What do you think?
Rate this book
Lonely Planet Berlin
-- comprehensive coverage of Berlin's amazing museums, from the classical to the bizarre
-- the lowdown on the Berlin scene from classical to cabaret to clubs and cafes
-- accessible language section with handy food and drink glossary
-- excursion information for Brandenburg state, Leipzig and Dresden
-- recommended accommodation and food options for every price range
-- the lowdown on the Berlin scene from classical to cabaret to clubs and cafes
-- accessible language section with handy food and drink glossary
-- excursion information for Brandenburg state, Leipzig and Dresden
-- recommended accommodation and food options for every price range
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
341 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 14, 2024
As must be blindingly obvious, I've read this because I'll be heading to Berlin for a long weekend with my 11yr old at the end of February. I've always preferred the Lonely Planet guides over any other and have been using them since 1990. You find more in here than you could hope to discover online. First time in Berlin, or Germany. This book has fuelled my enthusiasm and we've now got an itinerary worked out and are looking forward to the trip. A good balance of history, alternative sights, and day to day information aimed at the independent traveller.
July 10, 2024
Great guidebook, very informative and up to date.
November 15, 2024
Yes, it’s come to me reviewing an outdated guidebook (2017 edition) that I would not recommend, for a city I don’t have plans to visit, but all in the name of Cinema Safari! There’s a great many issues with this city guide, but it’s clear from the outset that accessibility isn’t prioritized or cared about in any regards. There’s a token two sentences in the last section, next to information about which electric plugs to use, and all it mentions are that elevators exist in the city, and that there’s a website with better information to go check. It wouldn’t have been difficult, during the entire book’s promotions of various city highlights, restaurants, and the omnipresent discothèques to just kindly indicate that the location is inaccessible to people with disabilities (just have a small wheelchair logo). Things like if there’s only stairs and other hostile architecture to prevent the bare minimum of accommodations. I suppose that’s then on the minority visitor to do their research ahead of time and to visit the various websites that do the job that Lonely Planet clearly should’ve done, but alas they seemed to have skipped that element entirely, with barely a footnote to explain otherwise. I find this all annoying as there’s no real extra difficulty in providing the information, and it would clearly be a tremendous benefit to many a person, and though I am not physically disabled, I still need to be forewarned about exhibits that play with reality / are too immersive – as it can trigger psychosis. Unfortunately, there’s never any information about this incredibly common trigger source for schizo folks, and info desks have no clue what you’re talking about. So, standing up for the rights for our fellow disabled community members is a priority: if they can’t give a rat’s ass about wheelchair users, then what hope do the rest of us have? We were all equally sent to the gas chambers, not far outside of Berlin, together – we might as well make a stand of it now. I know Lonely Planet can’t predict what needs every reader might have, but it isn’t exactly difficult to make note that this or that museum / club is up a flight of stairs with no elevator or might be a danger to many with disabilities. It would be an incredibly simple fix, and I just hope that future printings of this guide amend this.
I do find immersion into a strange new city rather overwhelming after reading this guidebook. Yes it tries to offer some bare minimum of assistance by indicating tipping culture, basic German words and etiquette, but it ends up coming across more imposing than anything else. This is of course the work of any traveler to a new destination, as one is never going to be sure what faux pas might be on the horizon that would be solved by pronouncing Pankow with an “ow” instead of an “off” sound. Yet, I can see the frantic visitor to Berlin, using the book, trying to find the page about what to do when you want to order a lager, or how to pay with credit card – all in a panic as the judgmental eyes of locals zero in on you, the outsider. For visiting a new place with a vastly different culture and personality, really gives you a sense of helplessness – that you must then rely upon others for assistance when you can, as the guidebook is only going to get you so far (and don’t get your expectations up for much more than a quick blurb). The hope is then that you run across someone not trying to take your money / belongings to then lead you in a better direction, or to correct the mistake that you’ve inadvertently made. This is then the experience of schizo (or disability in general) in a way – as you find yourself confused by your surroundings, and needing external help to make your way back to safety – as you don’t know landmarks or anything familiar. You instead wander with nothing more than some bound pieces of paper to lead you to your destination, hoping that you’ve read it correctly. That sense of disconnection with the reality that surrounds you – as you’re never quite sure what is safe / approachable or not, causes tremendous stress and fear, because you no longer have that luxury of recognizability. Of course this is to be expected in a new location, and that the rest of you at least have the blessing of reason and sanity, but this experience approaches that which is all too common by those with some cognitive disabilities. I’d then hope that this guidebook would transition you towards the smooth and affordable travel reality of your dreams, but if it doesn’t even offer any advice for getting into Berghain, then good luck my friend.
Anyway, I must admit, here and now, that this is not the sort of guidebook for a person like me. Sure, I travel to see the museums and some of the ‘must visit’ locations, but I’m far more motivated by nature, the unusual and little gems that aren’t filled with tour buses. I’ve done quite an exhaustive study on Berlin, and the sort of places that I’d recommend visiting are all ignored by this book. Instead if you really wanted to come to Berlin to shop at a mall and stay at a hostel, then I know the guide for you. My chief complaint here, which is perhaps not entirely fair of me as I’ve never been that sort of person: the major impetus of the guide is dedicated to pubs and clubs. I get it, Berlin has developed a notoriety for techno and all manners of places to dance and get blotto, but this doesn’t feel genuine to an experience of the city. Sure, it might be amusing to party all weekend at a former DDR apartment block, but this seems like an incredibly generic encounter – something that I’m sure could in no possible way be replicated in any other location. I do appreciate that Lonely Planet includes some token mentions of LGBT destinations (although nothing much on general acceptance / where to avoid), but it’s again focused almost entirely on sex clubs for all types of … men. Again, I understand that Lonely Planet conveys a certain collegiate boho vacay weekend vibe, and that I am an outlier to my generation and reader of this series of books – but the emphasis is just absurd. That there’s far more places listed to drink and party (or go on a Depeche Mode tour) than food or you know, sights that actually matter. The one element that I thought pleasant was the section near the end, where they go over the history of Berlin, its architecture, literature, film, and music – and this one element was far better than most everything else in the book. That said, they didn’t spend any time detailing the media suggestions – instead just saying ‘Metropolis and Nosferatu are expressionist films’ – without anything to encourage you to actually be interested in seeing them. The book does however handily include suggestions for offsetting your carbon emissions, or how to visit a hip-hop-hoedown, or where good gay cruising locations are. I can understand that Lonely Planet is not my forte, and I’m sure there’s a specific kind of person who thinks this is the absolute zenith of guidebooks, but give me the weird, give me the amusing, and give me something that makes Berlin, well.. Berlin, not just another mall and puke club. I can’t recommend this book, but as I write this listening to medieval folk music, I realize that I’m the oddity, so do as thou wilt.
I do find immersion into a strange new city rather overwhelming after reading this guidebook. Yes it tries to offer some bare minimum of assistance by indicating tipping culture, basic German words and etiquette, but it ends up coming across more imposing than anything else. This is of course the work of any traveler to a new destination, as one is never going to be sure what faux pas might be on the horizon that would be solved by pronouncing Pankow with an “ow” instead of an “off” sound. Yet, I can see the frantic visitor to Berlin, using the book, trying to find the page about what to do when you want to order a lager, or how to pay with credit card – all in a panic as the judgmental eyes of locals zero in on you, the outsider. For visiting a new place with a vastly different culture and personality, really gives you a sense of helplessness – that you must then rely upon others for assistance when you can, as the guidebook is only going to get you so far (and don’t get your expectations up for much more than a quick blurb). The hope is then that you run across someone not trying to take your money / belongings to then lead you in a better direction, or to correct the mistake that you’ve inadvertently made. This is then the experience of schizo (or disability in general) in a way – as you find yourself confused by your surroundings, and needing external help to make your way back to safety – as you don’t know landmarks or anything familiar. You instead wander with nothing more than some bound pieces of paper to lead you to your destination, hoping that you’ve read it correctly. That sense of disconnection with the reality that surrounds you – as you’re never quite sure what is safe / approachable or not, causes tremendous stress and fear, because you no longer have that luxury of recognizability. Of course this is to be expected in a new location, and that the rest of you at least have the blessing of reason and sanity, but this experience approaches that which is all too common by those with some cognitive disabilities. I’d then hope that this guidebook would transition you towards the smooth and affordable travel reality of your dreams, but if it doesn’t even offer any advice for getting into Berghain, then good luck my friend.
Anyway, I must admit, here and now, that this is not the sort of guidebook for a person like me. Sure, I travel to see the museums and some of the ‘must visit’ locations, but I’m far more motivated by nature, the unusual and little gems that aren’t filled with tour buses. I’ve done quite an exhaustive study on Berlin, and the sort of places that I’d recommend visiting are all ignored by this book. Instead if you really wanted to come to Berlin to shop at a mall and stay at a hostel, then I know the guide for you. My chief complaint here, which is perhaps not entirely fair of me as I’ve never been that sort of person: the major impetus of the guide is dedicated to pubs and clubs. I get it, Berlin has developed a notoriety for techno and all manners of places to dance and get blotto, but this doesn’t feel genuine to an experience of the city. Sure, it might be amusing to party all weekend at a former DDR apartment block, but this seems like an incredibly generic encounter – something that I’m sure could in no possible way be replicated in any other location. I do appreciate that Lonely Planet includes some token mentions of LGBT destinations (although nothing much on general acceptance / where to avoid), but it’s again focused almost entirely on sex clubs for all types of … men. Again, I understand that Lonely Planet conveys a certain collegiate boho vacay weekend vibe, and that I am an outlier to my generation and reader of this series of books – but the emphasis is just absurd. That there’s far more places listed to drink and party (or go on a Depeche Mode tour) than food or you know, sights that actually matter. The one element that I thought pleasant was the section near the end, where they go over the history of Berlin, its architecture, literature, film, and music – and this one element was far better than most everything else in the book. That said, they didn’t spend any time detailing the media suggestions – instead just saying ‘Metropolis and Nosferatu are expressionist films’ – without anything to encourage you to actually be interested in seeing them. The book does however handily include suggestions for offsetting your carbon emissions, or how to visit a hip-hop-hoedown, or where good gay cruising locations are. I can understand that Lonely Planet is not my forte, and I’m sure there’s a specific kind of person who thinks this is the absolute zenith of guidebooks, but give me the weird, give me the amusing, and give me something that makes Berlin, well.. Berlin, not just another mall and puke club. I can’t recommend this book, but as I write this listening to medieval folk music, I realize that I’m the oddity, so do as thou wilt.
October 29, 2016
I was without a cell phone for the entirety of my six-day trip to Berlin, and I found that the best part of this book was the U- and S-bahn map, which saved my life quite a few times. If that sounds damning, it's meant to be. There are a lot of good tips in this book, but some of my favourite experiences in Berlin weren't even mentioned in this book. A thoroughly average guide to a city with much more to discover.
July 25, 2024
Come sempre utile ed essenziale.
August 30, 2018
Helpful guide for first-timers and returners
Although this was a first visit to Berlin, it was quite a lengthy one, making details of both the obvious sights and some that were more unusual or outside the city of interest. I found the "Berlin Top 10" section of the book a quick and easy way to get an overview of some of the city's highlights, whereas the chapter on trips outside Berlin was helpful for slightly harder-to-reach cultural sights and restaurants as well as opportunities for lake swimming.
Using the search facility in the Kindle version, I could find most things I wanted and the links to websites for travel, sights, discount cards for tourists etc were very useful. We actually used ideas from the book for a couple of day trips, two restaurants and to choose from the plethora available, the Wall museum/experience that suited us best.
If we visited again, I am sure the book in general would help us to choose more museums and entertainment section would allow us to experience Berlin in a different way.
Although this was a first visit to Berlin, it was quite a lengthy one, making details of both the obvious sights and some that were more unusual or outside the city of interest. I found the "Berlin Top 10" section of the book a quick and easy way to get an overview of some of the city's highlights, whereas the chapter on trips outside Berlin was helpful for slightly harder-to-reach cultural sights and restaurants as well as opportunities for lake swimming.
Using the search facility in the Kindle version, I could find most things I wanted and the links to websites for travel, sights, discount cards for tourists etc were very useful. We actually used ideas from the book for a couple of day trips, two restaurants and to choose from the plethora available, the Wall museum/experience that suited us best.
If we visited again, I am sure the book in general would help us to choose more museums and entertainment section would allow us to experience Berlin in a different way.
November 25, 2022
Used extensively on a five day trip to Berlin in November 2022. Full of helpful history and top recommendations of places to eat and drink. My personal favourite experiences: The Stasi Museum, The Stasi Prison, East Berlin and the Berlin Wall 2-Hour Walking Tour , East Side Gallery, Berlin's Infamous Third Reich Sites Half-Day Walking Tour, The Topography of Terror Museum, and getting to know Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
Really keen to return - and will use this excellent guide again
5/5
[image error]
Really keen to return - and will use this excellent guide again
5/5
[image error]
Read
November 21, 2017Good information, clear and easy to use. I would recommend cycling round Berlin if you want to really get a feel for the place.
February 6, 2018
The Lonely Planet guides are very useful and convenient. Thanks for making my travels much more fun!
June 19, 2019
I found this too focused on the central areas, was looking for more information on the outskirts, Steglitz-Zehlendorf area. Still would recommend to first time visitors to Berlin.
Read
November 21, 2019Useful
June 25, 2022
I thought it a bit too light on details for many main attractions. Good restaurant lists though.
Would be useful to have more information about wheelchair accessibility of the places listed.
Would be useful to have more information about wheelchair accessibility of the places listed.
Read
January 1, 2024Serviva una guida lonely planet per scoprire che Berlino è la città più triste che esista.
January 2, 2023
Read to prepare for my upcoming trip to Berlin. I leave in six days!
July 4, 2023
Noto un deciso peggioramento sulla qualità delle informazioni della Lonely.
1) Svariate volte viene citata "Unter den Linde" invece di "Unter den Linden"
2) A proposito dei musei della Museuminsel viene detto che anche il Louvre e il British risalgono al tardo XIX secolo, invece il Louvre fu aperto dopo la Rivoluzione francese, così come il British
3) Come data di apertura del Pergamonmuseum viene riportato una volta 1830, successivamente 1930 (quella giusta).
Inoltre contrariamente allo spirito con cui sono nate i locali low cost sono decisamente la minoranza rispetto agli high end. Idem per i campeggi, totalmente assenti.
Credo proprio che d'ora in poi mi rivolgerò nuovamente alle guide francesi, più precise storicamente.
Peccato!
1) Svariate volte viene citata "Unter den Linde" invece di "Unter den Linden"
2) A proposito dei musei della Museuminsel viene detto che anche il Louvre e il British risalgono al tardo XIX secolo, invece il Louvre fu aperto dopo la Rivoluzione francese, così come il British
3) Come data di apertura del Pergamonmuseum viene riportato una volta 1830, successivamente 1930 (quella giusta).
Inoltre contrariamente allo spirito con cui sono nate i locali low cost sono decisamente la minoranza rispetto agli high end. Idem per i campeggi, totalmente assenti.
Credo proprio che d'ora in poi mi rivolgerò nuovamente alle guide francesi, più precise storicamente.
Peccato!
September 28, 2011
This book is a bit outdated (though I think they keep updating it with new versions), but it's really useful if you plan on living in the city for a while. I lived in Berlin for about 4 months and I literally did something new that was recommended in this book every day. And I still didn't even do half the activities covered in it. The authors do a great job on the basic descriptions of the sites and their history.
If you're not visiting for more than a week, it might be a bit overwhelming. I say in that case go with Rick Steves guide, because those are designed more for short visits covering the main attractions.
If you're not visiting for more than a week, it might be a bit overwhelming. I say in that case go with Rick Steves guide, because those are designed more for short visits covering the main attractions.
December 28, 2009
This definitely did its job, though, as expected, we didn't really take a very tourist-y trip, opting instead to mostly just wander the streets and get advice from people. Some awesome things in here, though; lots of good galleries in particular. The maps are very detailed, but (as always) it's tough to figure out how things connect when you're in the cracks between neighborhoods. Plus one star for listing Kunsthaus Tacheles, the "Sistine Chapel of Graffiti"; minus one for not knowing about Spree World, the completely abandoned amusement park in the southern corner of the city.
April 29, 2013
Lots of useful information, all the info is very well connected with maps, so you can easily find what you need. It would have been better if the U-Bahn plan was depicted inside the travel guide rather than be a part of the map that had to be unfolded each time you wanted to see the plan. Despite the fact that some of the info was already outdated (e.g. opening times of museums), we found the travel guide very useful and would recommend it.
June 1, 2013
Wir haben immer einen Marco Polo Reisefuehrer gekauft. Nach diesem Reisefuehrer wuerde ich keinen anderen mehr kaufen. Meine ersten Befuerchtungen waren die wenigen Fotos. Ich habe beim lesen gemerkt, dass sich Lonley Planet sehr viel mit Details beschaeftigt, die in einem anderen Reisefuehrer fehlen.
November 25, 2019
Solid overview of Berlin. I wish it had felt like it gave some more quirky sights into the city (I felt like I just got more of what the Berlin section has in my Germany book), but overall it was a solid overview of the city, with lots of great things to see and do. The brief history summary, as well as the discussions on art, architecture, and music were also well done.
July 23, 2011
Another winner in the series. This book got me everywhere I wanted to go...and provided all the information necessary to survive a couple of VERY hot days in the German capital. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2011
Incredibly helpful during my three weeks in Berlin, if only for the maps and clear organization.
March 3, 2013
Letto in preparazione al mini viaggio... come sempre, pregi e difetti già conosciuti. Mi sembra decisamente ricca la parte ristoranti & locali.
November 2, 2020
Great guideline with very good general guidelines on culture, neighborhoods, things to do, and comprehensive history overview.
December 12, 2023
Useful guide to Berlin with lots of historical and background information and a handy pull-out map
July 21, 2024
Good book on Berlin. I got it for fee on Kindle Unlimited so would definitely recommend for this reason. Had nice maps and info on restaurants.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews