Berlin

Berlin bowls over visitors with its trailblazing arts scene, edgy street fashion and alluringly carefree vibe. Its nightlife is the envy of the world, with all manner of thumping techno clubs, bohemian bars and raucous live music venues to explore. The city isn't all about free-wheeling hedonism, though.

With cutting-edge galleries, hip independent cinemas and sobering historical museums like the Topography of Terror, it's also one of Europe's undisputed cultural capitals. Foodies can feast on hearty German staples like braised pork knuckle, or venture off the beaten track with vegan haute cuisine or riverside street food.