Shopping Best Bets

 


Best for Vintage Fashion

Waahnsinn, Rosenthaler Strasse 17 (Go to Page)

Best Flea Market Finds

Flea Market, Strasse des 17 Juni (Go to Page)

Best for CD Bargains

Space Hall, Zossener Strasse 33 (Go to Page)

Best for Diva Bling

Gallery Schrill, Bleibtreustrasse 48 (Go to Page)

Best for Designer Dogwear

Koko von Knebel, Uhlandstrasse 181 (Go to Page)

Best for Fair-Trade Toys

Barefoot Berlin, Kreuzbergstrasse 75 (Go to Page)

Best Urban Streetwear

EASTBERLIN, Alte Schönhauser Strasse 33–34 (Go to Page)

Best for Unique Truffles

Confiserie Mélanie, Goethestrasse 4 (Go to Page)

Best Department Store

KaDeWe, Tauentzienstrasse 21–24 (Go to Page)

Best for Multifunctional Bags

Tausche, Raumerstrasse 8 (Go to Page)

Best Heavenly Scents

Parfum nach Gewicht, Kantstrasse 106 (Go to Page)

Best for Pottery Painting

Keramik Selber Bemahlen, Mehringdamm 73 (Go to Page)

Best Homegrown Fashion

Thatchers, Hackesche Höfe (Go to Page)

Best for Marzipan

Königsberger Marzipan, Pestalozzistrasse 54a (Go to Page)

Best for Homemade Mustard

Senf Salon, Hagelberger Strasse 46 (Go to Page)

Best for Unusual Absinthes

Absinth Depot, Weinmeisterstrasse 4 (Go to Page)

Best for Kitsch Gifts

Kwik Shop, Kastanienallee 44 (Go to Page)

Best for Christmas Decorations

Erzgebirgshaus, Friedrichstrasse 194–199 (Go to Page)

Best for Designer Homewares

House of Villeroy & Boch, Kurfürstendamm 33 (Go to Page)

Best Traditional Candies

Bonbonmacherei, Oranienburger Strasse 32 (Go to Page)

Shopping A to Z

 


Antiques, Art & Design

Galerie Dogon CHARLOTTENBURG   Berlin’s top spot for intriguing African and Asian art and antiques. The collection comprises hand-carved masks, bronze amulets, jewelry, ceramics, and voodoo figurines ranging from exquisite to eerie. Bleibtreustrasse 50. 030-312-85-64. AE, DC, MC, V. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Norbert Hüsken CHARLOTTENBURG   This elegant store is crammed with antiques and objets d’art from Biedermeier to Art Deco furnishings, tableware, crystal, paintings, and porcelain. There’s an emphasis on French and 19th-century antiques. Mommsenstrasse 5. 030-88-62-84-84. MC, V. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Books

Books in Berlin CHARLOTTENBURG   Nip into this small, friendly bookstore to browse a high-quality selection of new, secondhand, and kids’ books in English. Visit the website for details of upcoming events and author readings. Goethestrasse 69. 030-313-12-33. www.booksinberlin.de. V. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Miss Marple CHARLOTTENBURG   Strictly for whodunnit fans, this bookstore is filled with crime fiction classics and modern thrillers (including English-language editions) to keep you on the edge of your seat on the flight home. Weimarer Strasse 17. 030-36-41-27-24. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Wilmersdorfer Strasse. Map.

Ceramics & Homewares

House of Villeroy & Boch CHARLOTTENBURG   This temple to home design has been associated with top-quality ceramics and tableware since 1748. Designs range from classic and floral to contemporary and understated. Kurfürstendamm 33. 030-88-68-29-70. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Kurfürstendamm. Map.

Cosmetics & Fragrances

Parfum nach Gewicht CHARLOTTENBURG   Follow your nose for pure, simple fragrances from patchouli to Provence lavender. All scents are weighed on brass scales and bottled in flacons (from 10g/0.3 oz.). Kantstrasse 106. 030-324-35-82. MC, V. U-Bahn: Wilmersdorfer Strasse. Map.

1001 Seife MITTE   An Aladdin’s cave of soaps and suds, this sweet-smelling store sells plant-oil, organic, and cold-pressed soaps. The range includes mare’s milk bars for soft skin and pumpkin-seed soap for a glowing complexion. Hackesche Höfe. 030-28-09-53-54. MC, V. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.

Department Stores & Malls

Europa Center CHARLOTTENBURG   This indoor, central city mall shelters international designer stores such as Bonita and Esprit, plus snack bars, a bakery, and a hair salon. Don’t miss the city view from the 20th floor. Tauentzienstrasse 9–12. 030-26-49-79-40. www.europa-center-berlin.de. AE, DC, MC, V. S-Bahn: Zoologischer Garten. Map.

Galeries Lafayette MITTE   Behind the curvy glass walls of this much-loved Parisian department store you find high-end fashion, fragrances, and a food hall where you can pause for oysters and champagne. Friedrichstrasse 76. 030-20-94-80. www.lafayette-berlin.de. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Französische Strasse. Map.

KaDeWe CHARLOTTENBURG   High-end fashions, Meissen porcelain, MAC cosmetics, and everything in between can be found at this giant Berlin institution, a cross between Bloomingdale’s and Marks & Spencer. The outstanding 6th-floor food court has an oyster bar and a cafe. Tauentzienstrasse 21–24. 030-21-21-0. www.kadewe.com. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Wittenbergplatz. Map.

Sony Center MITTE   A soaring glass roof and dancing fountains create an ultramodern backdrop for varied shopping. Check out high-tech gadgets in the Sony Style Store before taking the escalator down to Pasarelle for a superjuice. Potsdamer Strasse 4. www.sonycenter.de. AE, DC, MC, V. S-Bahn: Potsdamer Platz. Map.

Stilwerk CHARLOTTENBURG   This glass-fronted design temple spread over four floors houses brands like Bang & Olufsen, Mösch, and Niessing. Whether you’re looking for understated jewelry or ultra-sleek home furnishings, this is the place. Kantstrasse 17. 030-31-51-50. AE, MC, V. www.stilwerk.de. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Fashion

Claudia Skoda MITTE   You’ll find the latest collection of homegrown designer Claudia Skoda at this chic boutique. From chunky sweaters to snug-fitting dresses, her colorful knitwear is elegant, feminine, and modern. Alte Mulackstrasse 8. 030-400-41-884. www.claudiaskoda.com. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstrasse. Map.

EASTBERLIN MITTE   The kings of urban cool deck you out with streetwear basics for men and women, from hand-printed hoodies to T-shirts and bags. Expect durable, eye-catching designs with bold prints and colors. Alte Schönhauser Strasse 33–34. 030-24-72-39-88. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstrasse. Map.

Hut Up MITTE   Presenting wildly colorful creations, Hut Up’s distinctive hats, bags, sweaters, dresses, and baby booties are made from raw wool using felting and blocking techniques. Heckmannhöfe. 030-28-38-61-05. AE, DC, MC, V. S-Bahn: Oranienburger Strasse. Map.

Langhein Berlin MITTE   Design-conscious divas trawl this closet for floaty styles in light fabrics, from sky-blue chiffon dresses to tutu-style skirts. These fairytale concoctions have even graced the Milan catwalk. Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse 25. 030-442-76-97. MC, V. U-Bahn: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Map.

Made in Berlin MITTE   Silk scarves, secondhand clothes, shoes, and oversized 1960s shades line the shelves and walls at this hip vintage clothing store. Come during Wednesday’s happy hour from 10am to 3pm for a 20% discount. Friedrichstrasse 114a. 030-24-04-89-00. MC, V. U-Bahn: Friedrichstrasse. Map.

Penthesileia MITTE   Anke Runge’s sleek gallery-cum-workshop displays a daring collection of handmade leather bags—complemented by Marion Heilig’s micro-fine gold bangles and Joachim Dombrowski’s pearl creations. Tucholskystrasse 31. 030-282-11-52. www.penthesileia.de. AE, MC, V. S-Bahn: Oranienburger Strasse. Map.

Tausche PRENZLAUER BERG   Tausche’s groovy shoulder bags are waterproof and durable. The fun comes in choosing your flap—with 100 designs, your bag can sport a different one for every day of the week. Raumerstrasse 8. 030-40-30-17-70. www.tausche-berlin.de. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.

Thatchers MITTE   Homegrown fashion gurus Ralf Hensellek and Thomas Mrozek design sassy, versatile clothes for young urbanites. From slinky clubwear to shift dresses and stoles, their clothing is sexy yet understated. Hackesche Höfe. 030-27-58-22-10. www.thatchers.de. AE, MC, V. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.

Waahnsinn MITTE   This eccentric store stocks an array of vintage, new fashion, and kitschy gifts. Find oversized 1960s shades, miniature Fernsehturms, beaded ball gowns, retro lamps, and authentic lederhosen. Rosenthaler Strasse 17. 030-282-00-29. www.waahnsinn-berlin.de. MC, V. U-Bahn: Rosenthaler Platz. Map.

Food Specialists

Absinth Depot MITTE   Nicknamed the “green fairy,” absinthe was the preferred tipple in bohemian haunts of fin-de-siècle Paris. This delightfully old-world shop-cum-bar stocks 130 absinthe varieties and flavors. Weinmeisterstrasse 4. 030-281-67-89. V. U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstrasse. Map.

Bonbonmacherei MITTE   An aroma of peppermint fills the air at this candy store. Everything is a small-batch specialty here, from mouth-puckering sour limes to the little candies called Maiblaetter (May leaves), which look like tiny spring leaves and are infused with the taste and scent of woodruff, the herb used in Waldmeister liqueur. Heckmannhöfe, Oranienburger Strasse 32. 030-44-05-52-43. No credit cards. S-Bahn: Oranienburger Strasse. Map.

Confiserie Mélanie CHARLOTTENBURG   Indulge your sweet tooth at this charmingly old-fashioned confectionary store. Find truffles made with unusual ingredients like garlic, horseradish, curry, lavender, and porcini olive. Brolmanstrasse 20. 030-313-83-30. www.bei-melanie.de. MC, V. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Kadó KREUZBERG   Licorice lovers should make for this old-world store, where glass jars brim with organic laces, salty Dutch-style dragees, and drops with ginger, aniseed, and violet. The licorice here is just right: chewy and not too sweet. Gräfestrasse 20. 030-69-04-16-38. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Schönleinstrasse. Map.

Königsberger Marzipan CHARLOTTENBURG   You can tell you’re in for a treat the moment you enter this family-run store. Marzipan is made the old-fashioned way and then lovingly hand-wrapped. Pestalozzistrasse 54a. 030-323-82-54. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Wilmersdorfer Strasse. Map.

Leysieffer CHARLOTTENBURG   Since 1909, this confectioner has sold handmade chocolate, preserves, gingerbread, and melt-in-the-mouth truffles. Look for unusual chocolate varieties like sea salt, chili, sloe berry, and Indian spices. Kurfürstendamm 218. 030-885-74-80. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.

Pesto Dealer CHARLOTTENBERG   Wild garlic and arugula, cashew and Thai: This deli reaches new culinary dimensions with its fresh homemade pesto. It’s also the go-to shop for quality Italian wine, pasta, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Goethestrasse 34. 017-85-59-85-10. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Wilmersdorfer Strasse. Map.

Sagers CHARLOTTENBERG   Award-winning, freshly roasted coffee that smells and tastes divine. Espresso, fair-trade, and organic coffees are roasted from arabica beans to achieve an irresistible aroma. Lotte-Lenya-Bogen 555. 017-26-25-61-59. No credit cards. S-Bahn: Zoologischer Garten. Map.

Senf Salon KREUZBERG   Homemade varieties of mustard flavored with lavender, banana, chili, fig, beer, or red garlic share shelf space with chutneys and marmalades at this basement store. You can try before you buy. Hagelberger Strasse 46. 030-78-89-11-01. www.senfsalon.de. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.

Spazio Feinkost KREUZBERG Planning a picnic in Viktoriapark? You can fill your basket with the best of Italian hams, cheeses, crostini, salami, and olives at this friendly deli. They also sell a fine line of Italian wines and Prosecco. Kreuzbergstrasse 15. 030-81-82-87-50. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.


Berlin’s Markets

When the sun’s out, Berlin’s markets beckon. In Prenzlauer Berg, Ökomarkt Kollwitzplatz (Thurs noon–7pm, Sat 9am–4pm) has stalls piled high with locally sourced, organic produce from wholegrain breads to cheese and flowers. True bargains are rare, but it’s still fun to wander around the flea market along Strasse des 17 Juni (Sat and Sun 10am–5pm) for collectibles and crafts like fancy hats and gramophones. Kreuzberg’s canalside Turkish Market along Maybachufer (Tues and Fri 11am–6:30pm) offers up garlicky olives, spices, and glossy eggplants. Pause to munch on a kebab between purchases.


Teeladen MITTE   Take in the scent of herbal infusions at this hole-in-the-wall tea shop. Fine brews sold by the gram range from classics like green and breakfast tea to more unusual varieties like caramel and pink grapefruit. Propststrasse 3. 030-242-32-55. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Klosterstrasse. Map.

Gifts

Ach Berlin MITTE   Pop into this Gendarmenmarkt store for unique souvenirs. T-shirts printed with city landmarks, USB sticks shaped like the Fernsehturm, retro bags, and skyline keyrings—you’ll find plenty of gift inspiration here. Alte Markgrafenstrasse 39. 030-92-12-68-80. MC, V. U-Bahn: Hausvogteiplatz. Map.

Ampelmann MITTE   This Hackesche Höfe store pays tribute to East Germany’s much-loved Ampelmännchen. Emblazoned with the red or green traffic light man, its retro lamps, T-shirts, umbrellas, and bags make original gifts. Hof V, Hackesche Höfe. 030-44-72-64-38. www.ampelmann.de. MC, V. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.

Erzgebirgshaus MITTE   It’s forever Christmas at this traditional store selling hand-carved wooden decorations from the Erzgebirge, in Saxony. Pick up nutcrackers, incense-smoking carved figures, and candelabras. Friedrichstrasse 194–199. 030-20-45-09-77. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Stadtmitte. Map.

Keramik Selber Bemahlen KREUZBERG   Release your inner Picasso at this paint-it-yourself ceramics shop. Pick your pottery (from olive dishes to egg cups) and get colorful with brushes and 60 shades of paint. Mehringdamm 73/cnr Bergmannstrasse. 030-28-83-73-55. www.paintyourstyle.de. MC, V. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.

Koko von Knebel CHARLOTTENBURG   A decadent doggy world for pampered pooches. Designer Udo Waltz has created a line of canine clothing including gem-encrusted collars (from punk to Playboy bunny), raincoats, and even lingerie. Uhlandstrasse 181. 043-19-97-08-68. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.

Kwik Shop PRENZLAUER BERG   The enterprising owners of this quirky kiosk have trawled the world for oddities from Breton mussel baskets and brightly colored Wellington boots to sausage-dog doorstops. Kastanienallee 44. 030-41-99-71-50. MC, V. U-Bahn: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Map.

Lomography Gallery Store MITTE   This store is an ode to the cult Russian camera. Get stocked up with everything from Lomo fisheye and panoramic cameras to accessories to achieve weird and wonderful photographic effects. Friedrichstrasse 133. 030-20-21-51-62. U-Bahn: Friedrichstrasse. Map.

Jewelry & Accessories

Buckles & Belts MITTE This glam store turns buckles and Italian leather belts into an art form. The mind-boggling buckle range stretches from one-of-a-kind artists’ creations to those inspired by nature motifs. Alte Schonhauserstrasse 14. 030-28-09-30-70. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Map.

Gallery Schrill CHARLOTTENBURG   This girly boudoir is well-stocked with tiaras, vintage brooches, and fake pearls the size of plums. Out back are original works by German artist Elvira Bach. Gents will find an outstanding cufflink collection. Bleibtreustrasse 48. 030-882-33-66. www.schrill.de. AE, MC, V. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.

Glanzstücke MITTE   Bejeweled evening bags, feather boas, and Art Deco dragonfly brooches—this Hackesche Höfe boutique glitters with costume jewelry for well-dressed divas. Hackesche Höfe. 030-208-26-76. www.glanzstuecke-berlin.de. AE, MC, V. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.

Music

Da Capo PRENZLAUER BERG   This musty record store has an eclectic mix of vinyl. Flick through rock, reggae grooves, jazz, classical, and GDR labels. The interior is a flashback to the Swinging Sixties. Kastanienallee 96. 030-448-17-71. No credit cards. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.

Dussmann MITTE Open till midnight, this megastore is packed with books, films, and CDs. The entire musical spectrum is covered, although the store is known best for having the largest classical music department in the world. Friedrichstrasse 90. 030-20-25-11-11. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Französische Strasse. Map.

Space Hall KREUZBERG The music skips from electro and house to retro and techno at this funky Kreuzberg store, with a huge selection of CDs old and new. The friendly staff will help you find what you’re looking for. Zossener Strasse 33. 030-694-76-64. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Gneisenaustrasse. Map.

Shoes

Budapester Schuhe CHARLOTTENBURG Well-dressed men should invest in a pair of these handcrafted, high-quality, soft-leather shoes. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the styles, many of them Italian, are timeless. It’s worth looking out for sale items. Kurfürstendamm 43. 030-88-62-42-06. AE, DC, MC, V. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.

Camper CHARLOTTENBURG   This store is the Berlin outpost of Spain’s funkiest footwear store, with a huge array of shoes and sneakers for adults and kids. Best of all, the bright, poster-plastered walls can be ripped to reveal geometric designs underneath. Kurfürstendamm 26a. 030-88-71-44-53. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.

flip*flop® Concept Store MITTE This cool store sells footwear designed to avoid a poolside fashion faux pas. Find sandals, pumps, boots, and accessories for the sexiest feet on the strand or in the snow. Alte Schönhauser Strasse 41. 030-20-05-42-95. www.flip-flop.de. MC, V. U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstrasse. Map.

Toys

Barefoot Berlin KREUZBERG   Kids love Barefoot’s fair-trade toys, hand-woven from natural materials in Sri Lanka. The rainbow-colored octopuses, reversible armadillos, and kangaroo backpacks are child magnets. Kreuzbergstrasse 75. 030-39-20-70-46. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.

Katalka PRENZLAUER BERG Wooden toys, many handmade, fill this colorful store in the “baby boom” district of Prenzlauer Berg. Beside trikes, building blocks, and pirate ships are dollhouse figurines, puppets, and much more. Raumerstrasse 21. 030-49-85-33-77. MC, V. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.

Ratzekatz PRENZLAUER BERG This toy wonderland brims with high-quality playthings from kites to board games, building blocks, coloring materials, jigsaws, and plush animals. It also has a great array of hand puppets to spark little imaginations. Raumerstrasse 7. 030-681-95-64. MC, V. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.

Steiff CHARLOTTENBURG Steiff’s classic teddy is jointed, plush, and comes with an ear tag. His furry friends include polar bears, huskies, and grizzlies. Though not cheap, these cuddly toys are made to last. Kurfürstendamm 220. 030-88-62-51-58. AE, MC, V. U-Bahn: Kurfürstendamm. Map.