The words ‘Berlin’ and ‘vintage’ belong together. A city of originality and individual style, it only makes sense for Berliners to quench their shopping thirst through the eclectic offerings of the numerous thrift stores littering the streets. From vintage high-end to old-school high street, Germany’s capital has everything you need to master your own Berliner style. Here are a few favourites:

Stiefelkombinat

For both men and women, Stiefelkombinat should be the first stop for vintage shoppers in Berlin’s bustling district of Prenzlauer Berg. Specialising in shoes – and predominantly boots – this store has a multitude of styles on offer with fashionable pieces from the 40s to the 80s. Located just across from the central Eberswalder Strasse U-bahn, it would be difficult to miss this gem.

Garage

After an alternative shopping experience? Step into Garage – or its sister shop, Colours – where visitors shop by the basket. Take your selected items to the counter where they will be weighed, then simply pay per kilo. A potentially dangerous game when you haven’t got your scales on you – especially as a ‘Garage Kilo’ costs €13.99 – but it’s a novel affair nonetheless. If you’re after a real bargain, then head to the store during happy hour on Wednesdays from 11am-1pm: you’ll get 30% off your second-hand finds.

Dress Faktor

Another must-shop in Prenzlauer Berg is Dress Faktor. Just a few blocks from Stiefelkombinat, this store houses affordable clothing and accessories from all decades: for men, women and even children. Browse through the wonderfully presented treasures and take in the snippets of art complementing the 70s-style décor. Enjoy Dress Faktor? Try VEB Orange, Danz Schuh and Oder Barfub – three more vintage shops from the same chain, situated in Prenzlauer Berg.

Mauerpark Fleamarket

Admittedly, the word ‘fleamarket’ does not conjure up images of beautiful pieces from yesteryear, but on Sundays, Mauerpark really is the place to go for vintage accessories. Prepare to spend your day searching through rails of junk before finding that perfect leather handbag or must-have cowboy boots. There’s always a bargain to be snapped up amongst the bric-a-brac at Prenzlauer Berg’s biggest Fleamarket and when the crowd wrestling gets just too much, there’s plenty of food on-site for that all important refuel.

Cash

This tiny space offers a range of old school delights from top designers such as Prada or Marc Jacobs as well as newer finds from less established labels like the romantically gothic Victim. As can be found with many vintage shops, a lot of the items found here are a tad overpriced but it’s worth a visit, if only to sneak a peek at the gallery-style entrance and peruse the racks of glamorous shoes. Open on Friday and Saturday only – don’t miss it!

Sommerladen

In a similar vein to Cash, Sommerladen is generally a high class second-hand store. With a larger selling space, Sommerladen has much more choice, including a wider variety of designers. Watch out for the Kappa though. Whoever knew 90s sportswear was vintage?

Sterling Gold

This vintage shop is in a league of its own. Sterling Gold is the place to go for cocktail, ball and wedding dresses from the 1950s onwards. While the dresses are generally pricey (from around €100 up to €300), all are absolutely pristine and displayed beautifully in this gorgeous little find tucked away from the busy street. Dress doesn’t fit? The staff will happily tailor it for you.

Sentimental Journey

Enter into this kooky little shop with the likes of Elvis or Doris Day playing softly in the background. A self-confessed Elvis fan, the owner of Sentimental Journey takes great pride in her vintage den. Rummage through the racks of faux fur coats and try on the knitted hats created by the owner herself, or walk into the men’s section to find an old piano and wallpaper made from the sheet music of Frank Sinatra.