Best Cities in Germany?

[mariem]

Hi, all! This is my first post here. (:


I am planning on traveling to Europe at the end of July (booking a ticket next week, most likely). I will begin in London, meet up with my friend who is living there, travel with her to Paris and then strike out on my own!

I would like to fly out of Berlin to get back to the states, so this leaves me with about a week to get from Paris to Berlin on my own. Just wondering what cities you would recommend to see between Paris and Berlin for a few days. I'd like to make one or two stops between France and Berlin, but I just haven't decided where yet.

I was thinking Brussels for a day or two, but everyone seems to think Brussels is pretty dull. I am travelling alone, so would like some cities where there are plenty of other backpackers, with very friendly atmospheres and friendly, youth-oriented hostels. Any suggestions?

I'll probably only be in Europe for 2 weeks and the first week will be mostly spent in London and Paris, so yeah... Also, I am a female travelling alone and I would like to feel, well, relatively safe.

Any locations and hostel/cheap hotel suggestions would be GREAT. I primarily want hostels/hotels that are within walking distance to things to see/places to eat & drink.


Thanks in advance for any info, I would really appreciate it since I am planning this all pretty last-minute!