> The downside is, Berlin is not really integrated into Germany.

I'd kind of consider that a selling point. Berlin is cool and is different from the rest of the country. But I guess whatever floats your boat.

A similar thing is said about other European capitals: Paris, London, Amsterdam, Edinburgh etc. The inhabitants of these countries will say their capitals are not really like the rest of their country (or an accurate reflection of the country).

It's why so many people flock to large cities - you feel less like an 'outsider' because the population of these cities is so varied.

Pretty much that, you can be integrated in Berlin without speaking German nor interacting with german people

You can but most people will give you shit for not speaking German. Some of them are extremely rude about it too. Even/especially if you're quite obviously a tourist.

And where the hell are the non-smokers hiding?

That said...NY's Central Park doesn't have shit on Tiergarten. Literally one of the most beautiful places I've been on the planet.

Check out Tempelhofer feld, not exactly beautiful but utterly unique.

> That said...NY's Central Park doesn't have shit on Tiergarten

Someone said it too! I have had few arguments with people, mostly New Yorkers, over this.

Well, I'm a New Yorker and they're dead wrong.

Well I come from NYC, so this is not exactly new to me. I suppose I'm the kind of person that belongs in a big city that's not really part of it's host nation.

Also, it is really not true that you can truly integrate, even in Berlin, without speaking German.

Not that it's a bad thing ;) (for the most part)