Buying second-hand is the sustainable way to shop, and Berlin is one of the best places to do it. From vintage shops and markets to second hand stores, the city is a treasure trove of diverse, unique and often incredible value pre-loved discoveries.
For me, no trip to Berlin is complete for me without a vintage shopping voyage. The shops and markets are bursting with incredible retro gems, bargain basics, one of a kind finds, and designer labels at a snip. Plus, the eclectic fashion sense of the city means you can step straight out in anything you pick up and fit right in. The vintage furniture and home accessories that line the local fleamarkets also make for excellent interiors inspiration to browse, often proving torturous if you’re limited on bag space to take home.
Read on for some of my personal favourite spots for vintage shopping in the city.
Vintage and second-hand shops
Trash Shick
Trash Schick is a shop with a personality as unique as its collection – reflecting the vibrant spirit of its location in the fashion forward Friedrichshain. The shop is dripping with attitude, from its edgy clothes to the punk air of its mannequins, yet the atmosphere is welcoming and staff are always friendly and helpful. This is a must-visit for unique, verging on unusual, fashion finds. If you’re looking to make an impression, you’re in the right place. Nestled between casual sportswear and tracksuits you can also expect to come across designer labels and elegant outerwear at great prices.
In parallel with being fashion conscious, the team at Trash-Schick are considerate of the origin and materials of the items they stock. For me, this lends it extra bonus points as a go-to spot where you will always be surprised by what’s in store, but reassured that it is well made under fair conditions.
Where to find it: Trash Schick Wühlischstraße 31, Friedrichshain
Loretta
Loretta Vintage and Second Hand is a delight to explore, stocking clothing, scarves, jewellery, bags and accessories. The shop was founded by Berlin stylist Susan Bähr, so you can expect to find a beautiful selection in an aesthetic setting to match. The shop sells high quality items for both men and women. If you’re searching for unique pieces without going too wild on the style, this is your place. Second hand and vintage items live side by side on the rails, so it offers something for all tastes and budgets, and is particularly great for bargain seekers.
As a helpful and sustainable addition the shop also offers the option for to resell pre-loved items that you don’t love like you used to, with a commission basis on sales (you receive 40% of the sales price)
Where to find it: Loretta Vintage & Second-Hand Oderberger Straße 35, Mitte
Allet Shick
The Kreuzberg neighbourhood of Bergmannkiez is home to Allet Schick. The shop is run by Kerstin Fischer, who’s excellent taste in vintage clothing is evident on every rail. The shop is filled with a great selection of vintage pieces from the 1950s to 1980s, as well as more modern second hand items. From bold jewellery that makes a statement, to classic pre-loved items for understated everyday wear, There’s a strong chance that you’ll stumble across some new (old) favourites among the collection. The prices are near unbeatable for the quality on offer, so it is a must-visit if you’re seeking second-hand bargains.
Where to find it: Allet Schick – Second Hand & Vintage Bergmannstraße 90, Kreuzberg
PICKNWEIGHT
Vintage kilo sales and shops tend to divide opinion among vintage shoppers. For me, it’s really a matter of mindset – sometimes they can be overwhelming, but on the right day, with enough time available to really root around, I find they can be fun to rummage and a real diamond mine of great finds.
PICKNWEIGHT is a stalwart of second-hand fashion in Berlin and beyond, where vintage clothing is sold by weight. If you’re not usually a kilo sale fan, this could just be the place to change your mind. There are branches further afield in Cologne, Hamburg, Munich and London (check out my London vintage guide for more here) as well as three stores in Berlin itself. The Berlin branches vary in size and offering, my personal favourite is the Kreuzberg branch for its extensive selection though all stock high quality vintage clothing and unique retro and second hand pieces from decades gone by. It’s near unbeatable for uncovering bargains as the weight based pricing model means that the price is unchanged by the quality or brand name on the item.
Where to find it: PICKNWEIGHT
Bergmannstraße 102, Kreuzberg, Tel: 030/694 33 48
Alte Schönhauser Straße 30, Prenzlauer Berg, Tel: 030/400 54 388
Münzstraße 19, Mitte
Markets
Bode Museum Antique Book Market
If you enjoy browsing the bouqainiste’s in Paris this Berlin equivalent is well worth a vitist. Every weekend, book and antiques dealers set up stands alongside the river Spree, with tables laden with an extensive array of books, art and small furniture. As well as being beautiful to browse, they can often contain rare items, original edition books and unique antiques.
Where to find it: Am Kupfergraben 2, Mitte
Flea Market at Boxhagener Platz
In my book, a visit to the Boxhagener Platz flea market is the perfect way to spend a Sunday in Berlin. The market itself has everything you could imagine a good flea market should – with an eclectic selection of vintage furniture, antiques, books, records, occasional vintage clothing stalls and handmade crafts and jewellery – so there’s something to catch anyone’s eye.
Vendors can be a little bit stern here, compared to the friendly staff you’ll find in the local vintage shops, but don’t let it put you off.
The surrounding neighbourhood has fantastic cafes and food spots well worth visiting while in the area, so you can fuel up on coffee before you browse the market, or follow your shopping with lunch and admire your buys.
Where to find it: Boxhagener Platz 1, Friedrichshain
Neukölln Flea Market
Another market that’s equally as unmissable for its neighbourhood as it is for its offering. Its setting beside the Landwehr Canal is a scenic spot to visit, where you can also enjoy a coffee or a beer as you browse, depending on the time and temperature.
The focus of the market rotates throughout the week – stocking fruit and vegetables on Tuesdays and Fridays, drawing a crowd of Berlin design students on Saturdays for the textile market, and on every second Sunday it is led by local designers, selling printed shirts, accessories and handmade jewellery. There is also a bi-monthly flea market with a focus on vintage clothing. The Neukolln neighbourhood is home to trendy expats and even trendier Berliners, so it’s a great market for fashion finds. If you’re not on the lookout for fashion, there are regular food stands and artistic performances, so it’s well worth a visit.
Where to find it: Maybachufer, Neukölln
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