Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Berlin

Berlin is a city alive with the vibrant buzz of culture and creativity, offering an eclectic collection of experiences to all who wander its streets. Despite being known for historical attractions such as the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin boasts some of the best shopping areas in Europe. From fancy shopping malls and impressive flagship stores to flea markets, farmers markets, and hidden vintage shops, Berlin has no shortage of retail opportunities.

If you find yourself in this great German city, grab a shopping buddy and your most comfortable pair of shoes, and indulge in some shopping. With the endless retail opportunities available, you're guaranteed to find the perfect souvenir to remember your trip. The best part is that luggage storage in Berlin will store your bags when your hands get full so you won't have to return to your hotel - it doesn't get more convenient than that!

Where to go shopping in Berlin

The opportunities truly are endless when it comes to shopping in Berlin. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for designer brands, seeking a mainstream department store or something more unique, wanting to visit one of the shopping centers or one of the various concept stores, Berlin has something for you.

We've put together a list of the best shopping areas in Berlin to help you plan your itinerary. Take a look and see how many you can fit into your schedule!

Kurfürstendamm

First up is Kurfursterndamm, the most iconic shopping strip in Berlin. Running between Halensee and Breitscheidplatz, this retail street is home to a range of major chains and department stores. At the Halensee end, you'll find complete opulence. Think high-end designer brands like Chanel, Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent. While these might not be in everyone's budget, they make the perfect place to pick up a luxury souvenir you won't forget! A stroll to the other end will lead you directly to KaDeWe, Berlin's biggest department store. The six-story giant is a mecca for all things fashion, beauty, and design. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here!

If all the shopping works up your appetite and you're wondering where to find the best street food in Berlin, you're in luck! The little streets off Kurfurstendamm boast some of the best foodie spots in the city, so make sure to check them out.

Hackescher Markt and Torstraße

The Hackescher Markt is located in an area of Berlin that simply oozes old-school charm. Get a glimpse of a bygone era as you explore these streets and the stores that line them. The Hackescher Markt itself is a public square located in the region of Mitte, a district known for its nightlife, but it also offers so much in terms of shopping. The Markt and surrounding area, including Torstraße which is located to the square's north, is the ultimate place to pick up something local. Many of the boutiques showcase Berlin designers if you're looking to try a new label, or the art galleries sell modern pieces created by current Berlin artists.

Schönhauser Allee

Berlin has its fair share of impressive flagships stores and you'll find them at Schonhauser Allee. Head here for the latest fashion trends, exquisite jewelry, bold hats, and all of the vintage styles you can dream of. There are also a few popular options for furniture and soft furnishings, including Schonhauser Designs and Designworks Shop. Getting to the area is easy on U-Bahn U2, but if you need more information on how to get around Berlin, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide.

Akazienstraße

For true local Berlin vibes, hit up Akazienstraße. You'll find this street in Schonberg between Haupstrasse and Grunewaldstrasse, and there is no better place if you're seeking out a small-town shopping feel. Forget multi-story department stores and global designer brands, Akazienstraße is all about small boutiques, cozy cafes, and hidden gems.

Schloßstraße

For good shopping in Berlin, it's difficult to look past Schloßstraße. The 1.5km stretch of shops runs between Steglitz Town Hall and Walther-Schreiber-Platz and providers shoppers with a mix of modern and traditional retail experiences. There's a Primark for younger visitors and Forum Steglitz for those looking to tick off one of the best shopping malls in the city. For a truly unique experience, head to Das Schloss. This department store offers more than shopping, with different scenes projected on the ceilings to create an art gallery feel while you indulge in some retail therapy.

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is a transport hub at the heart of Berlin, providing a place for sightseeing, people watching and, of course, shopping. As one of the most visited shopping areas in Berlin, Alexanderplatz has a range of shopping centers, various department stores, and plenty of unique, stand-alone boutiques that will be calling your name.

Potsdamer Platz + Leipziger Platz

The area around Potsdamer Platz and Leipziger Platz in the new part of Berlin offers some of the best shopping in the modern city center. Shops are spread over two major shopping centres, Mall of Berlin and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden. Passionate shoppers will be extremely satisfied with the diverse range of stores that are suitable to different tastes and budgets. Lego lovers shouldn't miss a trip to the retail store at Legoland Discovery Centre to stock up on all of their lego needs.

Bergmannstraße + Oranienstraße

Bergmannstraße is the home of Berlin's flea markets and thrift shops. For vintage shopping in Berlin, you can't go past this neighborhood, where you can browse through busy tables and shelves filled with clothes, trinkets, and all sorts of hidden gems. It's also the perfect spot to pick up some fresh produce, with the Market Hall that has been an institution since it was opened in 1862. While Bergmannstraße has a relaxed vibe and a flea market for every taste, Oranienstraße is much livelier and caters to an edgier market. This section of the neighborhood is also about punk clubs, grungy art, and skater wear. The two sides of the district could not be more different, and yet they are both worth a visit!

Friedrichstraße

If you collect labels and are looking for the latest designer piece for your collection, Friedrichstraße cannot be beaten. It boasts an impressive collection of high-end stores, bringing a certain glamour to the streets of Berlin. Walk the streets, browse the stores or simply do some window shopping - you'll never have a problem killing a few hours here.

Boxhagener Platz

For the unique and the unusual, head to Boxehagener Platz. There's no shortage of weird and wonderful items on the market if you're looking for a special souvenir for yourself or the person that's hard to buy for. Cushions shaped like steaks, sausage-themed baby apparel, and all the meat-inspired art you could imagine are available at Aufschnitt if you need a gift for your favorite carnivore. Otherwise, take a stroll through the streets to find a vintage treasure or retro fashion.

Mauerpark

For the best of Berlin's market scene, head to Mauerpark on a Sunday. You'll find one of the largest flea markets in the city, complete with bric-a-brac, vintage clothing, and various household items. The flea market is complemented by live acts, with musicians and various street performers entertaining the crowds.

Antique Market at Ostbahnhof

This large antique market has evolved over the last century, beginning as a site for the casual trading for wares created by local women, and transforming to the established retail mecca it is today. Each Sunday, 120 dealers come together to sell vintage items ranging from furniture to coins.

What stores you should visit when shopping in Berlin

For some specific options for your Berlin shopping tour, consider the following stores. We've included something for the fashionistas, the book worms, and the tourists seeking a classic Berlin experience.

Bikini Berlin

Bikini Berlin is at the top of many Berlin shopping bucket lists. The shop is a department store and concept store in one, consisting of a range of permanent retailers and pop-up stalls. You'll find well-known designers, brands that have just hit the market, and everything in between.

Humana Kaufhaus

Humana is a chain of thrift stores that are dotted around Berlin, but Humana Kaufaus is the best of the bunch. By far the largest of the stores, Kaufaus is spread over a whopping five floors and boasts more than 30,000 pre-loved items at all times. Thrift shoppers will be in heaven as they browse the different sections that are conveniently sorted according to color and garment type. Just make sure you leave enough time to have a proper look!

The Corner Berlin

Tick off a historical attraction and luxury shopping destination in one with a visit to The Corner Berlin. This store stocks all of the designer brands you can think of including Fendi, Valentino, and Calvin Klein, and is located in the picturesque Gendarmenmarkt. This beautiful square was established in the 17th Century and is today home to stunning cathedrals, a concert hall, and a range of high-end shops.

Studio 183

With roots as an experimental pop-up shop, Studio 183 has evolved into a true concept store. It was founded by two immigrants who envisioned a retail space that showcased local and international artistic talent. Today, the store is as much an art gallery as it is a shop. Even the least enthusiastic shoppers will enjoy a visit to this beautiful store.

Andreas Murkudis

Andreas Murkudis is named after its founder, a man who spent 15 years as the Director of the Museum of Things located in Berlin. The store stocks a diverse range of items including homeware, fashion and accessories that are all connected by the same thread - they're high in quality and have a clean visual design. Murkudis has built an entire brand on this concept and the store itself is extremely aesthetically pleasing.

Do you read me?!

As the name suggests, Do you read me?! is a book store, but it is also so much more than that. It's a venue for an array of cultural events from educational exhibitions to guest lectures, so check what's on the calendar when you're in town. You'll find this charming bookshop in Mitte and it's worth a visit to at least browse the extensive range of books and magazines.

SO36

Now this one's not a store per se, but it's a specific market that every visitor to Berlin should know about. Based in a nightclub, SO36, this space comes alive once a month with a different sort of buzz. The dancefloor is transformed with rows of vintage clothes, boxes of records, and enough art to fill a small gallery. It runs from 8.00 pm to midnight so if you're a bit of a night owl, make sure to check this one out.

Conclusion

If it's not obvious already, Berlin has excellent shopping. This is perhaps unsurprising given the size and reputation of this European city, but the culture and general atmosphere add something special to shopping experiences in Berlin. You've got local icons like Bikini Berlin, giant flagship stores, and a flea market in most neighborhoods. This means that there is shopping for everyone! It doesn't matter whether you are committed to solely buying designer brands or are an avid thrift shopper, grab your purse and hit the streets of Berlin for a shopping experience you won't forget.

If you're planning a trip to Berlin, make sure there's space in your itinerary to indulge in some retail therapy. You won't regret it!