Shopping

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Shopping in Berlin is a very varied affair. The difference between East and West is still keenly felt here, and as a rule the more traditional, luxury and exclusive shopping can be found in west Berlin, while east Berlin is home to more independent designers and quirky shops, though there are plentiful exceptions in both cases.

Markets
When people speak of markets in Berlin they usually mean flea markets, and Berlin has some doozies. The best known are Flohmarkt am Mauerpark and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz, both on Sundays in Prenzlauer Berg.

Shopping centres
The biggest shopping centres in central Berlin are Alexa (Alexanderplatz), Schönhauser Allee Arkaden (Schönhauser Allee) and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden (Potsdamer Platz).

Key areas
The famous main avenue of west Berlin is Kurfürstendamm that runs through Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf, still a great place to shop for big brands. The neighbourhood is also home to the city's premier department store, KaDeWe (Tauentzienstrasse 21-24). Most Berliners will agree that the best shopping is available in Mitte between Hackescher Markt and Alexanderplatz.

Shopping hours
Shops in Berlin are generally open Monday to Saturday 0900/1000 to 1900/2000. Almost everything is closed on Sunday.

Tax information
Visitors from outside the EU can reclaim a portion of that on goods worth over €25. Berlin shops displaying the 'TAX-FREE' sign issue a receipt that, when stamped by customs, can be redeemed at a tax-free reimbursement office.