Sustainable shopping in Berlin

A beautiful souvenir is almost inextricably linked to a successful trip. And those back home will also be delighted to receive an original gift from Berlin. But how can you shop sustainably? In Berlin, there are many different ways to find environmentally friendly souvenirs with heart and character. This makes your holiday a little more sustainable and the souvenirs tell a story.

Small treasures

Small items and knick-knacks are particularly popular souvenirs that can be quickly stowed away in a rucksack or handbag. They can be found in abundance at every holiday destination. And let's be honest: tourists from all over the world go crazy for them. There are more and more retailers in Berlin who attach particular importance to high-quality and sustainable treasures.

Our recommendations:  

The imaginary manufactory: High-quality and durable items are produced for the imaginary manufactory by people with and without disabilities in Berlin and Brandenburg. In the pretty shop-café you will find handmade wooden toys, modern ceramics, charming photo albums for your holiday photos and much more.  

nōs store: A lovingly compiled selection of products that are manufactured under fair conditions in Europe. From ceramics and natural cosmetics to children's books, there is plenty to discover. Even those who love unusual pieces will find what they are looking for here.

Frau Tonis Parfum: The Berlin-based perfume manufacturer has 14 vegan fragrances on offer. With regard to ingredients, bottles and production, attention is paid to sustainable materials and fair working conditions.

Market halls and sustainable Christmas markets

Nothing can match the atmosphere of a market hall, except perhaps an atmospheric, sustainable Christmas market. For neighbourhood residents, they are the best places to buy regional food. For visitors, it is simply a great experience to watch the hustle and bustle, sample local delicacies or buy small souvenirs.   

Our recommendations:  

Markthalle Neun: In the colourful and neighbourhoody Markthalle Neun, there are small souvenirs and lively restaurants to discover alongside food. The highlight here is the famous "Streetfood Thursday" with changing stalls and beer brewed in the basement of the market hall.

Advent market and farm shop Domäne Dahlem: The Domäne Dahlem country estate museum not only offers a varied educational programme for children and adults, but also a delightful Advent market and a farm shop with its own produce. 

Environment and Christmas market in Sophienstraße: Over 80 selected traders and Berlin start-ups offer fairly produced goods, trendy design, natural products and organic and fair trade treats here. 

Christmas eco market am Kollwitzplatz: High-quality toys, textiles and handicrafts that meet ecological and social standards await you here. Culinary delights include organic sausages, Christmas biscuits and mulled wine from regional producers.

Vintage and second-hand

Vintage shops, flea markets and second-hand shops are a sure-fire way to shop more sustainably. Despite the fast-moving throwaway culture, decoration, clothing and functional items are given a second life here. However, the most beautiful aspect is and remains the history that the second-hand treasures have already experienced. They are bursting with character.   

Our recommendations:  

NochMall: The BSR (Berliner Stadtreinigung) second-hand department stores' is one of the best examples of truly sustainable shopping. On two floors, you can discover clothes, household goods, books, little curiosities and much more. On the first and third Saturday of every month, an auction is held with special one-off items.   

Flea markets: Berlin is known for its varied flea markets, some of which also take place in winter. They always reflect the neighbourhood in which they take place. Whether antiques, unusual fashion, old records or unique decorative items - there is something for everyone.  

Love at second sight: The innovative shop quickly became very popular on social media and among Berliners after it opened in January 2024. Clothes rails can be rented here for the resale of your own clothes. Fast fashion stays outside.

Glanzstücke: A jewel among Berlin's second-hand shops. Here you can find unusual costume jewellery from the 1920s to 1960s. Although the jewellery is a little more expensive, it is guaranteed to be authentic and collectible!

V Vintage: Typical colourful Berlin second-hand fashion shop, with a focus on original pieces from the 1980s and 1990s. More stylish vintage shops can be found in our blog article of the same name.

Nachhaltige Mode

Those who like to return from holiday with a fuller suitcase than when they arrived, should not miss out on the sustainable fashion shops in addition to the vintage shops. They specialise in slow fashion and have durable, high-quality clothing from fair production in their range.   

Our recommendations:  

Rotation Boutique: Offers slow fashion from various brands and is in close contact with designers. In the shop on Rosenthaler Platz, customers can expect comprehensive advice and transparent information on the various materials and quality seals of the clothing.

Loveco: Loveco also offers an exquisite selection of sustainable clothing for men and women. The Berlin-based company's concept stores can be found in Schöneberg, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.   

Moeon: Here, all products are selected according to specially defined criteria that take into account both the materials and the production conditions. Spread over two stores in Kreuzberg, just a few minutes apart, there is clothing for men and women as well as sustainable shoes, accessories and cosmetics.

Not too sweet: Combines vintage pieces with reworked vintage designer pieces from local fashion designers. The source material lays the foundation for a sustainable and original range.

Kleiderei Berlin: The range is also made up of vintage fashion, which is complemented by collections purchased from sustainable fashion labels. The speciality here: Kleiderei offers a rental model to avoid overconsumption.

Products from upcycling

In Berlin, there are creative retailers who produce their unique pieces with the help of upcycling. Project spaces, museums and initiatives regularly offer workshops where participants can make their own special souvenir. 

Our recommendations:


K.W.D.:  Discarded advertising tarpaulins, old air mattresses, inner tubes, cash register conveyor belts and climbing ropes serve as materials for the stylish bags from K.W.D. From small lanyards and wallets to rucksacks and shoppers, everything is included.   

bolsos berlin: Bags are also created here from advertising banners, sails, awnings and the like. The colourful unique pieces are real eye-catchers. The practical bum bags are a favourite: they convey the authentic Berlin style. 

Workshops at NochMall: The workshop programme at the second-hand department stores' NochMall is always worth a look. In the upcycling courses, participants make their own bags or pimp up old items of clothing. The regular repair workshops are also interesting.