Berlin's best record shops

Berlin is jam-packed with independent record shops, a key source of fuel for the city’s music scene. These emporiums of musical history are a paradise for crate diggers, providing the best in music, old and new.

Dwindling CD sales, the closure of major chains and the rise of the digital market suggest that the future for tangible music mediums is bleak. Look to Berlin's record stores for a second opinion. A committed crowd of enthusiasts means that records are still being purchased and so there's a tangible sense that in this city musicians are valued for their work. Perhaps accordingly staff rarely fit the stereotype of being stuffy or condescending; for the most part they are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and keen to convey their passion. The majority of records stores are in and around the districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg, but follow these tips and your instincts for fruitful venturing further afield.

Best for new music

Oye Records

Set amongst Prenzlauer Berg’s wide leafy streets, Oye Records houses a fantastic range of music. Spread across three rooms, the largest sections are devoted to house and disco but there’s also enough hip hop, jazz, and brand new electronic 12-inches for those fans to peruse for hours. The store regularly plays host to gigs and helpful staff are keen to recommend music you might like. For a high quality, broad selection of music spanning all genres, Oye has no rival.

Oye Records, Oderberger Straße 4, 10435 Berlin (030 6664 7821, www.oye-records.com). U2 Eberswalder Straße. Open 1-8pm Mon-Fri; 12noon-6pm Sat.

Hardwax

Tucked away behind the restaurants that line the canal, Hardwax grew alongside the electronic scene that arose in the city during late 1980s and has been at the forefront of German techno ever since. A shop of global renown, it has an impressive collection from Britain and the US spanning house, dubstep and more experimental electronic sounds.  A strong team of buyers ensure Hardwax is often the only place to receive limited pressings and the best electronic music from around the world.

Hardwax, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44a, 10999 Berlin (030 6113 0111, www.hardwax.de). U8, U1 Kottbusser Tor. Open 12noon-8pm Mon-Sat.

Rotation

If you’re in Mitte, then the centrally located Rotation Records offers a strong selection of dance music. The store specialises in house and techno records, but the walls are decorated with purchasable artworks, and a clothing range can be bought from the front of the shop. This boutique is probably one of the better options in the city if you like house music both new and old, since it has a large second-hand section.

Rotation, Weinbergsweg 3, 10119 Berlin (030 2532 9116, www.rotation-records.de). U8 Rosenthaler Platz,. Open 12noon-7pm Mon-Sat.

Space Hall

Space Hall consists of four incredibly well-stocked floors of records from every conceivable genre of electronic music. Knowledgeable staff are on hand if you need help navigating the enormous array of material. A solid favourite amongst Berlin’s resident DJs and producers, the store’s prices reflect its range. Remember, you’re getting choice here; you'll have to dig deep for any bargains.

Space Hall, Zossener Straße 33, 10961 Berlin (030 5308 8718, www.spacehall.de). U7 Gneisenaustraße. Open 9am-6pm Mon-Sat.

Best for old music

Mauerpark Flohmarkt

Pass by Mauerpark on a weekday and you’ll witness a barren desolate-looking place. On Sunday afternoons the area transforms into a manic market: buzzing with vintage stalls and scouts, it's a great place to find second-hand vinyl. Hunt down a rare classic and be prepared to haggle for your wax. Mauerpark is a haven for enthusiasts of 1960s, 1970s and 1980s music. There’s normally around a dozen stalls for records, mostly clustered in the south-west corner of the flea market.

Mauerpark, ‪Am Falkplatz 1, 10437 Berlin (0176 2925 0021, www.mauerparkmarkt.de). U8 Bernauer Stra‬ße. Open 7am-5pm Sun.

Vopo Records

If punk or hardcore is more your thing, then stop by Vopo Records. This colourful store also stocks a range of alternative rock LPs and loads of T-shirts, posters and memorabilia. Speak to the staff for information on upcoming events and gigs: they’ll be only too happy to oblige.

Vopo Records, Danziger Straße 31, 10435 Berlin (030 442 8004, www.voporecords.de). U2 Eberswalder Straße. Open 12noon-8pm Mon-Fri; 11am-6pm Sat.

Da Capo

Da Capo, located near the top of Prenzlauer Berg’s Kastanienallee is difficult to miss: there is often a crowd sitting outside, deep in conversation. Weave past them and enter a nostalgic throwback. There’s music from the DDR, classical, rock and lots of jazz. Cramped, dusty and effortlessly charming, this place is perfect for anyone hoping to find corners of the former East Berlin.

Da Capo, Kastanienallee 96, 10435 Berlin (030 448 1771, www.da-capo-vinyl.de). U2 Eberstwalder Straße. Open 12noon-7pm Tue-Fri; 12noon-6pm Sat.

Recordstore Berlin

Despite its unimaginative name, Recordstore Berlin is another great destination for finding buried LP treasure. There’s a wealth of popular music from 1960 to the present day and staff who with a swift phone call seem to be able to order just about anything in – a great stop-off for collectors.

Recordstore Berlin, Brunnenstraße 186, 10119 Berlin (030 2844 4680 () ‎). U8 Rosenthaler Platz. Open 12noon-8pm Mon-Sat.