Whether you are in for some wishful window shopping, want to drop some cash, or are looking for a unique souvenir, here are some of the best shopping areas in
Berlin; from hip, and modern, to vintage, and luxury, happy hunting in Berlin!
1. Hackescher Markt
The area around Hackescher Markt in the heart of Berlin has some of the city's best designer stores; first of all there are the Hackesche Hoefe, an ensemble of historic courtyards filled with special interest stores, cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss the streets surrounding the courtyards, like Weinmeisterstrasse, Alte Schoenhauser Strasse, Rosenthaler Strasse and Muenzstrasse, all home to cool boutiques with local designer fashion, books, accessories, vintage, jewelry and shoes.A must-see on Kudamm is the Kadewe ("Kaufhaus des Westens"); opened in 1907, it is the largest department store in Continental Europe and Berlin's answer to
Harrods in London. Spread over 8 floors, you can get everything from designer labels, and jewelry, to cosmetics; don't miss the legendary gourmet department on the top floor.
Whether you are bargain hunting, looking for some unique treasures, or just want to spend a relaxed Sunday morning, Berlin’s flea markets are a treat for visitors and locals alike. A lot of districts in Berlin put up their own flea markets every weekend, and here's a list of some of the best ones.
4. Berlin's Kudamm
The Kurfürstendamm, or simply Kudamm, is one of Berlin's most popular shopping streets. Located in the west of the city, this 2 mile long boulevard is packed with international shops (Zara, H&M, Mango, Esprit), hotels, restaurants, and movie theaters that advertise their program with hand painted film posters. Make sure to promenade through the quiet side streets of Kudamm, such as Fasanenstraße, where you find beautiful townhouses, cozy cafés, art galleries, and antique stores, and then make your way up to sophisticated Savignyplatz, which brims with elegant boutiques and restaurants.5. Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse is Berlin’s version of 5th Avenue; to drop some serious cash, head to Quartier 207 and 206; next door's Gallerie Lafayette offers everything French, from fashion, and cosmetics, to French delicacies (more than 2000 oysters a week are eaten here). A little up the street is another great department store: Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus, home to the largest classical music department in the world, offers the best selection of music, stationary, and books (also in English language) in Berlin.If you are visiting Berlin during the
holidays, make sure to hit one of its
60 Christmas markets; from romantic, and historic, to organic, Berlin Christmas markets offer gifts, ornaments, Christmas decoration, handmade toys, pottery, and crystal ware. Some highlights: The Christmas Market in the district of Spandau, one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, with over 400 booths, merry-go-rounds, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree from the Black Forest; the festive and sophisticated Christmas market in front of the impressive Charlottenburg Palace; and the Scandinavian Lucia market, a great place for families and hipsters alike, in the courtyard of an old brewery.
Germany’s first discount outlet store was built 6 miles west of Berlin, selling over 100 international designer clothes and accessories from Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, adidas, Dolce&Gabbana, Versace, GUCCI, Mango, Nike, Replay, Levis, and Burberry, for rock-bottom prices. Items are often reduced up to 70%, because they are either from last season or overstock items.
8. Berlin Shopping Malls
A rainy day in Berlin? Hit the malls - although they are not nearly as atmospheric as Berlin’s shopping streets, they are offer a wealth of shopping. Good choices are the Arkaden mall at Potsdamer Platz; Alexia at Alexanderplatz, and Schoenhauser Allee Arkaden.
