toward a coffee table book than a strict guide, it offers practical trip suggestions that are perfect for dreamers and seasoned cyclists alike.

Although it covers only a few routes, the passion and vivid imagery make it a must-have for anyone craving inspiration for their European cycling journey.

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Price history for Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of Europe on Amazon

DK Paris

DK Paris (Travel Guide)
Highlights
Laminated fold-out map
Beautiful pictures
Informative travel tips

The laminated fold-out map makes navigation a breeze, especially when wandering through Paris's charming streets.

The stunning photos truly capture the city’s magic, making you feel almost there before your trip even begins.

Plus, the informative travel tips offer practical advice to enhance your experience.

While the information isn't updated for 2025, it still provides valuable insights for planning your visit.

Overall, this guide combines beauty and utility in a compact format—perfect for travelers who want a snapshot of the City of Light without the bulk.

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Price history for DK Paris on Amazon

Rick Steves Best of Europe

Rick Steves Best of Europe (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
Highlights
Insightful and detailed
Compact and portable
Trusted author reputation

Rick Steves' "Europe Travel Book" brings insightful and detailed guidance that’s perfect for travelers who want a trusted source without the bulk.

Its compact size makes it easy to toss into your bag, though the small print might require good eyesight or a magnifying glass!

While it offers excellent coverage of popular destinations, some lesser-known countries might get the short end of the stick.

Despite weighing a bit more than expected, its wealth of tips from a reputable author makes it a reliable companion for your European adventures.

Perfect if you're after depth in a portable package!

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Price history for Rick Steves Best of Europe on Amazon

Fodor's Bucket List Europe Europe Travel Books

Fodor's Bucket List Europe: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences (Full-color Travel Guide)
Highlights
Comprehensive travel info
Great for short trips
Trusted guide publisher

Fodor's Travel delivers a comprehensive guide, packed with detailed information perfect for short getaways across Europe.

Its trusted publisher ensures reliable insights, making planning hassle-free.

While it’s a bit on the heavier side and doesn't include quick tips, its extensive content covers everything you need for a leisure trip, from attractions to dining options.

The 912 pages might seem daunting, but it’s genuinely a treasure trove for those wanting an all-in-one resource.

If you prefer depth over brevity, this guide is a smart choice.

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Price history for Fodor's Bucket List Europe on Amazon

Lonely Planet Europe

Lonely Planet Europe (Travel Guide)
Highlights
Comprehensive country info
Helpful travel recommendations
Includes festival tips

Lonely Planet's 4th edition of their Europe travel guide offers a vast wealth of information, making it a go-to for travelers who want detailed insights without feeling overwhelmed.

Its comprehensive country info and helpful recommendations make planning a breeze—from must-see sights to unique festivals.

While the maps could be more detailed, the guide compensates with quirky tips and local highlights that add flair to your trip.

Though online resources are catching up, this guide remains a trusted companion for navigating Europe with confidence.

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Price history for Lonely Planet Europe on Amazon

The New York Times 36 Hours Europe

The New York Times 36 Hours Europe
Highlights
Up-to-date information
Beautifully designed format
Inspires travel planning

This book stands out with its beautiful design that makes browsing a delight and inspiring your travel plans with vibrant visuals and engaging layouts.

It offers up-to-date information, helping you stay current with the latest travel trends and tips across Europe.

However, it’s worth noting that the copy we received had a slight damage, which might be a rare issue.

While it doesn’t delve deeply into every region, it provides a fantastic overview for those planning a quick trip or seeking inspiration without overload.

Overall, a stylish and practical guide to spark your European adventures.

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Price history for The New York Times 36 Hours Europe on Amazon

Rick Steves Central Europe Europe Travel Books

Rick Steves Central Europe: The Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia & More
Highlights
Comprehensive Historical Details
Helpful Maps & Tips
Updated Content (2024)

Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide stands out as a reliable companion for seasoned travelers seeking depth and detail. With comprehensive historical insights, it enriches your understanding of each destination beyond just sightseeing.

The helpful maps and practical tips make navigating cities smoother and more enjoyable.

The updated 2024 content ensures you get current information, although it does lean heavily on popular spots in Poland and the Czech Republic, leaving some lesser-known areas sparse.

It’s perfect for those who want a deep dive into major European cities and aren’t expecting a beginner-friendly overview, making it a solid choice for last-minute planning or quick references.

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Price history for Rick Steves Central Europe on Amazon

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