20 Fantastic Souvenirs from Berlin!

Oh, hello, my Germany loving friend! Welcome to my slightly weird, a little bit mad world. A quirky place where I show you exactly how to find some of the most amazing souvenirs from Berlin.

Especially since:

Well, a straight-up buffet of beyond amazing Berlin souvenirs awaits you in the cultural capital (it also happens to be the literal capital) of Germany.

Because if I had to pick just one word to describe Berlin or the fairytale towns of Germany, it would be exquisite.

Which makes sense when you realize that Berlin is home to a dizzying array of historical sites. Immortal places like the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, and more.

So:

If you’re desperately seeking some amazing places to visit in Germany, then Berlin should obviously be at the top of your bucket list.

And because Berlin is just so dang magical, with a wicked awesome gay Berlin travel culture, you’ll obviously want to take some of that magic home with you.

Which is why:

You should totally strap on your finest pair of lederhosen and grab the closest thing to a Bratwurst that you can find (Clearly I wanted to see just how many over the top German stereotypes I could actually fit into one sentence. LOL).

Because yes my friends:

We’re above to swan dive into the glorious sea of awesomeness that is this post. An article that is all about some of the best things to buy from Berlin like t-shirts, art, puzzles, and so much more.

Intrigued?

I know I am. So, let’s make like a herd of turtles and do this thing!

Wait, that’s not right.

Okay, well, you know what I mean. Just insert the name of your favorite, wicked fast animal where I mentioned turtles and let’s move on to infinitely more important things.   Like German souvenirs that you’ll get during your one day in Berlin (or more if you’re lucky)!

Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high chance that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

***Not sure where to stay in Berlin? Then check out East Seven Hostel in Berlin if you’re on a budget and experiencing some significant cash flow problems. Otherwise, if you’re looking to snazz things up a bit then you can always try either the mid-range, Eurostar’s Berlin Hotel or the luxurious AF, Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin.***

1. Ampelmann Souvenirs from Berlin (AKA that little green man)

Not sure who or what Amplemann is?

If not then you’re in good company because I too had never heard of Berlin’s, signature little green man. At least, not before I had visited the city.

However:

If you travel anywhere in East Berlin, or East Germany for that matter, then you’ll quickly become all too familiar with the Ampelmännchen, or Ampelmann.

See:

He’s that little green man that you’ll notice at many of Berlin’s crosswalks. The one who signals to pedestrians that it’s okay to cross the street.

And although this nifty little guy may seem a bit weird:

He was actually first designed in 1961 by traffic psychologist, Karl Peglau, to simultaneously stem the city’s increasing number of traffic-related accidents and get Communist-era workers excited about the start of a brand, spankin’ new day in good old East Germany.

A strategy that was so effective that East Germany actually fought to keep Ampelmann even after reunification.

But wait, it gets better.

Because Ampelmann is now accompanied by his new partner in crime, Ampelfrau, and is found emblazoned across many of the most classic souvenirs from Berlin.

Keeping a bit of East German heritage alive in modern-day Berlin.

So:

Stop by any one of the city’s Ampelmann stores (Because yes, this little guy now has his very own brand and a chain of stores dedicated to all things Amplemann) and pick up a debonair little tote bag, t-shirt, bath towel, bar of chocolate, water bottle, umbrella, soccer ball, etc.

However: 

My personal fave Berlin souvenir is still this swagerific coffee mug right here since it just makes my heart happy and is easilyy one of the best Christmas gifts for a world traveler.

Address: Unter den Linden 35, 10117 Berlin, Germany (This is also the brand’s flagship store)

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Französische Straße station and walk to the store from there.

Price: Most items here cost between €10.00 and €20.00.

2. KaDeWe for Designer Berlin Souvenirs

Built in 1906 by architect Johann Emil Schaudt:

KaDeWe (or Kaufhaus des Westens which is the store’s full name) is a now world-famous, designer department store that is the largest in all of continental Europe.

Known for selling a luxurious array of fashion, food, home decor, and beauty related products: 

No trip to Berlin would really be complete without a visit to this iconic department store.

The store is also spread across eight expansive floors, allowing guests to marvel at the way this brand expertly intertwines tradition with modernity when developing items that represent the latest in international shopping trends.

And while all of the merchandise sold here is amazing:

The real highlight of any visit here is a trip to the sixth floor, where you’ can find a wealth of different delicious Berlin souvenirs to take home with you.

Because this food/restaurant hall sells everything from premium oils to spices to exotic fruit and vintage champagnes.

However:

I personally would beeline it on over to their confectionary section and stock up on a splendid assortment of chocolates, fresh baked goods (their strawberry, raspberry. almond cream cake is really good too), coffee, and tea.

If you want:

You can even purchase one of their colorful gift baskets, which is filled with confectionery delights from Lenôtre, terrazzo-style Talian chocolate bars, and more.

There’s also a curved, old-timey candy counter here where you can purchase vintage, 1930s era candies like fruit gums, licorice, caramels, and chocolate pralines.

Afterward:

Take the elevator to Lutter and Wegner and enjoy some traditional veal schnitzel, potato dumplings, and Berlin curry sausage since this part of the department store is open well into the evening.

Address:Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. 

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Wittenbergplatz station and walk to the department store from there.

Price: It depends on what you buy but cakes start at €35.00 while chocolates start at €5.00 for 100 grams.

3. Coffee from Five Elephant

We all know about my not-so-low-key obsession with coffee.

Which is why:

Some premium, ground coffee needs to be added to your list of things to buy from Berlin.

And there really is no better place to go and get your caffeine fix than Five Elephant, a specialty coffee shop and micro-roastery in Kreuzberg.

Helping to pioneer the third-wave coffee movement in Berlin:

This cozy little cafe has vintage maps spread all across its light and bright walls, all of which detail the epic journey that their coffee takes across the globe (starting in places like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia) and to their minimalist-chic, Scandi-style, cafe in Berlin.

They also roast all of their coffee on-site, using a Dietrich roaster, and have a fierce commitment to selling nothing but fair-trade and eco-friendly beans. Beans that are so good, that they are actually sold to various coffee shops throughout town.

So:

Pull up a stool at one of their outdoor. wooden tables and sip on a latte. Something that is best enjoyed with a slice of their famous, New York-style cheesecake.

Because trust me:

This cake really is the stuff that foodie dreams are made of. Which is high praise coming from a native New Yorker like me.

But:

You’ll understand exactly what I mean when you bite into a divinely inspired piece of their cheesecake, which consists of a sublimely crunchy, graham cracker crust that is perfectly paired with a smooth, custard filling, that is then topped off with a delicious layer of cream.

Plus:

This cafe is also located right near the scenic,  Landwehr Canal.

So:

You can easily go for a relaxing, picturesque stroll along the water once you leave Five Elephant. You know, just so that you can work off all the calories that you ingested from that thin slice of cheesecakey goodness.

Whatever you do though:

Do NOT forget to take some of their flavorful, house blend coffee (it’s mostly Costa Rica-grown beans) home with you since it will serve as a fantastic reminder of Berlin’s amazing, coffee culture.

Address: Reichenberger Str. 101, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Schlesisches Tor station and walk to the coffee shop from there.

Price: A 250-gram bag of their coffee will cost anywhere between €10.00 and €42.06, with their Colombia, Santa Fe Espresso being my personal favorite.

4. Berlin Buddy Bears

Believe it or not:

Bears of every shape and variety are a BIG deal in Berlin.

That’s why:

If you walk around the city for even five minutes, then you’ll quickly be inundated by copious amounts of bears, bears, and, oh yeah, more bears.

A fact that makes infinitely more sense once you realize that Berlin’s flag actually displays a giant figure of a bear against a white background, with two red stripes at both the top and bottom of the flag.

Making the bear one of the city’s most enduring symbols. A symbol that dates all the way back to the 13th century

Eventually, in 2001, a group of local artists decided to create two-meter tall bear statues that were then hand-painted with a series of wonderfully unique and vibrant designs.

Statues that were later scattered throughout the city since the bear’s upright stance and raised arms were meant to symbolize people of the world holding hands and living in total peace, love, and harmony.

And because we live in a wonderfully capitalistic world:

You can now buy a pint-sized, plush version of the buddy bear from just about any souvenir shop in Berlin.

For the best assortment of legit, buddy bear-related products though:

I’d visit the official Berlin Buddy Bear store. Because once you step inside, you’ll be inundated by Buddy Bears that are emblazoned on everything from shirts to shot glasses to keychains.

Plus:

Some of the proceeds from your purchase will actually be donated to UNICEF so you really can feel good about spending your money here.

And just in case you were wondering:

Yes, this shop really is touristy AF. But whatever, you’re a tourist and sometimes that means doing abjectly touristy things.

Address: LP12 Mall of Berlin, Leipziger Pl. 12, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm (closed Sundays). 

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz and walk to the store from there.

Price: Most plush Buddy Bears will cost about €13.50 each.

5. Chocolate from Sawade Berlin

Ahh, chocolate. My one true love.

Except when I eat way too much of it and my pants become uncomfortably tight.

But alas:

That’s a musing for my therapist and not you dear reader. Because you’re here to learn about some of the best souvenirs from Berlin.

And if you want to bring some next-level awesome chocolate home with you, then Sawade is the place to go.

See:

This fine purveyor of chocolates was founded in 1880, by Ladislaus Ziemkiewicz, and is now known for being the oldest chocolate factory in Berlin.

More than that though:

Sawade still handmakes all of their chocolates and produces an exceptional range of high-quality pralines, truffles, marzipan, and specialty chocolates that everyone will love.

Chocolates so beloved, that the company quickly became the official chocolate supplier to the Royal Court of Prince George of Prussia and Grand Duke of Saxony-Weimar-Eisenach.

Today though:

Sawade still has a reputation for fine craftsmanship and for using traditional recipes to create a wealth of first-class chocolates that showcase a diverse array of fantastic ingredients.

And if you want to enjoy some of their divine chocolate for less:

Than you can always take a trip to their factory outlet in Berlin-Tegel and save anywhere between 20% and 50% on the chocolate that you buy.

6. Perfume from Frau Tonis Parfum

Looking for some of the finest perfumes in all of Berlin?

If so then Frau Tonis Parfum is the perfumery for you.

Centrally located near Checkpoint Charlie:

Their Berlin boutique is all about minimalism and creating a sublimely serene setting where fragrances can speak for themselves and serve as a source of inspiration for their customers.

That’s why:

This luxury perfume brand isn’t about extravagance but about selecting an array of exquisitely crafted, bespoke fragrances that cater to you, as a wonderfully unique individual.

So much so that the company even has its very own, five-question survey, which you can use to choose your ideal fragrance from among their line of 36 different perfumes (available for both men and women).

If you want:

You can even create your very own fragrance in their new, vintag-furnished studio.

Simply book a workshop session on their website and stand in awe as experts take you on a one to two-hour journey through your “olfactory diary” and select a variety of scents that perfectly define you as a person.

Afterward:

You’ll be able to take your signature, Eau de Parfum home with you while the store archives the formula.

This way:

You can continue to enjoy your creation for many years to come.

However:

If you really want to bring the smell of Berlin home with you, then indulge in either their light and citrusy No. 2 Berlin Summer or their Linde Berlin, which is based on the smell of the linden (AKA lime) trees the line some of the city’s most famous boulevards.

Because trust me:

Both of these scents expertly capture the smell of Berlin and will help ignite memories of the city each time you open them up.

Address: Zimmerstraße 13, 10969 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to U Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie station and walk to the store from there.

Price: Perfumes here start at €22.00 per bottle.

7. Berlin Wall Souvenirs

When you think of Berlin:

I bet one of the first things that comes to mind is the Berlin Wall.

And that makes sense since this former, guarded, concrete barrier between East and West Germany, now stands in ruins, as a living testament to the divisions of the past and to the lack of freedoms that citizens endured under an oppressive, Communist regime.

Furthermore:

Once the wall was officially erected in 1961, it signified an ideological and physical divide between the Communist East and the Democratic West, a division that we can only hope will never arise again.

Thankfully though:

The wall was officially demolished in 1989. But, not before more than 80 people lost their lives trying to flee the West.

So:

While you can purchase Berlin Wall inspired souvenirs of all varieties (everything from t-shirts to mugs to keychains to shot glasses to actually pieces of the Berlin Wall), do try and keep things respectful.

Because remember:

During its twenty-eight year history, the Berlin Wall caused an immeasurable amount of pain, sorrow, and suffering. Dividing families and friends seemingly overnight. 

However:

Today we can see it as a symbol of freedom and as a reminder of society’s triumph over an oppressive Communist regime. 

Now:

Even though you can get Berlin Wall encrusted memorabilia from just about every souvenir shop in the city, I personally love the selection available at the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie gift shop.

And yes:

I pinkie promise that you do not have to buy tickets to the museum if you just want to visit the gift shop.

Although:

This museum does have some pretty rad exhibits, with some fascinating information about the history of Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall. 

Yup:

This card-carrying member of the history nerd herd gives it two enthusiastic thumbs up. 

***If you can’t travel all the way to Berlin, then you can always purchase a piece of the Berlin Wall or a vintage, Berlin Wall inspired sign from Amazon instead.*** 

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to U Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie station and the museum is practically right there.

Price: Magnets start at €4.95 but you can pay upwards of €150.00 for a large piece of the Berlin Wall.

8. Sara Conte Jewelry

Some of the outrageous jewelry you’ll find at Tukadu in Berlin.

Truth be told:

I love getting a unique piece of jewelry from just about any city or country that I visit.

I mean:

Not only does it make for an extra cool souvenir, but it’s also incredibly easy to take home with you since you basically just put it on and are good to go.

A fact that always seems to save me from those beyond awful, excess baggage fees of doom.

And while you’ll definitely stumble across a wealth of fantastic jewelry shops in Berlin, Sara Conte Jewelry is definitely one fo my faves.

Originally from Rome:

Sara Conte has been living in Berlin for years and is an expert goldsmith who beautifully handcrafts all of her own jewelry. Pieces that can regularly be found on display in Berlin’s various arts and crafts markets (she also has a studio in Berlin-Schöneberg that you can visit by appointment).

Drawing on inspiration from modern language and various elements of traditional craftsmanship:

Sara is able to create a wealth of filigree pieces that are elaborate but not ostentatious and refined but contemporary, all at the same time.

Pieces that are almost reminiscent of the antiquities that you’d find in any one of the museums on Berlin’s famous, Museum Island.

Which makes sense when you understand that she uses an elaborate, wax modeling and lost-wax casting technique to create most of her gold and silver jewelry.

See:

Once a hand-sculpted, wax model of the piece is developed, a liquid metal alloy is then poured into the mold.

Next:

The liquid quickly melts away the wax, creating a hollow chamber at the center of the mold that the artist can use to generate a wide variety of innovative designs and shapes.

That’s why:

When you stop by her studio in Berlin-Schöneberg, you’ll quickly discover an array of classic, gold and silver jewelry that is typically accented by a single, vibrantly colored jewel at the center of the piece.

Making this one of the best places to shop for some truly unique, Berlin souvenirs.

***Searching for something a bit more unusual? Dare I say, slightly outrageous? If so then try Tukadu, a vibrant, wonderfully imaginative store where you’ll find a ton of totally over the top, incredibly colorful, pieces of costume jewelry. There are also thousands of beads, buttons, fabrics, and ribbons on display here, so that you can easily do a bit of impromptu jewelry making if you feel so inclined.*** 

Address: Bozener Straße 21 10825 Berlin (contact her through her website if you want to see her studio)

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Bayerischer Platz station and walk to the studio from there.

9. Schnapps

Looking to get your drinky drink on while in Berlin?

If so then authentic, Prussian schnapps is totally where it’s at and will be the perfect Berlin souvenir.

However:

Don’t just pop into any old liqueur store since, well, that sounds lame AF.

Instead:

Visit Preussische Spirituosen Manufaktur, a traditional liqueur factory where Berlin’s best scientists and master distillers have been crafting some of the city’s finest alcohols since 1874.

Part museum, part distillery, part liqueur store:

This is the perfect place to go and learn all about the history of schnapps making in Berlin (FYI, schnapps is a fruit brandy that is typically made by fermenting fruit juices along with a base liquor, resulting in a liqueur with an alcohol content of at least 32%.).

So:

Hop on a guided tour of the factory, which still looks exactly as it did in 1874, and marvel at some of the old fashioned stills here, while you learn all about the schnapps making process and sample some of the company’s finest products (A small, two-hour, guided tour requires at least four people and costs €10.00 per person), like their delicious elderflower liqueur, ginger schnapps, coffee liqueuer, and pear brandy.

10. Any of the Pop Art Inspired Berlin Souvenirs from Art-Domino

Not gonna lie:

I am more than a little obsessed with all of the Berlin souvenirs that are for sale at Art Domino, Cities in Pop Art.

And can you blame me since all of the items on sale here are traditional souvenirs, but with a distinct, incredibly colorful, pop art twist?

Yup, trust me:

This place is even more awesome than it sounds since everywhere you turn you’ll find mugs, t-shirts, magnets, puzzles, bags, jewelry, and wall art aplenty (Even though everything here is awesome, I particularly love their canvas prints and coffee mugs).

But, more than just a gift shop:

Art-Domino is a living and breathing art gallery where you can step inside and experience the work of Berlin-based artist, Sabine Welz.

Stand in awe as she expertly translates urban motifs and sights from all over Berlin (and the world) into exquisite, pieces of pop art.

Creating a range of reasonably priced designs that you’ll happily take home with you.

Because while you’re here:

Your only problem will be trying to prevent yourself from impulse buying everything in the store.

And if there’s something you want but that they just don’t have:

Then no problem! Because the store will be only too happy to custom make something for you.

See:

Vibrant, art-laden dreams really do come true!

Address: Tauentzienstrasse 9 – 12, Städte-Galerie im Europa-Center, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Kurfürstendamm station and walk to the store from there.

Price: Most of the items here cost anywhere between €8.00 and €60.00.

11. Cheese

Okay.

I’ve got a fun little factoid for you.

Believe it or not, Germany produces just shy of 1.8 million tons of cheese per year, making it the single largest producer of cheese in Europe and the second-largest producer of cheese in the world.

Crazy right?

That why, OBVI, you should totally take some delicious cheese home with you.

But:

Where should you go and what should by when looking for a buffet of cheesy goodness?

Well:

Luckily for you, I am a die-hard, non-vegan, lactose tolerant foodie who can tell you exactly where to go for some of the best cheese ever.

Period.

And that place is Der Allgäuer Käseladen.

Tucked away inside a quiet neighborhood in the Prenzlauer Berg district, this is the perfect place to go if you want to sample some truly authentic German cheese.

Because most of the cheese sold here actually heralds from the country’s Allgäu region, where the shop has its very own dairy farm, Sennerei Lehern, near the Swiss border.

It is here that the shop produces much of the cheese that it sells, like the area’s famous Bavarian Bergkäse (AKA mountain cheese).

FYI:

This cheese is also known as Allgauer Bergkase and is characterized as a hard mountain cheese that is, in fact, the only “PDO” (Protected Designation of Origin) designated cheese in Germany.

As such:

This artisanal cheese is handmade, one wheel at a time, using large copper vats and raw, non-pasteurized cow’s milk.

And the result?

A firm, light yellow, strong-smelling cheese with pea-sized holes and a distinctly spicy flavor that only gets more pronounced as the cheese is aged past 4 months.

Therefore:

It is your gastronomic duty to sample some Bavarian Bergkäse while you’re here.

Heck:

Feel free to go a little crazy and try their cured sausages (made with Alpine mountain goat meat), organic red wine–coated Rotweinkäse (red wine cheese), smoked Räucherkäse (smoked cheese), and herb- and flower-rubbed Blümlekäse (hay milk flower cheese).

***If you’re visiting Berlin in November then be sure to attend the city’s annual cheese festival, Cheese Berlin. Otherwise, you can always take a trip to Domäne Dahlem, an open-air museum/working farm that sits along the border with Brandenburg. After exploring this eight-century-old farmstead, be sure to stop by their onsite store and peruse through the wide array of homegrown produce, meats, cheeses, and eggs that are on offer. A weekly Saturday market also takes place here, where vendors sell a selection of homemade pasta, German wines, bread, and more.***

Address: Schönhauser Allee 80, 10439 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Also,open on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (closed Sundays and Mondays).

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Schönhauser Allee station and walk to the shop from there.

Price: Most cheeses here won’t cost more than €10.00.

12. Hertha BSC Memorabilia

Like just about every other country in the world, minus the US, Germany is wild about football (AKA soccer for my American brethren).

And Berliners are no exception to that rule.

As a result:

Residents regularly show massive amounts of love for their local teams, two of the most popular of which are Hertha BSC and FC Union Berlin.

And while I personally don’t give a fig about football:

Many people do. That’s why, if you’re as football-obsessed as the rest of the world, then stock up on some authentic, Hertha BSC merch while you’re in Berlin.

Because this team has been around since 1892 and was actually the founding member of the German Football Association.

Sadly though:

In spite of the club’s long history, it has only won two German championships in 1930 and 1931 respectively.

However:

During the club’s 1999-2000 season, they became Berlin’s first-ever representative at the UEFA Champion’s League, after defeating Cyprus (Anorthosis Famagusta), but was ultimately eliminated in the second group stage.

But: 

Don’t let that fact prevent you from procuring some signature, blue and white, team merch from any local, Hertha BSC Fanshop.

Personally though:

I’d stop by the location near Zoologischer Garten since it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Berlin Zoo and KaDeWe department store.

***Per usual, you can get some authentic, Hertha BSC merch from Amazon right now!***

Address: 12, Breitscheidplatz 9, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed Sundays).

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Kurfürstendamm station and walk to the store from there.

Price: Many of the items here are under €30.00, with official jerseys costing €50.00.

13. Craft Beer from Hops and Barley Brewery

Beer and Germany go together like, well, beer and brats.

So yeah:

A  total match made in heaven.

Then:

There’s the ever-present fact that Germany is known the world over for its iconic, annual beer festival (cough, Octoberfest).

And that’s when you begin to realize that you cannot, in good conscience, leave the country without taking copious amounts of local craft beer home with you.

Or:

Without, at the very least, sampling some local brew. You know, just so that you can enjoy ALL of Berlin’s cultural awesomeness (wink, wink).

And one of the best places to do so is Hops and Barley.

Opened in 2008:

This Friedrichshain area brewery sits inside a former 1950s ere butcher shop and has a cozy little, yester-year vibe about it that is enhanced by the wealth of vintage green and cream tiles and exposed pipes that you’ll find here.

There’s also a comfortably casual, low-key feel about the place that makes it easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy some of their unfiltered pilsners, delicious Weizen, home-brewed ciders, and IPAs.

If you want:

You can even go on a tour of the brewery (Tours for groups of 5-15 people costs €5.00 per person and are by appointment only) or take one of their fantastic brewing courses.

However:

For a real sampling of local flavor, try their Schlangenbiss, which is a signature drink that consists of local beer, cider, and a shot of black currant syrup to balance it all out (You can also bring a bottle of their Four/C Imperial IPA home with you as wicked awesome Berlin souvenir).

And if you’re in desperate need of something to soak up all this alcoholy goodness:

Then opt for their Treberbrot platter, a selection of three different sausages that includes bread made from the grain that is left over from the brewing process.

***Another popular local brew that you might want to bring home with you is Berliner Weisse. I mean, this beer is not only brewed it Berlin but is also the single most popular drink in the entire city. It’s also a hearty, sour wheat beer that is typically served with a shot of raspberry syrup. So, if you want to try this traditional Berliner drink for yourself, then just head to the third floor of Alexcanderplatz’s Galeria Kaufhof, where you can get a pre-mixed beer for around a €1.00.***

Address: Wühlischstraße 22/23, 10245 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am (with extended hours until 2: 00 am on Friday), Saturday from 3:00 pm to 2:00 am, and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to U Samariterstraße station and walk to the brewery from there.

Price: A beer here will cost around €3.80.

14. Anything from S.Wert Design

A beautiful S.Wert Deisgn tea towel makes a fantastic, Berlin souvenir. (image sourced from the S.Wert Design website).

Founded 27 years ago by owner Sandra Siewert:

S.Wert Design is a whole hell of a lot like the Art Domino Cities in Pop Art shop and has become a veritable utopia of quirky, yet totally affordable, Berlin souvenirs.

That’s because:

Everywhere you turn you’ll find ultra-stylish items with vibrant, architectural motifs. Products that create an urban narrative about some of the city’s most beloved places and that reflect Sandra’s own deep love of Berlin.

Merchandise that is also manufactured in Germany, using quality materials and fair production practices, allowing you to feel good about anything that you purchase here,

So:

Stop by Rosenthaler Platz and peruse through a dizzying array of super snazzy t-shirts, magnets, postcards, tea towels, cushions, stationery, bags, posters, mugs, and calendars, Products that all showcase highly abstracted, incredibly colorful, graphic and print designs that expertly mimic the beauty of the surrounding city.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to U Roesnthaler Platz and walk to the store from there.

15. Currywurst

In case you’re not in the know:

Currywurst is a BIG deal in Germany.

So much so that Berlin actually once had its very own Currywurst museum. A place where you could learn about the detailed history of the food.

And if you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about:

Then prepare to be amazing by the meaty goodness that is currywurst.

Because this traditional, German, fast food item is typically made with steamed, then fried, pork sausage that is later cut into small pieces, seasoned with curry ketchup, topped with curry powder, and then served with a side of french fries.

And while there are no shortage of fantastic street food vendors, serving up their own delicious versions of this immortal dish, you can’t really take a steaming hot plate of Currywurst on the plane with you now can you?

Yeah, talk about an uber-awkward item to stow in your carry-on. 

That’s why, after visiting some of the best Currywurst spots in Berlin (Think straight up foodie meccas like Curry 36, Konnopke’s Imbiss, Witty’s, and Curry Mitte), be sure to stroll on over to EAT Berlin.

It’s located in Court 7 of Hackescher Markt and is this trendy little food store where you can stop and get a variety of different German foods. All of which are handmade in Berlin by local, independent sellers.

So:

If you want to take a bit of Berlin’s foodie scene home with you, then try their “Currywurst Maker”, a wonderful mixture of spices that is designed to help you recreate this authentic, German dish, from within your very own kitchen.

And if you really wanna go hog wild (Yes, lame pun intended):

Then try their Berlin Mustard Sauce and their Goldleaf Dressings since I found both to be pretty dang tasty and truly one of the best things to buy from Germany.

Address: Hackesche Höfe, Hof 7 10178 Berlin

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Weinmeisterstraße station and walk to the store from there.

Price: Their Currywurst Maker is €7.90 per package.

16. DDR/East Germany Inspired Berlin Souvenirs

As previously mentioned:

East Germany, also officially known as the German Democratic Republic, was a Communist state that existed between 1949 and 1989.

The DDR (or Deutsche Demokratische Republik in German) was initially established after WWII when Germany was occupied by the Allied Powers (France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union) as a condition of its surrender.

Part of the official declaration of peace stipulated that:

Germany would be divided into four distinct zones, each of which would be occupied by a single, Allied Power.

However:

Once agreements began to break down in 1946, between Western and Soviet segments of the Allied forces, Western powers decided to merge their zones.

Eventually:

A new form of currency was introduced into Western Germany, in a desperate attempt to help revive the local economy.

In response:

The Soviet Union issued the Berlin Blockade, an event that would lead to the division of Germany into two equal parts, the democratic West and the Communist East.

Later:

The Berlin Wall would be created in an attempt to prevent East Germans from fleeing into West Germany, where citizens enjoyed more economic prosperity and political freedoms.

And thus, East Germany was born.

So:

If you’re looking to travel back in time and take a piece of Soviet-era Germany home with you, then you can always buy some DDR-inspired souvenirs.

Because no joke:

They are literally everywhere.

That’s why:

Regardless of where you go in the city, you’ll be able to find a wealth of souvenir shops, street vendors, and museum gift shops that are all overflowing with East German flags, t-shirts, hats, and basically anything else you can dream up.

The only problem?

Many of these items are ridiculously expensive and totally inauthentic.

Therefore:

If you’re looking for something a bit more authentic, like a piece of clothing or an antique that might actually be from the DDR, then mosy on over to VEB Orange.

Because this local thrift shop/indoor flea market sells a wide array of authentic, DDR collectibles, in addition to various other German antiques, that date back to anywhere between 1950 and 1980.

And FYI:

You know that this place is legit since many of the antiques that are deemed too noteworthy to be resold are actually put behind the counter and sent to a local DDR Museum instead.

So:

Be the badass comrade that I know you are and stock up on all the slightly kitschy, one of a kind, reasonably priced, Soviet-era medals, furniture, and clothing that you can find.

Address: Oderberger Str. 29, 10435 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to U Eberswalder Straße station and walk to the thrift store from there.

Price: Varies depending on how valuable the antique is.

17. An Authentic German Beer Stein from the Flea Market at the Bode Museum

Like with the aforementioned DDR-inspired, souvenirs from Berlin:

Many of the “traditional” beer steins that you’ll find in Berlin will be overpriced, tacky AF, and totally inauthentic.

So yeah:

Probably not exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to things to buy from Berlin.

That’s why:

I’d skip the overpriced souvenir shops altogether and visit the market at the Bode Museum instead.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Museum Island:

This fantastic weekend antique and book market is located right in the city center and has sixty vendors that sell records, toys, pictures, household items, pottery, cutlery, and more.

For the best selection of vintage, ceramic, beer steins though:

Head straight to a cozy little stall on the left that sits just past the Bode Museum.

Seriously:

You can’t miss it since this place is brimming over with more beer steins that you ever thought possible.

So:

If a vintage, German, beer stein is on your list of things to buy from Berlin, then this is, without a doubt, the place to go.

Address: Am Kupfergraben 3, 10117 Berlin

Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the U-Bahn to Berlin Friedrichstraße station and walk to the flea market from there.

Price: You’ll pay around €8.00 for an antique beer stein. Prices are negotiable though.

18. Blutwurst