Seek and you shall find

Interiors writer, Megan Murray, delves into the heart of the vintage world for the best second-hand stores across all 25hours Hotels cities

Wohnkultur 66
Sternstraße 66, Hamburg, 20357 

Sandwiched amidst two of the city’s most creative quarters, Wohnkultur 66 finds its home in a historic, former meat-packing warehouse. The cavernous space seems to go on forever, its lofty rooms decorated tastefully with design classics. This is a spot for serious collectors and the well-heeled owners feel like part of the furniture, sharing eccentric stories on where they found the likes of Poul Henningsen lamps or an old movie poster belonging to iconic 20th century Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. While it isn’t exactly budget-friendly, Wohnkultur 66’s artfully plastered walls and museum-like atmosphere make it a must-visit, and the owners would be thrilled to help you find something that works for you. 
wohnkultur66.de

Weisen
Wiesenstr. 17, 60385, Frankfurt

Stella had dreamed of opening her own vintage store after years of wandering flea markets and honing her eye for pre-loved gems. So, when in 2021 she was offered her own bricks-and-mortar space she couldn’t say no, and set about doing the place up, with the help of her furry friend, Simba the cat. At Weisen you’ll find a varied selection of goods; alongside rails of clothing from the 50s all the way to Y2K, Stella has a thing for mid-century sideboards, fringed lamps and dainty glassware, perfect for your next dinner party. Drop in and say hello, or meow, if Simba’s behind the desk. wiesen-vintage.de

Vintage Living
Oranienstrasse 169, 10999 Berlin

At almost two kilometers and alive with cafes, boutiques, vintage clothing stores and bars, Oranienstrasse is one of Berlin’s most famous streets. And it’s here, you’ll find Vintage Living, buried in the heart of the brilliant, bustling madness. Set out like someone’s cluttered living room, expect mid-century pieces in great condition, vintage glassware and retro lighting. The light-up globes have a particularly nostalgic feel, reminding us of childhood bedrooms. The owner jokes that here, the beautiful rubs up next to the bizarre, but that it’s all necessary to bring a little character to your home - the more scuffs the better. Cheers to that! vintageliving.de

Skat25
Rue Saint-Paul, 75004, Paris

Skat is the tale of two impossibly stylish cultures, coming together in one aesthetically pleasing boutique, right in the cœur of Paris’ Le Marais. Couple Agnès Salto, who is Danish, and Mathias de Cevins, who is French, curate the store’s selection combining their native influences for a serene shopping experience. While you’ll find a lot of high-end fashion here, from Jean Paul Gaultier dresses to Jill Sander blazers, there’s also Scandinavian ceramics, sleek glassware and artworks. With its cream-toned walls and minimalist displays, you’ll feel chicer just knowing it exists. instagram.com/skat.paris

The Workshop 
Warehouse #6, 26th Street, Al Qouz Industrial Area 4, Dubai

This multi-floorspace in Dubai’s warehouse district features The Gift Shop selling artisanal products with a social impact purpose, and contemporary art gallery Fann À Porter. Vintage magpies will be most interested in Vindemia, a vast eclectic antiques warehouse, stuffed to the brim with Art Nouveau pieces, 19th-century furniture and vintage china. It’s the kind of place to get rummaging! theworkshopdubai.com 

Mill
Eifelwall 44, 50674, Cologne

Sisters Lena and Mari founded their vintage concept store, Mill, 11 years ago, borne out of an interest in sustainable living and long-lasting products. They typically favour Scandinavian design, showcasing an impressive selection of mid-century sideboards, Swedish vases, teak magazine holders and rattan mirrors. Here, you can pick up pieces with a retro feel, in a stylishly paired-back environment. And, if you’re in town long enough, you should attend one of their events, too. From flower arranging to watercolour painting, their ever-changing calendar is a fun way to meet other vintage enthusiasts in the city. mill-living.de

Bogen33
Hohlstrasse 100, 8004, Zurich

If you have a penchant for all things retro, get yourself down to Bogen33, a showroom and warehouse in Zurich that specialises in homewares from the 1950s to the 1980s. The team here are experts in every sense of the word, not only sourcing a mix of lighting, furniture, armchairs, clocks and tableware, but offering rentals for parties, restoration services for your own pieces, as well as consultations on what your home needs. In fact, the team offer an open invite to come down and have a coffee and discuss interiors ideas for your space - it’s more fun than hours spent scrolling for inspo on Instagram! bogen33.ch

The Danish Girl
Franz-Joseph-Straße 46, 80801 München

While the world might be obsessed with mid-century vintage, Nike aka The Danish Girl, struck gold with Münchners when she turned her attention to pre-loved finds from Morocco and Turkey. In either of her Munich-based stores, visitors can browse antique, hand-knotted Berber rugs, colourful floor cushions and textured pillows sourced from the Atlas Mountains, starting at €80. Mixed in are contemporary items like handmade sisal baskets from Kenya and vegan scented candles, making The Danish Girl a homewares all-rounder for your next visit. thedanishgirl.de

Vaseline
Wallstraße 37, 40213 Düsseldorf

Rolf Buck opened Vaseline back in 1998 with a small collection of pre-loved, up-cycled clothes and homewares. Over the last 20 years, his vision has grown, first moving into a larger space allowing his creative ideas to flourish with photoshoots and events. He’s hosted iconic shoppers such as Priscilla Presley and become a neighbourhood legend, known for his risque sense of humour and eccentric style. Some of his more unique sales have included a stuffed poodle, porn cards decorated with googly eyes, and his own line of handmade lampshades. It’s a Düsseldorf rite of passage. instagram.com/vaseline_store_duesseldorf

Albrici
Via dei Serragli 20R, 50124, Florence 

How can you immerse yourself in a city known for its history, art and design, without getting lost in its vintage stores? There’s nowhere that fits the bill better than Albrici, a charismatic enclave where Valentino gowns are draped over antique chairs, dusty tomes are piled next to stacks of vintage Vogue magazines, and hand-painted screens are adorned with ruffled fascinators. Albrici has belonged to the same family for three generations, with granddaughter Beatrice adding her own sartorial touch over the last decade. recollectionvintageflorence.com

BANANAS

Kettenbrückengasse 15, 1050, Vienna

Palm-covered armchairs, pineapple salt shakers and decorative flamingos; kitsch classics are the order of the day at the eccentrically-named BANANAS. Get hunting through this store’s mix of bygone treasures, spanning both larger furniture pieces and accessories - even some 90s jewellery! With an ideal location right next to Vienna’s Naschmarkt, you can combine your visit with one of the city’s most loved attractions, browsing flowers, fresh produce and handmade products, before getting your vintage fix here. bananas.at