AAD Berlin is a Great Guide!!!

Alex Lary, amazon.com, January 10, 2011

I plan on moving to Berlin in the summer of 2011. I've visited this city quite a few times, and recently returned from my last trip. I've had plenty of friends who have offered me advice regarding where to stay, shop, dine as well as which sights were best to check out. Additionally, I've picked up several guide books along the way--but none like AAD Berlin.

AAD Berlin offers a selection of astonishing hotels, architectural sites, art museums and restaurants as well as upcoming events from a perspective that's quite different from what I've seen in other Berlin tour guides. This book takes an approach that is both tasteful and sophisticated--a truly original style.

To say that Berlin has only recently become a center for art culture is definitely a valid statement. This notion is noted in the intro along with a brief history surrounding the art of Berlin.

AAD Berlin outlines only the finest art museums the city has to offer. I'm proud to say I've been to all of them- some more than others. Museum The Kennedys is my favorite since it is so specific to America (my home country) and one of our most popular political families. Before opening this book I had no idea such a museum even existed!

Showcased in this book is a more well-known museum: The East Side Gallery. The guide presents a history of this place as well as colorful photographs that give a taste of what to expect while visiting.

With all of its history, I find Berlin to have the most interesting architecture of all cities in Europe. This book recognizes this aspect--as it offers a sturdy history of how Berlin's architecture is symbolic; as well as the theme of revitalization.

I love the aesthetic appeal of many of the sites mentioned in the book. The Collegium Hungaricum Berlin is one of my favorites- with its Bauhaus style and checkered theme. Speaking of Bauhaus, another important must-see is the Bauhaus-Archiv Berlin. This is another hot spot I'd never heard of before reading about it in AAD Berlin.

The first hotel I stayed at in Berlin pales in comparison to the Hotel Amano--suggested to me by this book. The book describes the interior of this hotel as "a patchwork of luxurious sophistication." And this description is completely accurate.

Chic German restaurants are also outlined. I've dined at Oliv, had a magnificent time. Not only was the food scrumptious but the artwork and design took my breath away. So tasteful! Other restaurants talked about in the book range from delicious Asian cuisine to bistro-style settings.

As far as shopping- the guide offers some pretty trendy spots. If you love books as much as I do, Buchhandlung Walther Koenig is a massive bookstore with plenty to offer. I spend hours there every time I visit Berlin! You can see some nice photos of the place in AAD Berlin.
Ultimately, I can't explain how appreciative I am that this book was compiled. Aside from offering all of the info surrounding each hot spot in Berlin, there's also a map in the back of the book, important websites as well as phone numbers. On top of all of that, there's even listings for 2011 upcoming events in Berlin!

Each time I open AAD Berlin, I'm reminded of why I've chosen to move there: Berlin is a city booming with art, style, phenomenal architecture and extraordinary design.