These are the 5 best record stores in Berlin

Berlin is a paradise for vinyl lovers. The city offers a rich mix of record stores: from techno temples and punk havens to jazzy boutiques and vintage gems. Here are five stores you absolutely can't miss.

1. Hard Wax (Kreuzberg)

Specialization: techno, electronic, reggae/dub

Hard Wax is a legend in the Berlin record scene, having been around since the dawn of techno in 1989. Founded by Basic Channel producer Mark Ernestus, the store is a crucial link within the techno community and the historic “Berlin-Detroit-axe”.
Besides rare vinyl and 12" editions, Hard Wax regularly organizes releases and has direct ties with international DJs. An absolute must-visit for any electronics enthusiast.

2. Dodo Beach (Schöneberg & Prenzlauer Berg)

Specialization: various genres, second-hand, world music

Dodo Beach is one of Berlin's best-known record stores, boasting an extensive collection of over 30,000 vinyls. The store offers both new and previously released gems in a wide range of genres, from hip-hop and post-rock to world music.
With multiple locations, but always with that warm, homely atmosphere, Dodo Beach attracts both tourists and seasoned collectors.

3. Soultrade (Kreuzberg)

Specialization: soul, funk, jazz, disco, Afro

Soultrade opened in 1989 and is an institution in Berlin's club and dance culture. Expect a carefully curated selection of soul, disco, Afro, jazz, and downbeat – perfect for those who love to dance and collect.
Popularity among DJs like DJ Hell and vinyl collectors from the Berlin club scene underscores the value of this store.

4. HHV Records (Friedrichshain)

Specialization: hip-hop, funk, soul, house, jazz, techno, streetwear

HHV started in 2002 as an online hip-hop vinyl store and grew into a brick-and-mortar hotspot in Friedrichshain. The store combines music with fashion and sneaker culture: vinyl meets streetwear.
Release events, signing sessions, and DJ nights are also part of the regular programming. A true cultural hub with an impressive selection of 80,000 to 150,000 titles.

5. Bikini Waxx Records (Kreuzberg)

Specialization: crate digging, electronic dance music

A hidden gem since 2013, it began as a living room concept and is now located in a charming sidewalk gallery. After ringing the bright yellow doorbell, you enter an intimate vinyl studio with carefully selected electronic gems.
Bikini Waxx excels in rare, second-hand dance vinyl, with that little bit of extra personal service that makes it feel like a club-like discovery.

🎧 Bonus: Steel plate (Neukölln)

Specialization: experimental music, tape art, avant-garde

Staalplaat, originally from Amsterdam, has a Berlin branch in Neukölln. This store focuses on truly underground genres: experimental electronics, tape culture, sound art, and DIY publishing.
This is also the place to be for special objects and experiments in the world of sound.

Tips for your visit

• Opening hours: Check websites or Instagram in advance, as times vary per week or event.

• Listening options: Most venues offer preview stations or turntables; schedule time to really listen.

• Combine visits: Located in various districts – from Kreuzberg to Schöneberg – so ideal to combine with a day of cultural exploration.

• Allow extra time: The secondhand collections, in particular, require some serious browsing. Take a coffee break and savor your finds.

Practical information – overview

Hard Wax – Kreuzberg – Techno, electronic music, reggae/dub
Dodo Beach – Schöneberg & Prenzlauer Berg – Various genres, second-hand, world music
Soultrade – Kreuzberg – Soul, funk, jazz, disco, Afro
HHV Records – Friedrichshain – Hip-hop, house, techno, streetwear
Bikini Waxx – Kreuzberg – Dance vinyl, crate digging, personal selection
Staalplaat (bonus) – Neukölln – Experimental and underground genres

Closing note

Whether you're a techno junkie, soul collector, DJ producer, or simply a vinyl enthusiast, Berlin has a record store to suit you. From world-renowned institutions like Hard Wax and HHV to authentic gems like Bikini Waxx and Staalplaat, each of these five (plus one bonus) stores offers a unique journey through the German capital's vinyl culture. Happy exploring!