National Geographic Traveler: Berlin, 2nd Edition

Germany's premier city, Berlin, is one of the fastest growing and intriguing in Europe. This guidebook, written by experienced travel writer Damien Simonis, expertly guides you through the varied land- and cityscapes that are today's Berlin. Illustrated with more than 120 vivid, up-to-date photographs and nearly 20 detailed, full-color maps, this second edition gives you every tool you need to plan a trip to the center of the new Europe, from the historic and massive Reichstag building in the town center to the complex of museums and gardens at the former royal palace in the west at Charlottenburg.

Starting with a detailed introduction to Berlin's unique history, food, land, and culture--factors that have clearly shaped the distinctive volksgeist of the German people--the book then explores each of the neighborhoods that make up the city. Among the sights: the city's grand pastoral thoroughfare in the center of town, Unter Den Linden; the Forum of Culture, home of Berlin's concert hall and several excellent museums; the Tiergarden, the large central park that constitutes some of metropolis's extensive green space; the quiet woods, rivers, and lakelands of Berlin's far west; and the many world-class museums clustered on Museum Island in the east. In addition, an "Excursions" chapter steers you to the best day trips out of the city.

Special features give comprehensive information on many diverse topics such as the story of the Berlin Wall; the city's Jewish community; and a look at Berlin's famous Christmas markets. The book also presents mapped, guided walks and tours through some of the city's most fascinating areas, including a walk through Red Berlin and a drive through the Mecklenburg lake district. Experiential sidebars--such as reliving the feel of pre-war Berlin at a silent-movie theater or visiting the city's famed museums when they're open all night--show you details on how to immerse yourself in Berlin's culture. In addition, a thorough Travelwise section provides recommendations for hotels and restaurants in all price ranges and in all areas.

Whether you're visiting Kurfurstendamm, Berlin's main shopping street, revisiting history in front of the Brandenburg Gate, or strolling Frederick the Great's sumptuous palaces and gardens at Potsdam, National Geographic Traveler: Berlin has everything you need to make your trip a memorable one.

The National Geographic Traveler series is aimed at active travelers who want authentic, enriching, cultural experiences and look to a guidebook for expert advice and insider tips from a trustworthy source. We offer ways for people to experience a place rather than just visit, and give the feel of each destination not easily found online.

DAMIEN SIMONIS, raised in Sydney, Australia, has lived, studied, and worked all over Europe and the Middle East. In 1992 he started writing guidebooks and travel articles for publications in Australia, the U.K., and North America and hasn't stopped since. His wanderings have taken him from the Ukraine to Sudan, from the Alps to the Red Sea. Simonis had his first taste of foreign travel in Germany in the 1980s. Repeated study trips brought him back and he frequently visited Berlin at the height of the Cold War. Although he now lives in the warmer climes of Barcelona, Spain, his affection for Germany, and Berlin in particular, has never waned.