Shopping in Berlin

• By: Editor
• On: 31/Jul/2007
• In: Berlin Travel Tips

Berlins very own 5th Avenue…

The Kurfurstendamm or the Ku’damm, as it's known to patrons, is Berlin's most exclusive shopping district. It has even been compared to New York’s 5th Avenue in the past! 

For many though, the Ku’damm is just another tourist attraction. This area is made up of small shops with extraordinary products. The streets can also boast splendid architecture. If you’re tired of rummaging in the stylish shops that offer chic designs and fashion, relax in one of the many picturesque cafes and restaurants that line the areas streets.

High Street Heaven…

If you want to visit more reasonably priced stores, head to the Tauentzienstrasse, where you’ll find the Europa Centre, one of Berlin’s main shopping centers. Young people love to shop here and I don’t blame them as great high street labels like H+M and Zara can be found here.

You’ll find Uhland-Passage in Kempinski Plaza – all the big brand names are stored here. Berlin is also home to Niketown in Charlottenburg, a must for all sports fans – they’ll be in absolute heaven surrounded by all that Nike gear!

For the best bargains head to Wilmersdorferstrasse. Here you’ll stumble on lots of discount stores where the best bargains are to be had.

Berlins Department Stores…

Why not visit the KaDeWe in Schoneberg – this is Berlin's most popular department store. You’re sure to be impressed by this six story fashion house’s collection of cosmetics, clothes, jewellery and much more! It's true to say that it's quite exclusive, very trendy and unfortunately, a little bit pricey but on the otherhand; you'll find some fantastic items in here. Omega, the Swiss watch brand is be largely promoted in KaDeWe.

Galleries Lafayette is another department store in the city. You might even get a taste of Parisian fashion here as a French company owns it.

Berlins best shopping centers…

Convenience and shopping go hand in hand in Berlin – there are loads of shopping centres dotted throughout the city. Gropius-Passagen is Berlin's largest shopping arcade and along with housing some of the best shops it has a cinema, disco, loads of restaurants and an arcade too!

The Europa Centre has everything – literally! With over 100 shops you won't know where to start! It's got a cinema and loads of eateries too so you’re sure to have an enjoyable day out.

You’ll find Potsdamer Platz Arkaden in the Potsdamer Platz – the new heart of Berlin. This shopping centre combines shops of textiles, design objects, shoes, and much more on three floors in a modern architectural masterpiece.

Berlins Markets…

For something a little bit different, why not head to some of Berlin's Flea markets, which take place every weekend. Flea markets can be found around the Rathaus area. Everything from food to clothes to crafts are sold in these markets. These area a great place to test out your haggling skills – Never agree on the marked price!

The market at Prenzlauerberg seems to be the most favoured one among many individuals yet, but it's still not hugely known. Head here early and you’ll find the best of the jewellery, clothes, ornaments, records and musical instruments being sold.

Winterfeldmarkt opens every Wednesday and Saturday and is located in Schoneberg. This is a uniquely special market - a woman sits weaving in the centre of the market and produces fantastic designs at a fraction of the price you would pay in the shops - no lie! Not to mention that the stitch work is top notch! If you’re looking for a one of a kind piece head here!

Enough about clothes, jewellery and cosmetics, head to John F Kennedy Platz where a market with a difference is held. Loads of old history books specialising in German history are up for grabs here. If you want to get your hands on some German antiques, make sure you pay a visit to the market stalls of the Big Antique Market at Ostbahnhof. You’ll pick up everything from impressive artwork to stamps here.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to head to the Art and Nostalgia Market on Museumsinsel and Kupfergraben. Both are ideal for lover's or collectors of art. This market is open on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Please Note: Be sure to bring along your own shopping bags no matter what kind of market you are visiting as many stall merchants charge a lot for bags.

Know before you go!

Opening Hours: Berlin shops are allowed open around the clock Mon – Sat and on Sun most open from 1pm to 6pm.

Currency: Euro

Sales: Take place in January and July.

You really have to go along and see all the markets and shopping districts Berlin has to offer – there’s one for everyone! Whatever your individual interests are when visiting Berlin be sure to do a little shopping; you’re guaranteed to come across a market or stall that’s of interest to you.

If you need to book accommodation in Berlin look here NOW!

Hope this makes shopping in Berlin a little bit  easier. If you've any queries about Berlin shopping just leave us a comment in the box below and we'll do our best to help!