Is Berlin the go-to city in Europe if you're after grit, glamour and gourmet? Probably. A hugely creative hub packed to the gutters with museums, galleries and be-seen-in bars

The precocious younger brother to Berlin's cultural scene, Munich is a buzzing city in its own right combining groundbreaking old and new architecture with a lively atmosphere. Oh and Oktoberfest ...

Cosy pubs rub shoulders with the soaring skyscrapers of one of Europe's biggest financial and trade hubs. Don't be put off by the acres of glass, Frankfurt is a bustling, historic centre

Cologne is a city of water: docks, spas, the Rhine all combine to create a truly beautiful city. History runs through the streets from its fondation by the Romans in 38BC. And it has great beer halls. Just saying

The wealthiest city in Germany and well-known for its link with the Beatles, Hamburg is very, very cool. With strong links to the sea, the city is self-confident, vibrant and a little bit naughty

Nuremberg's pre-Nazi history was lush: unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, a key city in the industrial revolution and a nurturing artisitic centre. The city has worked hard to recpature this glory