Lonely Planet Munich (Munich, 1st Ed)

Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: Of several Munich guides I own this is the best one I've bought to date. It's witty, and gives a great overview of attractions, hotels and restaurants alongside the usual wealth of practical information. The maps could be organized better but still are far superior to that of the Rough Guide, Fodor's or Frommer's. As a newcomer to New York I know what it's like to be parachuted into a big city, and Lonely Planet's book made Munich easily accessible, and fun.

Rating:
Summary: Accurate, But Overly Cynical & Poorly Organized
Review: The first thing I noticed about this book was the difficulty in finding information quickly and efficiently. This is especially important if you're standing on a street corner in Munich in a driving snowstorm trying to find the glockenspiel.

Maps are generally good, but could be slightly more detailed.

Information is technically accurate especially in regards to opening times, entrance fees, getting around, walking tours, etc.

I was put off by the author's attitude. His remarks are often flippant and filled with unnecessary cynicism in a forced attempt to be hip. I often had the impression while using this book that he really disliked Munich.

I was particularly surprised at his extreme criticism of service, particularly at restaurants, and can only attribute this to cultural differences. Waiters in Germany, as in most of Europe, are trained to leave you alone and respond when called. As most Americans expect to be given attention every few minutes, this can take some getting used to. (It should be noted that I am an American living in Germany.)

Munich has a lot to offer. If you read this book first, I'm afraid you may be needlessly misled into bypassing this beautiful and, in the end, very fun city.

Rating:
Summary: Accurate, But Overly Cynical & Poorly Organized
Review: The first thing I noticed about this book was the difficulty in finding information quickly and efficiently. This is especially important if you're standing on a street corner in Munich in a driving snowstorm trying to find the glockenspiel.

Maps are generally good, but could be slightly more detailed.

Information is technically accurate especially in regards to opening times, entrance fees, getting around, walking tours, etc.

I was put off by the author's attitude. His remarks are often flippant and filled with unnecessary cynicism in a forced attempt to be hip. I often had the impression while using this book that he really disliked Munich.

I was particularly surprised at his extreme criticism of service, particularly at restaurants, and can only attribute this to cultural differences. Waiters in Germany, as in most of Europe, are trained to leave you alone and respond when called. As most Americans expect to be given attention every few minutes, this can take some getting used to. (It should be noted that I am an American living in Germany.)

Munich has a lot to offer. If you read this book first, I'm afraid you may be needlessly misled into bypassing this beautiful and, in the end, very fun city.