Berlin is one of Germany's largest cities and an important economic and cultural centre in the European Union. A rich but very complicated history — that's how the German capital can be described.
But tourists who have fallen in love with Berlin say: "This city isn't just good on the outside, it's good on the inside". To get to know it, you must taste the local atmosphere, the symbols of the German capital's renaissance and the local shops and shopping centres. Shopping in Berlin is as contrasting as the city itself. It may be traditional, but it's also completely unpredictable. What can you bring back from Berlin?
In this article, Kidpassage offers a selection of the best souvenirs for you and your friends. We're sure gifts from the German capital will make their owners happy for a long time.
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The most popular souvenirs from Berlin
Berlin has shopping to suit all tastes and budgets. Large shopping malls, department and brand stores, and colourful German markets are popular with locals and visitors.
There's also a wealth of German brands to choose from. What can you bring back as a gift from Berlin? Here are some of the most popular souvenirs bought by tourists:
1. Ampelmann
Life in Berlin is impossible without Ampelmann. He is the local superhero who appears at every pedestrian traffic light in the city. The jolly little man in the hat was invented by German psychologist Karl Peglau, who proved that people react better to traffic lights if they show something funny instead of a dull signal.
Today, Ampelmann is a city symbol, and merchandise bearing his image — from magnets and notepads to Ampelmann-shaped biscuits — is a must on any souvenir shopping list. The Ampelmann Shop is a local chain of souvenir shops in Berlin. They are best known at Unter den Linden 35 and Hackesche Höfe, Rosenthaler Str. 40-41.
2. Piece of the German Berlin Wall
In 1961, Berlin was divided into two parts by a concrete wall with a total length of over 150 km, of which about 43.1 km was within the city.
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, fragments of one of the main symbols of the East-West confrontation in Europe have become popular souvenirs, and many tourists take a little piece of history home with them. Other Berlin Wall-themed souvenirs include T-shirts, hats, postcards, puzzles, refrigerator magnets, mugs etc.
3. German beer mugs/steins
It's impossible to imagine Berlin without beer and its souvenir shops without beer steins. Most visitors take them home for their use or as gifts for friends. Mugs of all shapes and sizes, ceramics and glass, depicting national symbols and Berlin's main sights — there are plenty of choices in the shops.
4. Cosmetics
Berlin is one of Europe's fashion capitals. But it also has a flair, focusing on wellness and quality daily self-care rather than glamour. Berlin's beauty manufacturers specialise in hygiene products and are considered among the best in the industry. Natural ingredients form the basis of all cosmetics produced in the German capital. Think of Fine's organic deodorants, Merme's mineral oil range, Binu soaps and Urban Scents perfumes.
Original souvenirs
What can you buy as a gift in Berlin? Say no to magnets and postcards? Then this list is for you.
5. Glasses from ic! berlin
The eyewear company ic! berlin was founded in the German capital in 1996. Its CEO, Ralf Anderl, advocates high-tech materials and traditional craftsmanship. At first glance, the company produces fashionable, stylish glasses and nothing more.
But in fact, they are unique. They are made of thin stainless steel without a single screw. As a result, they will not break and will bend in all directions while retaining their original shape. You can only buy them in Berlin.
6. Designer Clothing
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Berlin was the world's fashion capital. Here, people decide what to wear and how to wear it for the next season. Today, the situation has changed slightly, the city has lost its status, but the German capital has retained its sense of style. Proof of this is many Berlin designers, some of whom create unique items. Stop by one of these shops and try on something out of the ordinary:
- Workaholic;
- Yackfou;
- Tante Eden;
- 24 colours;
- ATAHUALPA.
7. Travel accessories Horizn Studio
Experienced travellers already appreciate the Berlin-based brand Horizn Studio. It makes 'smart luggage' — high-tech bags, backpacks, suitcases and travel clothes. For example, you don't have to worry about where to charge your mobile phone, as most suitcases already have a charger built in.
8. Porcelain
The Royal Porcelain Manufactory (KPM Berlin) is one of the most famous porcelain factories in the world. For more than 250 years, it has been producing high-quality porcelain that is still hand-painted.
The company is located in Berlin's Tiergarten district: you can book a factory tour and discover the intricacies of local craftsmanship.
KPM Berlin's largest flagship shop and outlet is located at Wegelystrasse 1. There are also five other KPM flagship stores in the city. And believe us, you won't be able to say no to a KPM Berlin souvenir afterwards.
9. Perfume Frau Tonis
Want to take home a little Berlin scent in a small bottle? Then check out Frau Tonis, a small perfume shop in the heart of the German capital. The company's motto is "Nothing should distract from the fragrance", so the bottles are kept simple and uncluttered. Frau Tonis also offers workshops where you can create your scent.
Gifts from Berlin for children
What to buy a child in Berlin? We're sure children will enjoy any gift, but these are undoubtedly to delight them:
10. Bear figurine
The most revered animal in the city and its main symbol since 1280 is the bear. The bear is popularised in various ways:
- Fairy tales are told about it.
- City festivals are organised in its honour.
- Countless souvenirs depict the bear.
It is an excellent gift for both adults and children. Children will love a soft teddy bear or a mug shaped like a teddy bear, while adults will enjoy handmade porcelain figurines.
11. Christmas presents
When winter arrives, Berlin becomes a fairytale city: the lights go up, the mulled wine and doughnut shops open, and people hunt for Christmas presents. You can soak up the wonderful holiday atmosphere if you're lucky enough to visit during this time. To make it last as long as possible, buy Christmas souvenirs for yourself and your children.
12. Trabant Models
In GDR times, one of the symbols of the state was the small Trabant car. Nowadays, almost every souvenir shop in Berlin sells miniature copies, key rings, badges, magnets and postcards depicting these cars. If your little one is passionate about cars, get them a souvenir.
13. Football club symbols
Germans are known for their love of football. What can you say when several football clubs are in the capital alone? "Hertha, Dinamo, Union, Victoria — your child probably doesn't know much about these teams. To remedy the situation, bring them football souvenirs from Berlin, as they are sold in the club shops and many shopping centres and souvenir shops.
14. Children's clothing
"Made in Germany" always sounds promising. The first association that arises when German clothing brands are mentioned is quality. Indeed, German children's clothes are of very high quality.
Sigikid, PluiPlui, Vertbaudet, Sanetta, Impidimpi — items from these brands are a good idea for a gift.
15. Souvenirs from the oceanarium
In 2004 the unique Sea Life complex opened its doors to Berlin residents and visitors. The gift shop with a wide range of themed items is available directly from the complex to all guests. It's easy to find a gift for young underwater explorers.
Drinks and delicacies from the German capital
Berliners are passionate about the concept of "traditional cuisine". What are some of the gifts you can bring back from Berlin for gourmets? Here are some tips:
16. Beer
There is a saying: «Thirst is only beautiful when accompanied by beer».
It's hard to argue with it. The beer festivals in many German cities are nothing short of spectacular! Berlin is no exception. Every year, on the first weekend in August, there's the Beer Mile or the International Berlin Beer Festival. It's a great reason to visit the German capital, enjoy many types of authentic German beer and buy a bottle or two as a gift for family and friends.
17. Chocolate
Berlin is justifiably proud of its chocolate makers. The city has several major chocolate manufacturers: Walter Confiserie, Sawade, Erich Hamann, Rausch and Sonfiserie Mélanie. Berliners are pleased that many of their chocolate products have won international awards and are among the best in Germany and Europe.
Berlin's largest chocolate shop is Ritter Sport Bunte SchokoWelt. It's a three-storey complex that combines a museum, a chocolate workshop and a shop with a wide range of chocolates to suit all tastes. It is located at Französische Straße 24.
18. Paper & Tea
There's a unique shop at Bleibtreustraße 4 in Berlin — P&T, or Paper & Tea. It's a fantastic place that sells natural, whole-leaf teas worldwide: China, Taiwan, Nepal, India, Korea, Japan and African countries.
Black, green, herbal, matcha, flavoured, ayurvedic — the vast range of teas. You can also buy various accessories (such as tea-drinking utensils).
Grey and bright at the same time, old and modern, austere and cheerful — that's Germany's capital. Berlin leads all European capitals in the number of branded shops. But don't forget the bargains and sales, especially around Christmas and Midsummer. And while you're packing your bags, check out the Kidpassage pages for Germany's must-see attractions. Have a nice trip!
