I like the maps in Lonely Planet, but I think Let’s Go is more up-to-date and more accurate.

Will fo mim, thanks.

Lonely Planet is my favorite

I really prefer Let’s Go.  They seem targeted to a slightly younger audience than the LP, have better maps, cheaper hostels and very clear walking directions to both accomodation and tourist sights.  I brought an LP to Europe but kept ducking into bookstores to check out the Let’s Go.

I personally prefer the Let’s Go guides, because the independent, cheap traveller is there target, but what I do is buy ONE guide book. If I want to see others, go the the public library and take one out for a while, most libraries have a travel section. That way you can get the info from all of them but not shell out a ton of money.

I kinda like the homey feel of Rick Steves’ guides myself, but his audience is kinad the more sedate 40 something crowd [] That, and he kinda tells YOU what YOU will enjoy and be interested in, because he’s “done it all so you don’t have to.”
 
As such, I like having a “Let’s Go” guide with me when I’m traveling, while only keeping the “guided walks” from applicable Rick Steves guide books. “Let’s Go” is also good in that it aims to help the younger crowd; there are all kinds of hints on travelling cheap, where you can get student discounts, etc etc etc. That and, if the country you’re in has its own “Let’s Go” book, there is almost an innumerable amount of places and things contained within.

I’m over 30, but still prefer “Let’s Go.” I like the way their books are organized, quick and easy to sift out the important info, compared to LP.

For backpacker purposes, definitely Let’s Go.  The others are all good in their own rights (though I have to say, I really don’t see why Lonely Planet is so popular…I’m just not a fan), but overall I love the simplicity, organization, and budget-minded suggestions of Let’s Go.  I hear people criticize the lack of pictures…but if you’re dying to get a visual, it’s called google haha.  The thin paper and black/white print keeps the book itself cheap!