Berlin & Beyond

This is based on the larger guide, Pocket Adventures Germany, which covers the entire country in depth. Here we focus on the country's largest city and its surroundings - such cities as Potsdam and Oranienburg. Packed with all the practical travel information you could ever need, from places to stay and eat, tourist information resources, destination specific travel advice, emergency information, plus sections on history and geography that provide readers with the background knowledge essential to a thoroughly enjoyable holiday. The author's passion for the destination comes across in the lively and detailed text, which is packed with the very best and most up-to-date information. This is a must-have volume for anyone really wanting to make the most of their German holiday. Color photos throughout. The author is a resident of Munich so he knows his subject well. "Of the three Germany guidebooks I used, this one was the most useful and not only because it covers so many places that the others simply ignored. Although you never get 10% off for showing this book, it has enough sensible advice on how to shave unnecessary expenses off the budget without ever feeling or acting like a cheapskate. I enjoyed the author's explanation of Germany's complex history but others may like the "History Cheat Sheet" that reduces six pages of history to a half page summary. Although the author has the ability to focus on the essentials, he drops enough fascinating tidbits to keep it interesting. I also love the explanation of major trends in German culture, arts, music, and literature. The author clearly has opinions but never treats the reader like an idiot or writes down to you in any sense. As a non-German speaker I also loved the way all German terms are translated throughout the guide not expecting me to suddenly remember what is a kirch or Schloss halfway through the book. The accommodation lists are very useful especially as it focuses on the around 80-120 per night middle to upper class hotels that suit my tastes. However, even the lower priced hotels all have private bathrooms, which to me is rather essential when on vacation.--Jane S., Amazon.com.  Berlin is the most interesting and most diverse of all German cities. It is probably most famous for its division during the Cold War and seeing related sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and a few surviving pieces of the Berlin Wall are priorities for many visitors. Berlin has more than 170 museums covering all genres. After four decades of division, some collections are now again united into world-class presentations. Highlights include the superb Gemaldegalerie (Paintings Gallery) and the excellent Pergamon Museum. While many modern buildings sprung up in the former no-man's land, several historic buildings are finally being restored. Most of the fabulous Museum Island is either just restored or will be over the next couple of years. The luxurious Adlon Hotel was rebuilt to resemble its pre-War appearance. Unter den Linden, Friedrichstrafle, and the Gendarmenmarkt are again vying for the heart and soul of the city. Berlin is easy to enjoy. It is not all museums, galleries, and history.  It is not all museums, galleries, and history. It is a great city to stroll in and enjoy the monuments and monumental structures. It is a city that caters for all tastes in culture. It has three opera houses and 135 theaters. Its nightlife is recouping some of the fame of the go-go 1920s and '30s. Everything, from Mahler to underground heavy metal is available in this city. It also plays host to the annual Love Parade - the world's largest technotronic music festival.