Berlin Christmas shopping in metropolitan Mitte

Christmas shopping in buzzing Berlin Mitte

Münzstraße and Alte Schönhauser Straße are two of Berlin Mitte’s most exciting shopping streets – and they’re a study in contrasts. Münzstraße is home to brand names and big-box stores, as befits any city centre – but this is Berlin, not just any other city. On neighbouring Alte Schönhauser Straße, you’ll find shops on the smaller and quirkier end of the scale: the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts. 

This neighbourhood has fashion particularly well covered. Alte Schönhauser Straße is a hotspot for the latest trends. Trüffelschwein on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße is another fantastic spot for sophisticated, stylish menswear, and on nearby Rochstraße, you’ll find another innovator: Copenhagen-based Wood Wood has its Berlin home here in the heart of Mitte. Immerse yourself in its contemporary streetwear in their stunning flagship store and pick up a gift for the coolest customer in your life. For those who like their style a little more lived-in, neighbouring vintage clothes store Made in Berlin is a hub for the pre-loved. Meanwhile, Monki on Münzstraße is a perfect blend of the ordinary and extraordinary: this Scandinavian label has a distinctive style that’s all its own and is a great spot for quirky gifts. 

Of course, the festive season isn’t just about giving the gift of style – it’s about showing you care. Send a warm cuddle in a cup with tea from Alte Schönhauser boutique Paper & Tea, specialising in delicious blends and stunning accessories for those who cherish the ritual of drinking a cup. A wonderful way to wrap up any stunning Christmas gift is with sweet stationery from stylish stationery store Luiban on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße.

Seeing the sights

Refurbished after the fall of the Berlin wall, the area around Alte Schönhauser Straße underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1990s to become the bold and beautiful place it is today. It’s a stone’s throw from some of Mitte’s biggest attractions, with the TV Tower standing serenely on the skyline. But the neighbourhood itself offers plenty to see and do. This part of Mitte is seriously trendy – don’t miss out on any of the action. Grab a cup of coffee while checking out the nearby Hackesche Höfe – a stunning network of tranquil courtyards that’s home to independent shops and restaurants just off the beaten track. You can also stroll the streets around Neue Schönhauser Straße in search of offbeat art galleries and places to people-watch. 

Food, fabulous food

Put some pep in your step in prep for your Berlin Christmas shopping trip with a cup of coffee and a delicious treat from the fabulous Zeit für Brot bakery on Alte Schönhauser Straße. If you’re feeling a little more peckish, head to What do you fancy love?, a cute brunch spot around the corner on Linienstraße.

All that shopping can be hungry work – so make sure you make a pitstop for a bite of lunch. Savour a taste of Seoul with soup, salad or bibimbap from Korean restaurant YamYam, or grab a delicious deli sandwich made with fresh local produce from TINMAN along the street. These light and tasty bites will serve you well for the next leg of your shopping trip.

After a long day’s browsing for gifts, you deserve a little treat: we suggest dinner at one of the area’s many lively restaurants. Check out JABE Dine & Bar – a Japanese restaurant featuring delicious sharing plates.

Three must-sees:

• Discover a taste of Latin America, Berlin-style at South Embassy. This retail experience is designed to showcase the very best in produce and crafts from Latin America. Featuring a fantastic food hall with the very best of food and wine from Latin American nations and sophisticated fashion, arts and crafts, it’s a fantastic addition to cosmopolitan Berlin Mitte.
• Enjoy a night at the movies with a retro twist at Kino Babylon. The listed building on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße was built in the 1920s and is a feast for the eyes in itself – and that’s before you get to the incredible films it screens for its discerning audience. Relax after a day’s shopping with a night at the movies in a wonderfully retro atmosphere.
• …or a night at the theatre at the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Designed in the early 20th century, this iconic Berlin arts venue is a veritable institution in the city. After a day’s Christmas shopping, treat yourself to an invigorating and uncompromising performance in stunning surroundings.    

Getting there

This part of Berlin Mitte is incredibly well connected, with busy Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt and Rosenthaler Platz stations within walking distance. To head straight for the heart of the action, hop on U-Bahn line U8 to Weinmeisterstraße station and follow where your mood takes you once you get there.