The Best Independent Stores and Boutiques in Hamburg

The charming B.Sweet in Hamburg’s lively Ottensen district is the boutique of every woman’s dreams. The shop’s “sweet and seductive” is apparent in its two wares: confectionery and lingerie. The mouthwatering chocolates, pralines, macarons, and other sweets are hand-selected specialties from all over the world. The high-end, gorgeous lingerie is colourful and elegant, adorned in luscious lace and satin.

Claus Kröger is a must for every tea- and coffee-lover. The century-old store that’s been run by the Kröger family for generations offers hundreds of tea varieties, specialty locally roasted coffees, as well as select wines and chocolates and other delicacies from across the world. It’s almost impossible to choose from the aromatic black, green, white, oolong, rooibos, and fruit teas; the diverse classic and flavoured coffees; and the sweet treats to pair with that perfect cup.

Near the Hamburg harbour lies the ultimate source of unique and tasteful Hamburg souvenirs: The Art of Hamburg. The one-of-a-kind items are handmade by local artists and designers using innovative techniques. The store carries a truly impressive range of products: clothing for the whole family, accessories like bags and scarves and home goods like wall decór, teacups and dish towels. The shop’s limited edition products can also be found at the Elbphilharmonie and the Berlin Zoo.

In the city’s upscale residential district of Eppendorf is Kaufrausch—literally “shopping spree”. Opened in 1983, the store has become an integral and beloved part of the neighbourhood. To be precise, the store is actually a combination of an Italian café and six individual shops that sell elegant fashion, handmade leather accessories, trendy jewellery, unusual hair accessories, lingerie and swimwear and gifts and home goods. Together they present a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.

Sautter + Lackmann, a bookshop like no other, lies on Fleet Island between the city hall and the harbour. Founded in 1970, the family enterprise has established itself as one of the leading bookshops for fine arts and architecture in Germany. The store presents an international range of books not only about art and architecture but also about photography, film, graphic design, fashion, web design and more. The ceiling-high shelves of the former storage hall stock a rich book collection of gems you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

In the heart of Hamburg’s main shopping district, a store still gives a glimpse of days gone by: the Walter Eisenberg der Mützenmacher. Established in 1892, the hat shop is one of the oldest in the city and remains a place where the time stands still. Customers can choose between 18 types of traditional handmade, tailored hats. The hats are even manufactured using original sewing machines from the 1920s.

The charming Bleu boutique in the trendy Sternschanze district specialises in gorgeous jewellery and accessories. Find everything from earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets to scarves, clutches and wallets. The high-quality items are hand-selected from vendors in Germany, Denmark, France and the US. The small store is a haven for ladies who appreciate unique jewellery that’s delicate and playful, adorned with alluring little details.

The Boutique Bizarre, the largest sex shop in Europe, showcases the best of Hamburg’s famous red light district. The store’s tasteful and modernly furnished two floors hold a vast selection of products for all genders and sexual interests. While the upper floor holds mainstream toys and accessories as well as gorgeous lingerie and corsages, the basement fetish and BDSM sections will fulfil all red room fantasies. During weekend party hours, the store collects an entrance fee that is reimbursed upon purchase. If you’re to visit just one sex shop in your life, make it Boutique Bizarre.