Berlin 

For the liveliness of a capital city, head for Berlin and be sure to try the Berliner Weisse, along the lines of Belgian lambics but less daunting.  We'd recommend it neat, but you could try it as the locals do sweetened with raspberry syrup or the herb called woodruff - if you like your beer red or green, that is!

Watch which airport you're going to - look at http://www.berlin-airport.de/ for maps and public transport

More to follow - watch this space