New York vs Berlin: A Shopaholic’s Guide

For a city whose walls are shroud in vivid colour, Berlin sure knows how to do black. So much so, that when this wide-eyed travel writer landed in the impeccably-dressed city, the first thing she did was hotfoot it to the nearest clothing chain and stock up on all things dark hued – just to fit in, of course. Despite the infinite sea of vibrant street art that envelopes Berlin’s neighbourhoods, its residents are remarkably demure – not to be mistaken by dull. In fact, Berliners are anything but dull, cutting a striking figure in their all black ensembles, which are individualised with the odd chunky scarf, reflector sunglasses and custom made jewellery.

New York on the other hand amongst the sea of tourists sporting “I Heart NYC” shirts and Yankees baseball caps, you’ll find a slightly more coulourful canvas. Designer duds from glamorous Fifth Avenue boutiques blend effortlessly with quirky, one-offs scooped out of SoHo bargain bins. Stylemongers collectively gather at Fashion Week to witness the hottest new international collections, while hipsters sashay the streets of Brooklyn in their vintage finds. After all, it’s The Big Apple: anything goes.

So where to shop if you find yourself fortunate enough to explore these global fashion meccas? Grab your guide book, check out the below and start to make a mental note of how much excess baggage will need to be purchased.

Berlin

Malls

As about as discreet as a fish out of water, Alexa Shopping Mall (Grunerstraße 20, Mitte) with its salmon-hued art deco facade, is the place to go when staying in the district of Mitte. Conveniently located at major train station, Alexanderplatz, the mall boasts all your favourite European chain and specialty stores over five floors (and an all-important food court). If luxury, high-end garb is what you’re after, take a leisurely stroll just across the street to GALERIA Kaufhof (9 Alexanderplatz, Mitte). The cube-looking building awaits visitors with a mixture of food, fashion and living accessories, and guarantees a solid day of retail therapy. Over between Potzdamer Platz and Friedrichstraße, Berlin’s largest shopping centre, Mall of Berlin (Leipziger Platz 12, Berlin City) will impress with its curved glass roof, central piazza – and long opening hours. This hulking mall contains everything from upmarket fashions to gifts, cosmetics, electronics and more, and is also a short walk to the moving Holocaust Memorial.

Markets

If you’re fortunate to plan your Berlin stay around a Sunday (and I strongly suggest you do), don’t miss the famed Flohmarkt am Mauerpark (Bernauer Strasse 63-64, Mitte) in all its hipster glory. You’ll find it easily behind the trail of other market goers, and once you’re there you’ll be treated to rows and rows of vintage clothing, jewellery, vinyl, porcelain, various memorabilia and more. In between scavenging, indulge in the mind-blowing eats including currywursts, samosas, waffles, strudel and more (way more). Hang around for the weekly karaoke sesh in the “bear pit”, too. Just trust me on this one. Located in the heart of the vibrant student quarter of Friedrichshain, Boxhagener Platz Markt is the perfect place to while away your Sunday arvo in Berlin. Pick up everything and anything from books, furniture fashion and household goods. After your shopping hit, satisfy your tastebuds with a coffee and bite at one of the many nearby cafes. If you’re adverse to anything too “trendy”, beeline straight for Moritzplatz Flea Market in grungy Kreuzberg. More trash than treasure, this heaving market boasts plenty of bargains on everything from second-hand clothing to books, records and junk cleaned out of Nan’s garage. One for the real market goers.

Streets

For a completely enjoyable shopping experience, head straight for the city’s glamorous Kurfürstendamm area, where Berliners have indulged in retail therapy and cafe-going for decades. People-watching and card-swiping go hand in hand, as the five-kilometre long boulevard allows for plenty of strolls and sips. It’s here you’ll find the legendary KaDeWe shopping centre (one of the most expensive malls in Europe), as well as H&M, Forever 21 and Mango dotted against Chanel, Luis Vuitton and Valentino. Don’t forget to explore the side streets too, where you’ll find bucketloads of smaller boutiques and fancy stores. If a specialty piece from a local Berlin label is what you’re after, head straight for Hackescher Markt, which is framed by Dircksenstraße in the south and Torstraße in the north. Boasting smaller, independent boutiques over flashy department stores, the Hackescher Markt district is the place to go for famous designer pieces, up and coming local labels, fancy accessories and out-of-the-ordinary garb. Because of this, expect prices to be a little higher, but the novelty is totally worth it. Another Berlin shopping mecca is the most legendary street in the whole city, Friedrichstrasse, which offers a small taste of The Big Apple right in central Berlin. Enjoy posh boutiques, department stores, exclusive offices and coffee shops while you marvel at the New Berlin architecture.

Christmas Shopping

Berlin transforms into a festive-fairytale from the end of November with over 60 different German Christmas markets in and around the city, each offering something slightly different to the one next door. The city’s most famous market can be found at the Charlottenburg Palace in the City West. The whole of the palace and its surrounding park are adorned with fairy lights. Aromas of spiced mulled wine, chestnuts, gingerbread and Bratwurst sausages fill the air (trust me, you have to try the sausages!). You’ll find plenty of handmade arts and crafts from local artists, jewelers, musicians and wood carvers among the traditional wooden huts.      

New York

Malls

Being a humble metropolis of a mere 790 square kilometres, New York City doesn’t necessarily lend itself to monstrous shopping malls. That said, if you’re keen for a spending spree under the one roof, there are some places to seek out. Less mall, more shopping institution, I couldn’t compile a New York City shopping guide without mentioning the incomparable Macy’s (151 West 34th Street). Located in Herald Square, this gem is one of the world’s largest department stores and offers a world-class selection of brands including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Levi’s. The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been around since 1924! If you’re staying in the heart of Midtown and prefer not to stray far for your fashion fix, Manhattan Mall (1275 Broadway) is home to dozens of nifty retailers. The huge JC Penny is the mall’s biggest drawcard, but you can also while away the afternoon in Victoria’s Secret, Radio Shack and more. If you prefer to take your retail therapy with a side of sightseeing, head down to Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and make your way to Staten Island Mall (2655 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island). With every major fashion chain store you can think under one roof – plus free Wi-Fi to keep the hubby entertained – this mall is worth the scenic ferry ride over the bay (daggy tourist shots of the Statue of Liberty, optional.)

Markets

If you’ve ever visited The Big Apple, then you’ll know how much this trendy metropolis loves a good market. Enter, The Market NYC (159 Bleecker Street) – a designer and vintage goods flea market with more than 40 local artists and designers showcasing their creations under one roof. With so many emerging artisans in the one spot, you’re sure to witness The Next Best Thing. If you find yourself wandering the charming borough of Brooklyn in dire need for something you really don’t need, check out the sprawling Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea Market (176 Lafayette Avenue). With its treasure trove of vendors selling everything from jewellery, vinyl and handmade threads, is guaranteed to scratch your itch for one off, vintage finds. If all the card swiping has aroused your appetite, head on over to the Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Avenue) to satiate your shopping-induced hunger. Considered one of the greatest indoor food halls in the world, Chelsea Market boasts over 35 vendors spruiking everything from soup, nuts, cheese, wine and mouthwatering sweets – so be prepared to dedicate a half-day to this foodie’s heaven.

Streets

What’s a visit to New York City without a wander down the famous Fifth Avenue? Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and peruse stores like Tiffany & Co, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Cartier on one of the world’s most stylish and expensive shopping streets. If your budget doesn’t stretch as far as a Kardashian’s, head downtown to Lower Manhattan and traipse the Broadway, for as far as your shopping bag-wielding body can take you. From mammoth stores like Urban Outfitters and Bloomingdales to smaller boutiques in SoHo and trendy shops dotted around the theatre district, Broadway has it all. Seriously. Looking for something a little more Dan Humphrey than Serena van der Woodsen? Dust off your felt hat and channel our favourite Gossip Girl hipster down at Bedford Avenue (Williamsburg). Brooklyn is famous for its alternative charm and grungy flair, and Bedford acts as the district’s hub of all things bohemia-chic. Keep your eye out for a celeb-fave jewellery store, Catbird, and popular clothing store, Brooklyn Fox.

Christmas Shopping

Christmas comes early for the New York shoppers on the biggest nationwide sales day of the year, Black Friday (Nov 27^th this year) when the stores slash their prices in half and the crowds come in. If you’re keen to snap up some bargains this Christmas, then New York is the place you should be shopping. The whole city lights up into a winter wonderland every year with huge Christmas trees, impressive window displays and spectacular lights. If you want to escape the department store chaos head over to the Union Square Holiday Market. The market has over 100 booths offering up a variety of handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and much more.