1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Guide With Strong And Weak Points, 19 April 2009
By Robert I. Hedges - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Amsterdam (AAA Spiral Guides) (Spiral-bound)
The AAA Spiral Guide to Amsterdam is a good travel guide, although I urge you to buy the most recent edition (currently the third edition from 2008) rather than this, the first edition from 2001, as many things are now out of date. The third edition would rate four stars; this one is now marginally useful and gets three due to advanced age.
The book is filled with useful information and I like the spiral binding which helps the book stay open on a table or when being used on foot in Amsterdam. I appreciate the organization of the book, and particularly like the way AAA organizes the books into areas and subsequently breaks down optimal ways to see the areas in a relatively short time. The illustrations are excellent and there are many color photographs, which I find to be helpful in initial focusing of a trip itinerary. I was particularly pleased with the discussion of Leiden and Keukenhof, the center of tulip cultivation and one of the most beautiful places in the world. The book does provide times, costs, and locations for key attractions, although the information has changed significantly in some cases since the first edition was written. I also particularly appreciated the series of "walks" discussed at the end of the book, and found them useful.
One of the things I really disliked about the book, however, was the incessant switching between landscape and portrait format. Parts of the book are printed conventionally, and other parts are oriented at a 90 degree angle to the remaining text, which I found to be very distracting.
Aside from the relatively minor formatting issues and the more significant currency issues, this is a great guidebook. I would rate an updated version four stars and recommend it without reservation. Since a 2008 update is now available, I would strongly consider buying it, as the overall quality level of utility, comprehensiveness, and illustration are excellent.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Guide to Amsterdam!, 4 Dec 2003
By Robin Currier - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Amsterdam (AAA Spiral Guides) (Spiral-bound)
This guide was invaluable on my recent trip to Amsterdam!
Even though I had other guides with me, I used this one the most because:
1) With lots of great photos, this guide gives you a really good idea of what things look like, which helps you decide whether an attraction is one you want to see.
2) While not as comprehensive as some other guides, the AAA guides point out the best sights and attractions, which are the things you want to see anyway.
3) The spiral format makes the guide very easy to use as it lays flat or folds flat. (Nothing like trying to juggle an awkward guide while balancing a tote bag, carryon bag, and a purse! Ease of use counts!)
4) The guide contains fun activities like suggested walking tours along with fun facts about locations that you won't find in other guides. The walking tours along the canals were wonderful, and helped us get a real feel for the city.