Berlin is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture; its shopping scene is no exception. While Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse are popular shopping areas, there are plenty of other neighborhoods in Berlin that offer unique and exciting shopping experiences. Here are some of the best places to shop in Berlin, including some hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.
- Interesting Facts about Shopping in Berlin
Did you know that Berlin is home to some of the best flea markets in Europe? From the Mauerpark Flea Market to the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt, there are plenty of great spots to hunt for vintage and secondhand treasures. Another interesting fact is that Berlin has a thriving street art scene, and many of the city's murals and graffiti are located in neighborhoods that are also great for shopping, such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
Did you know, that Berlin is home to the largest department store in Europe? That's right, KaDeWe on Kurfürstendamm is truly massive, with over 60,000 square meters of retail space. Another interesting fact is that Berlin was once home to a thriving Jewish-owned retail industry, but many of these businesses were destroyed during World War II. Today, you can still see some remnants of this history, such as the Jewish-owned bookstore Oranienburger Straße on the eponymous street.
- General Tips for Shopping in Berlin
When shopping in Berlin, keep in mind that many shops are closed on Sundays. It's also a good idea to bring cash, as some smaller shops may not accept credit cards. Finally, don't be afraid to explore some of the city's more alternative shopping areas, as these can be some of the most interesting and unique spots in Berlin.
1. Kurfürstendamm (Kudamm):
Kurfürstendamm (Kudamm) is one of Berlin's most famous shopping streets. It's home to some of the city's most popular stores, including Hugo Boss and H&M. If you're looking for something more unique than what you can find on Kudamm, try visiting nearby Tauentzienstraße or Tauentzienplatz--they have some great shops too!
2. Friedrichstrasse:
Friedrichstrasse is one of Berlin's most popular shopping streets. It's home to many big-name stores, including H&M, Zara, and Forever 21. If you're looking for luxury brands like Chanel or Louis Vuitton, Friedrichstrasse has them too--there are several branches of both stores along this street.
If you're looking for something more unique than the standard high street shops or designer boutiques, head over to Schloss-Kaufhaus (the Palace Department Store). This beautiful building was once home to an art gallery but today it houses over 100 small shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and clothes by local designers through to books and toys for kids. You can also find some great restaurants here too!
3. Kreuzberg:
Kreuzberg is a lively neighborhood with a thriving arts and culture scene, and it's also home to some great shopping. One of the most popular spots is PICKNWEIGHT, a vintage store that sells clothing by the kilogram. Here, you'll find a mix of vintage and secondhand clothes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Another great spot is Voo Store, a concept store that features a mix of fashion, design, and art, with a focus on emerging designers. If you're looking for something more unique, head to Das Schloss, a former palace that has been transformed into a shopping center with a variety of independent stores.
4. Friedrichshain:
Friedrichshain is another neighborhood that's worth exploring for its shopping scene. One of the most unique shops in the area is Who Killed Bambi, a store that specializes in vintage and secondhand clothing from the 70s and 80s. Here, you'll find everything from leather jackets to sequined dresses, as well as a variety of accessories and jewelry. Another great spot is PLATTE, a record store that specializes in new and used vinyl. They have a great selection of punk, new wave, and indie records, as well as a variety of CDs and DVDs.
5. Lichtenberg:
Lichtenberg is a neighborhood that's off the beaten path, but it's worth the trip if you're looking for something truly unique. One great spot is Germany's biggest Asia-Market - the Dong Xuan Center. Another great spot is the Lichtenberg Flea Market, which takes place every Sunday and features a variety of antiques, vintage clothing, and other treasures.
- Alternative Shopping Areas
1. Mauerpark:
This area is a popular spot for alternative shopping, with stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing. You can also find food vendors here, so it's a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun and eating delicious treats!
2. Neue Schönhauser Strasse:
This street has been nicknamed "the new Kurfürstendamm," which was once one of Berlin's most famous shopping streets. It has been regenerated since reunification and now offers plenty of independent shops selling everything from fashion items to home decor pieces. If you're looking for something specific but don't know where else might have it, this could be your best bet!
3. Hackescher Markt:
This market is located near Alexanderplatz station on line 5 (S-Bahn). It features both permanent stalls as well as seasonal ones that come and go throughout the year; there are even some unusual ones such as an aquarium store!
If you want to get off the beaten path and explore some of Berlin's more alternative shopping areas, there are plenty of options. In Neukölln, you'll find the Klunkerkranich rooftop bar, which also has a flea market on weekends. The nearby Schillerkiez neighborhood is home to a variety of independent shops, including the vintage clothing store Mimi & Flo and the record shop OYE Records. Another great spot for alternative shopping is the RAW-Gelände, a former railway yard that has been transformed into a cultural center with a variety of shops, bars, and clubs.
- Popular Shops in Berlin
Of course, there are plenty of great shops in Berlin, both big and small. Some of the best include:
1. Voo Store:
This concept store in Kreuzberg features a mix of fashion, design, and art, with a focus on emerging designers.
2. The Store:
Located in the Soho House Berlin, The Store is a concept store that features a mix of fashion, art, and music, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
3. Berliner Büchertisch:
This independent bookstore in Mitte is a great spot to pick up books about Berlin and German literature in general.
4. Kauf Dich Glücklich:
This fashion and lifestyle store has several locations throughout the city and features a mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods.
5. Do You Read Me?!:
This magazine shop in Mitte is a great spot to pick up international fashion and design magazines, as well as zines and other independent publications.
6. Department stores:
These are large chain stores that carry a wide range of products from clothing to home décor, electronics, and more. They're great places to find souvenirs or something unusual for a gift back home! Some popular ones include KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) and Galeria Kaufhof on Kurfurstendamm; Saturn near Alexanderplatz; Douglas in Mitte; Wertheim am Ku'damm (Wertheim Village).
7. Boutiques:
Smaller shops selling high-end brands such as Hugo Boss or Prada are called boutiques because they specialize in one type of product rather than carrying everything under one roof like department stores do--so they're often more expensive but worth it if you're looking for something special!