Thrifting in Hamburg: Your Insider’s Guide to Vintage, Kiloshops, and Flea Markets
- BBA
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Whether you’re new to Hamburg or a longtime resident, thrifting is one of the best ways to explore the city, save money, and live more sustainably. Hamburg has a thriving secondhand scene—full of character, surprises, and great stories.
Here’s your guide to the best thrift spots and where to keep an eye out for flea markets across the city.
Why Thrift in Hamburg?
Thrifting offers more than cheap clothes. It’s a way to connect with Hamburg’s creative undercurrents, reduce fashion waste, and discover pieces with stories. For many in the city, vintage is a lifestyle, not a trend. It’s also a great way to dress uniquely (without breaking the bank) and stumble into parts of Hamburg you might never otherwise visit.
Plus: Many of these shops are hubs for conversation, style inspiration, and sustainability-minded people. So don't be shy – maybe you could meet a new friend !
🛍️ Must-Visit Thrift Shops in Hamburg
This is a massive vintage kilo shop. Which means everything—from dresses to jackets, shoes to accessories—is sold by weight.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11AM - 8PM
Sunday: CLOSED
HAPPY HOUR: EVERY TUESDAY 20% OFF (12PM-03PM)
STUDENT DISCOUNT: 10% OFF (ALL YEAR ROUND)
Why Go: The fun is in digging through rails full of unique pieces, well organized by color and style.
Pro Tips from the BBA Community:
“Go early (you’ll catch the freshest stock). Dress comfortably. Bring your own tote if possible (they often encourage you to reuse).”
This is another kilo-based shop, with a fresh twist: every three weeks, the shop refreshes its entire collection, and prices shift (so deals get better toward the end of each rotation).
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11AM - 8PM
Sunday: CLOSED
Why Go: Because the stock is always changing, there’s almost always something new to find. If you peek in regularly, you might catch something one person missed.
Pro Tips from the BBA Community:
"If you see something you love early on, grab it—later it may be gone. But if you wait, the price might drop enough to make it irresistible."
Episode is a more curated vintage & secondhand chain with solid reputation. The location on Schulterblatt in the Schanze area is a good bet for vintage finds, well-chosen pieces, and a balanced mix of everyday and statement garments.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11AM - 8PM
Sunday: CLOSED
Why Go: When you want something more refined or vetted (versus digging through rails by weight). You might find designer labels, standout items, or vintage that’s in excellent condition.
Pro Tips from the BBA Community:
"Inspect zipper pulls, seams, buttons carefully. Some items may need small repairs—keep your eyes open."
It’s a well-known chain, so you’ll find a wide selection of second-hand and vintage clothing in one spot.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
Sunday: CLOSED
Why Go: Since it’s in Winterhude, you get more of a neighborhood feel compared to more toursity areas.
Pro Tips from the BBA Community:
"Great if you're looking for more “everyday vintage” rather than niche designer pieces—good for layering up in cooler Hamburg weather with jackets, knitwear, and casual pieces."
👀 Flea Markets & Kilo Sale Events to Watch
Flohmärkte across Hamburg
Every borough seems to host its own markets on weekends. Favorites include the Flohmarkt Schanze (great for vintage, furniture, vinyls) and the large markets at the Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld.
If you love wandering and stumbling into hidden gems, spend a Saturday hopping between neighborhoods! Could even be a fun date idea 💡
Flohdom (Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld)
A large, regular flea market with a variety of goods—clothing, antiques, bric-a-brac. It’s especially good when the weather is nice and the market feels like an entire day’s outing.
Night & Themed Flea Markets
These take place occasionally—markets that stay open into the evening, or ones with special vintage/kilo themes. For example, there are night flea markets near Rindermarkthalle in St. Pauli. Check local listings (Instagram, forums) because the dates tend to vary.
Vino Kilo & Vintage Kilo Sales
Vino Kilo is more than a sale—it’s an experience. It combines vintage clothes sold by weight, wine or drinks, music, curated space, and a social, stylish atmosphere. In Hamburg, Vino Kilo frequently hosts pop-ups in unique venues. These events tend to attract fashion lovers, sustainable style seekers, and people who just want a fun, social shopping event.
Vintage Weekender / Sustainability Sunday Events
Occasionally, vintage kilo sales are paired with workshops, sustainability talks, clothing swaps, music and food. These are perfect if you want more than shopping—if you want a community event.
Pro Tips from the BBA Community:
“Great finds might be hidden behind piles. The fun of thrifting is digging, layering, and the element of surprise.”
“Bring change and cash: Many flea market sellers prefer cash; some vintage shops accept cards, but smaller stalls may not.”
🏠 Thrift from the comfort of home?
Did you know you can also thrift online? Our community loves the Vinted app.
“I buy almost all my clothes on it secondhand”
"It's great for baby clothes, toys and shoes – since they grow out of everything so quickly, I prefer to keep it within the "circular economy" and only get secondhand items."
✨
Hamburg’s thrifting scene is as layered and vibrant as the city itself. The combination of kilo-shops, well-curated vintage stores, and ever-changing markets means you never run out of places to explore—or new stories behind the pieces you bring home.
💬 For even more personal recommendations, insider tips, and beauty secrets, join the BBA community! We can't wait to welcome you!
Comments