I moved to Berlin also from Helsinki last autumn to work in a start-up.
What I should add to your list is the open-mindedness of the people: it is one of the most liberal places I've ever been. People are nice, the police won't arrest you so easily for spending a splendid day in a local park and of course the nightlife.
When I visited Berkeley and New York this spring, it was really a joy to be back home.
Only they are not legal in NYC given the scenario described. NYC has open container laws (no open alchoholic containers in public), public smoking laws (particularly in public Parks) and weed is illegal under Federal law in th US.
What I should add to your list is the open-mindedness of the people: it is one of the most liberal places I've ever been. People are nice, the police won't arrest you so easily for spending a splendid day in a local park and of course the nightlife.
When I visited Berkeley and New York this spring, it was really a joy to be back home.