Fodor's Pocket Berlin

by Knight, Christina; Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc.; Stern, Alison

• ISBN13: 9780679002390
• ISBN10: 0679002391
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-12-01
• Publisher: Fodors Travel Pubns

Summary

Pocket Guides are designed for leisure and business travelers who want the highlights of a destination. They contain full, rich descriptions of the best a destination has to offer -- the most worthy sights, the best restaurants and lodging in all price ranges, plus shopping, nightlife, and outdoors highlights. The best of Berlin -- with all the essentials The emerging neighborhoods, treasure-filled museums, and powerful reminders of World War II and the Cold War Biking in the Tiergarten, sailing on the Wannsee Concert halls, opera houses, cabarets, theaters, clubs Where to shop -- famous department stores, stylish malls, artisan boutiques, eclectic street markets Quick Tours -- half-day itineraries to help you make the most of your visit, plus a side trip to Potsdam Where to stay and eat, no matter what your budget Historic landmark lodgings, artfully designed hotels, high-rise casinos, and villa bed & breakfasts Sidewalk cafes, beer taverns, chic bistros, and elegant restaurants serving New German cuisine Endorsed by the American Society of Travel Agents "Fodor's can't be beat." -- Gannett News Service "Fodor's always delivers high quality...thoughtfully presented...thorough." -- Houston Post "Packed with dependable information." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution "An excellent choice for people who want everything under one cover." -- Washington Post

Table of Contents

On the Road With Fodor's About Our Writers Connections

How to Use This Book:Describes organization, icons, and other key information

Don't Forget to Write:Tells you how to get in touch with our editors

Essential Information:Basic information on traveling in Berlin, savvy tips to make your trip a breeze

Destination: Berlin:Helps get you in the mood for your trip

Exploring Berlin Dining Lodging Nightlife and the Arts

Outdoor Activities and Sports Shopping Side trips from Berlin German Vocabulary Menu Guide

Index Maps

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Berlin on the Cutting Edge



As the 20th century draws to an end, Berlin, a metropolis born again, is heading for a bright
future. Berlin's role as a focal point and touchstone of a reuniting Germany began on November 9,
1989, when the infamous Berlin Wall fell. Thus the end of the Cold War was signaled in the city that
was both the beginning cause and the trapped victim of one of the greatest geographic and political
anomalies of all time.



With the wall relegated to the junk pile of history, visitors can appreciate the qualities that
mark the city as a whole. Its particular charm has always lain in its spaciousness, its trees and
greenery, and its racy atmosphere. Most of the really stunning parts of the pre-war capital are in the
historic eastern part of town, which has grand avenues and monumental buildings, while the western
downtown districts possess fancy shopping boulevards.



What really makes Berlin special, however, are the intangibles -- the spirit and bounce of the
city and its citizens.  Berliners come off as brash, witty, no-nonsense types, who speak German with
their own piquant dialect and are considered by their fellow countrymen as a most rude species.  The
bracing air, the renowned Berliner Luft, gets part of the credit for their high-voltage energy.
It's attributable to the fact that many residents have faced adversity all their lives, and have
managed to do so with a mordent wit and cynical acceptance of life.

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Excerpted from Berlin: What to See and Do If You Can't Stay Long by Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc. Staff
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.