Berlin during the Cold War can conjure up images of functional, even somber, fashion styles, but the modern incarnation of the city has largely helped to remedy this misconception. On par with London, Milan and Paris, Berlin has become one of the most elegant cities in the world, successfully juxtaposing an avant-garde trend with contemporary cuts from great designers. Most stores are open from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. except Thursdays, when many remain open after 8 p.m., and Saturdays, when the doors generally close around 5 p.m. The main shopping center in town is Kurfürstendamm (known as Ku’Damm) and its extension Tauentzienstrasse, which offer a dizzying mix of exclusive shops, the huge KaDeWe department store and malls like Europa-Center or Neues Kanzler Eck. Side streets like Bleibtreustrasse and Fasanenstrasse, meanwhile, offer chic boutiques, many of which carry signature styles that you won’t find anywhere else. Other fashion hubs include Friedrichstrasse in Mitte, Kantstrasse in Charlottenburg and the main arteries of Kreuzberg, Oranienstrasse in the east (36) and Bergmannstraße in the west (61). Large centers such as Galeries Lafayette and Departmentstore Quartier 206 give Mitte additional appeal. Whatever the range or style of your prince, Berlin and its various areas and malls are sure to have something for everyone.
1. Stilwerk
When the Hamburg businessman Bernhard Garbe completed the first Stilwerk in Hamburg in 1996, the event marked much more than the opening of a new property: it marked the birth of a visionary concept transformed into reality . The idea “stilwerk” brought together under one roof a range of high-end brands representing innovation, modernity, the future, partnership and lifestyle. Stilwerk defines itself as a one-stop shop for “interior decoration, design and lifestyle under one roof”. It is indeed an appropriate label, with premium brands located in more than 150 stores. Stilwerk offers the best, brightest and most chic brands of contemporary European design; some of the stores located in Stilwerk are Bang & Olufsen, bulthaup, BoConcept, designforum, Francesco Molon, Möve, Nyhues, Siedle, Trollhus and Zeitlos. The Berlin Stilwerk is located on Kantstraße and is in West Berlin
2. Kreuzberg 36
Located in the south-western part of the city, Kreuzberg was the military crossing point to and from East and West Berlin. The number 36 derives from its old postal code and serves to differentiate it from its western counterpart, Bergmannstraße. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has become a prime property and has experienced an economic boom. Kreuzberg has a historic appeal, picturesque parks, picturesque streets and a renowned Turkish community – the fifth largest in the world. Along the main thoroughfare of this eastern part of Kreuzberg – Oranienstrasse – you will find an eclectic mix of local designer shops, bookstores, singular shops and a plethora of Turkish second-hand shops full of jewels. The nearest U-Bahn stops are Kottbusser Tor and Görlitzer Bahnhof along the U1 line.
3. Fried Richstrasse
Crossing the Spree River, home to Checkpoint Charlie, and within walking distance of most of Berlin’s best sites, including galleries and museums, Friedrichstrasse is a hive of activity for several reasons. In recent years, it has grown into a thriving shopping street, with a number of high-end boutiques, department stores and restaurants alongside it. For all tastes and budgets, you will find here stores ranging from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to Ralph Lauren and Lacoste via Zara and H&M and everything in between. There are also Galeries Lafayette for those who prefer department stores with end-to-end merchandise.
4. Bergmannstrasee
Located on the west side of Kreuzberg (which has a very refined reputation, nothing comparable to that of its oriental counterpart), is the Bergmannstrasse district. Known as a great place to come for fine dining with a variety of cultural influences, this band also has a wide range of shopping options, with a real focus on the loved ones. Antique stores sell treasures from foreign countries of yesteryear. There are a number of these ancient basements along the strip and undoubtedly, countless trinkets and treasures to discover. Here too you will find some really fantastic used and vintage clothing stores, like Colors, which sell well-maintained items at unbeatable prices.
5. Potsdamer Platz Arkaden
Emblematic of the commercial and economic renaissance of modern Berlin, Potsdamer Platz Arkaden is a versatile architectural gem that houses a myriad of shops, cafes, cinemas, bars and even a casino. Considered the “center of the center”, the busy 180 meter long passageway and its elegant glass roof give Berliners a place to shop and play in an outdoor urban environment, whatever the weather. If you are tired of shopping, take a break at one of the many restaurants serving German and international cuisine. Among the brand stores you will find in this three-story structure, you will find Esprit, H & M, Swarovski and Benetton. The nearest U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains are located on Potsdamer Platz.
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6. Neues Kranzler Eck
Kurfürstendamm 23, affectionately abbreviated as Ku’Damm 23, houses the New Kranzler-Eck. Ku’Damm has already been one of Charlottenburg’s most popular addresses for buyers, who are drawn to the bold style of the center and the high-end specialty shops. New Kranzler Eck only adds to the appeal of the West Berlin fashionista. Indeed, the architecture of the 16-storey building, designed by Helmut Jahn, is marked by sharp geometric elements, and its glass and steel facade gives it the illusion of transparency on a clear day. Karstadt Sport is one of the most popular shops you will find in the halls of New Kranzler Eck. The nearest U-Bahn stops are Kurfürstendamm or Uhlandstrasse, both along the U1 line.
7. Department Store Quartier
Kurfürstendamm 23, affectionately abbreviated as Ku’Damm 23, houses the New Kranzler-Eck. Ku’Damm has already been one of Charlottenburg’s most popular addresses for buyers, drawn to the bold style of the center and upscale specialty shops. New Kranzler Eck only adds to the appeal of the West Berlin fashionista. Indeed, the architecture of the 16-storey building, designed by Helmut Jahn, is marked by sharp geometric elements, and its glass and steel facade gives it the illusion of transparency on a clear day. Karstadt Sport is one of the most popular shops you will find in the halls of New Kranzler Eck. The nearest U-Bahn stops are Kurfürstendamm or Uhlandstrasse, both along the U1 line.
8. Kadewe
The Kaufhaus Des Westens, otherwise known as KaDeWe, is the largest and most famous store in Berlin – and perhaps even in Western Europe -. The legendary Kaufhaus des Westens in Charlottenburg is revered for its wide variety – an incredible value of seven stories – of high-end products, ranging from fashion and contemporary cosmetics to best-selling media and kitschy kitchen items. In addition to department stores, the store has a delights department on the sixth floor that offers champagne, wine and beer bars; a deli; a crêperie; and even a sushi bar. The nearest U-Bahn stop is at Wittenbergplatz on the U2 line.
9. Galeries Lafayette
he Kaufhaus Des Westens, otherwise known as KaDeWe, is the largest and most famous store in Berlin – and perhaps even in Western Europe -. The legendary Kaufhaus des Westens in Charlottenburg is revered for its wide variety – an incredible value of seven stories – of high-end products, ranging from fashion and contemporary cosmetics to best-selling media and kitschy kitchen items. In addition to the department stores, the store has a delights department on the sixth floor that offers champagne, wine and beer bars; a deli; a crêperie; and even a sushi bar. The nearest U-Bahn stop is at Wittenbergplatz on the U2 line.
10. Kurfurestendamm And Tauentzienstrasse
“Ku’Damm”, as it is affectionately called (and in a much more practical way), is a haven of goods “under the same roof”. From your everyday brands to fashion brands and even small boutique designers, this is the place for those looking to seriously damage the credit card. Tautentzienstrasse is the eastern extension of Ku’Damm and is truly the icing on the cake for this already extravagant shopping experience. It houses a Europa Center containing brands like H&M and Zara, as well as its own department store KaDeWe, which is worth a visit to browse the delicious food halls and luxury stores.
