Someone's nightmare - another's paradise. I lived in London for many years as a transplanted provincial, left to go to continental pastures new via Belfast and Dublin. Living in the sticks back in the UK, now I go down there about every month/six weeks for music (Cafe Oto in Dalston - best club in town) and art galleries/walking about- and just the vibe of a bustling city. Gun to my head: I would take Berlin as it's cheaper and more laid back, possibly edges it on the music/art front - but every time I hit St Pancras I get the old buzz. I think you either like cities or you hate them. So if you prefer the village/small town life that's your choice...