Wearable souvenirs: The 10 best places for vintage shopping around the world
The earth is suffering, and we all know it. Choosing to travel sustainably and supporting eco-friendly hostels already makes a big difference. Yet the fashion industry alone is responsible for 5% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, and according to experts, this percentage is set to rise. Not to mention the ethical implications of underpaid workers and child labour. Being bombarded with all this information can be overwhelming, I know it was for me. I love fashion and creating new outfits, so I started looking for ways to do it more sustainably. As most eco-friendly brands are currently quite expensive and I’m working on a backpacker’s budget, I turned to vintage and second-hand shopping – something I thought was only for pretty women with red lipstick and beehives. I started cautiously, but I still remember the feeling of finding the perfect vintage t-shirt for a few euros, and before you know it, I was hooked. If you want to know the best places to shop vintage around the world, you’ve come to the right place.
The great thing about buying second-hand is that you’re not introducing anything new into our ecosystem. All these clothes have already been loved and worn, and their only options were to end up in landfill… or in your wardrobe! Vintage shopping also has a hunting aspect that I really appreciate. Finding the perfect fit is much harder than choosing the right size on a website, and then when you stumble across a garment that you like and that looks good on you, it feels like the stars have crossed. A truly magical feeling! Browsing became my hobby, and as a traveller I started to use it on my travels too. Every time I was in a new place, I took at least half a day to browse these foreign second-hand shops, on crazy routes that took me through the coolest neighbourhoods. I often returned home with unique vintage finds as souvenirs, and I started to get that same feeling I had as a kid travelling when there were no internet shops and I looked forward to all the different places I could shop. I loved turning up at school with a pair of fancy trousers and when asked where they were from, answering “I bought them in Paris”. I know that’s a bit pretentious, but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t love that too!
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Vintage shopping while travelling turned my wardrobe into a postcard box of clothes I had collected from around the world. The memories of that trip were woven into the fibres of the garments, and each piece began to have a much greater meaning than clothes used to. How valuable is it to see a world map of the places you’ve been every time you open your wardrobe? The cities out there have the coolest and edgiest clothes just waiting for you to rummage through their racks. As a backpacker, I recommend taking some time to explore the local vintage scene wherever you are. And if you don’t know where to start, take a look at our top ten best places for vintage shopping around the world. Go ahead – get thrifting!
1. Milan, Italy
Milan is the fashion capital of the world, with designer shops lining the pavements where the most stylish people you’ve ever seen strut their stuff in high heels. Think faux fur coats and huge sunglasses and that certain something to show the world you’re a true fashionista. You might think that second-hand shops don’t belong in such a posh city, but you’d be wrong. The Solari neighbourhood in the south of the city shows the sustainable and fun side of this fashion metropolis with its quirky shop windows and neon signs. My personal favourite is Humana Vintage, a real vintage shop selling clothes from the fifties to cosy granny jumpers. Prices range from €5 to constant special offers. A few blocks away is the street of vintage shops with a row of second-hand shops just a few metres away from each other. SNAP Milano is a cool concept store that sells vintage pieces from all over the world. If you’re interested in Japanese fashion, you should definitely give it a try. Bivio has both a men’s and a women’s shop and specialises in designer pieces. Go ahead and browse – you could pick up a pair of chic green velvet Versace jeans for just €20! Bivio is also willing to buy up your old clothes: a great way to freshen up your rucksack without running out of space!
Humana Vintage, Via Cappellari, 3, 20123 Milan MI
SNAP Milano, Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 11, 20123 Milan MI
Bivio Milano, Via Lambro, 12, 20129 Milan MI
Bivio Milano Donna, Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 4, 20100 Milan MI
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2. London, UK
If you’ve heard anything about London, you’ve probably heard of Brick Lane and its iconic vintage shops. London is one of the best places for vintage shopping and names like Rokit are legendary. The fame is also reflected in the prices. Whilst I recommend visiting the big shops if you’ve never been, I’d like to share a few tips for backpackers too.
Beyond Retro is one of my favourite shops in London and online, with cool, reworked pieces and a perfect sustainable balance that includes reusing shipping boxes and shipping by boat instead of plane. Some of their stuff can be pricey, but you can also find affordable pieces that still have a cool touch.
The best way to spend money on second-hand buys in London is to visit one of the charity shops. Not only do they help the planet, but they also help the various charities they support. As donations are involved, it’s best to head to the western part of the city where posh people live and donate their clothes. At Oxfam in Notting Hill, you can get a cheetah mini skirt for just £3 while helping an organisation that works to fight poverty around the world.
Located in Whitechapel, WombatsCity Hostel London is just a short walk from the trendy neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Check out all the hostels in London to plan your vintage tour of the city!
Rokit, 101 Brick Ln, London E1 6SE, UK
Beyond Retro Soho, 58-59 Great Marlborough St, Soho, London W1F 7JY, UK
Oxfam, 144 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill, London W11 3QG, United Kingdom
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3. Dublin, Ireland
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In many cities, the best vintage shops are in close proximity to each other. Dublin is no different, as the best places for vintage shopping are just behind the popular Temple Town, famous for its bright red bar and several other pubs. If you manage to resist the call of a fresh pint of Guinness, head up Fawness Street and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder of Irish vintage shopping.
Lucy’s Lounge is impossible to miss with its bright pink façade – it’s pretty darn chic inside and out!…. Descend the stairs and discover the wonder of jumpers and vintage jeans. Also of interest is the impressive collection of vintage lingerie and lace corsets – handy if you want to make your fortune in the land of leprechauns.
What I love about shopping in Dublin are the vintage rework shops that turn second-hand pieces into an urban-outfitters-worthy number. Fresh has a very clean look thanks to its all-white interior and perfectly organised selection. If you’re looking for a pair of white vintage Levi’s, this is the place to go. Nine Crows, right next door, is one of my favourite second-hand shops in the world, fulfilling all country girl dreams with its cool girl vibe, vintage berets and cropped flannel shirts.
Just like the Dublin shopping scene, the hostels in Dublin are pretty chic too. Generator Dublin has its own bar, games room and lots of fun events like karaoke and drinking games. You can live out your inner hipster here!
Lucy’s Lounge, 11 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Fresh Limited, 1 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Nine Crows, 22 Temple Lane South, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
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4. Stockholm, Sweden
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Stockholm was one of the first cities I shopped in, and it should be considered one of the best cities for vintage shopping. The thrifting culture is big in Scandinavia, as is the fact that everything is cool and sustainable (they’re just the best, yikes). You only have to head to the hipster neighbourhood of Södermalm to find a plethora of vintage shops. My beloved British Beyond Retro also has a Swedish shop, but if you’re visiting, be sure to stop by Humana Second Hand. Despite the similar name, this company is not affiliated with the Italian franchise, but you can find their shops all over Scandinavia and Germany. The selection is perfectly sorted and ranges from leather jackets to cool sweatshirts. What I like is that it feels like a normal shop and not like a ‘second-hand clothing shop’, which can put newcomers off. It’s just like Urban Outfitters, only with a much more fun (and cheaper!) selection.
TheCityBackpackers Hostel is all vintage style – perfect for old souls! Don’t forget to check out our other hostels in Sweden.
Beyond Retro, Brännkyrkagatan 82, 118 23 Stockholm, Sweden
HUMANA Second Hand, Timmermansgatan 23, 118 55 Stockholm, Sweden
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5. Vancouver, Canada
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Since Canada is the capital of all things hip and sustainable, it’s only logical that Vancouver is the place to go for vintage shops when travelling north. In Yaletown, the coolest part of the city in my opinion, there are a few shops that are somewhere between a café and a cool brunch spot and well worth a visit. House of Vintage is an aesthetics fanatic’s dream, with racks full of perfectly organised clothing, from flannel shirts (we’re in Canada) to skirts and accessories. There’s also a housewares section if you’re looking for a second-hand toaster or something similar.
If you’re looking for a classic North American thrift shop, check out the Value Villages throughout the city. These don’t really offer a select choice of pieces, but rather an overwhelming amount of clothing that you have to work your way through until you find that hidden gem. Who would have thought that you could go hunting in Canada? Bargain hunting, of course!
TheSamesunVancouver is centrally located and therefore surrounded by the best bars and clubs in the city. If you don’t feel like going out, you can make yourself comfortable in the hostel’s own bar! Discover all youth hostels in Vancouver.
House of Vintage, 1008 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7, Canada
Value Village, 6415 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3X5, Canada
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6. Portland, USA
Could the hipster capital of the world not be on this list? Portland, Oregon, is known the world over for its craft breweries and quirky cafes, but its vintage shopping scene is a real blast. Buffalo Exchange, arguably the most popular thrift shop in PDX, is right outside the famous Powell’s City of Books and can’t be missed. The shop is large, so you’re likely to feel a little overwhelmed, but if you take your time, you’ll find a number of interesting pieces, some of which even still have the tag on them! The big downside is the shop’s central location, which ensures that it’s pretty crowded every day.
To experience the authentic Portland lifestyle, dedicate an entire day to vintage shopping. Head to the House of Vintage, an amalgamation of different merchants selling clothes, accessories and bags in a huge warehouse in the Sunnyside neighbourhood that’s so iconic that some of Portlandia’s outfits come from there. Add to that food from local food trucks and a sophisticated, handcrafted coffee, and you’ll be living like a local.
At Portland hostels, the vibe is kitchy all around. HI Portland Hawthorne is a charming, eco-friendly hostel that offers free breakfast, bike hire and fun activities. Get to know this delightfully crazy city and book your stay now!
Buffalo Exchange, 1036 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
House of Vintage, 3315 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
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7. New York, USA
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Vintage shops usually reflect the lifestyle of a city. The cooler, edgier and more fashionable a place is, the more likely you are to find hidden treasures among the racks of second-hand shops. For this reason, the Big Apple is one of the best places for vintage shopping, offering a variety of shops as great as the number of different personalities. Depending on where you browse, you’ll find different offers and prices: Ina, Tokyo 7 and Micheal’s on the Upper East Side are full of designer gems and fashion interns trying to look good on a budget. Head towards Brooklyn and you’ll find yourself deep in hipster territory, where Quality Meding will help you rock the mechanic look with dungarees and distressed workwear. At Thriftwares, you’ll find silk dresses and woven bags that allow you to effortlessly recreate Parisian chic.
New York is known as the city that never sleeps, but after all that vintage shopping, you need at least a break! You don’t have to spend a lot of money to live like an Upper East Sider. Freehand New York simply has style and is calling your name!
INA, 110 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Tokyo 7, 83 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Micheal’s, 1125 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Quality Mending, 705 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Thriftwares, 70 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
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8. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a crazy city, and so is its vintage shopping scene! The best places for vintage shopping are in Shimokitazawa, a neighbourhood near Shibuya underground station. If anything, it has the most of them! I’m talking hundreds of different shops. Seriously, it’s overwhelming. Add to that all the temporary pop-up shops and it’s impossible to visit them all… but that’s okay, because it gives you a reason to come back!
With so many shops, there is of course a second-hand shop for every style and budget. I personally prefer the shops that are under €20, but I’m willing to make an exception for shops like Grapefruit Moon because it’s just too cute and deserves a visit if you’re ever in Tokyo. If you want to stick to your backpacker budget, you should go to New York Joes Exchange, where you can drop off your old clothes and get new ones in return! Or, I mean, someone else’s old clothes. If you don’t want to spend all your time in Tokyo looking for second-hand clothes (which is understandable!), you should visit Shimokita Garage, a vintage market where you can find different vendors in one place. A direct hit!
If you’re wandering around the Shibuya neighbourhood, make The Millennials Shibuya your base. This ultra-chic hostel has adjustable pod beds and a futuristic bar.
Grapefruit Moon, 〒154-0000Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome-2-11 １F, Japan
New York Joe Exchange, 1 Chome-20-4 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Shimokita Garage, 2 Chome-25-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
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9. Paris, France
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The dreamy capital of France is known above all for real vintage shopping and less for second-hand finds. So be prepared for beautifully designed boutiques and slightly more expensive prices. But at around €30 for a pair of trousers, that’s not too bad in a city that is home to designer labels such as Saint Laurent and Chanel.
Most of the more affordable vintage shops in Paris are located in the Marais district, such as Coiffeur Vintage, a cute wooden door hiding floral patterns and organised chaos, or Vintage by Ramin, which is hard to miss because of its pink awning. Paris also has a few kilo shops which, as the name suggests, sell clothes by weight, usually for €40 per kilo. Some of the shops have a specific theme – the Kilo Shop Kawaii, for example, specialises in Japanese fashion.
The great thing about vintage shopping in Paris is that Parisian style is timeless and second-hand clothes look just as good as brand new ones. Fill your shopping baskets with pastel-coloured cardigans, midi dresses and perfectly fitting jeans and get ready to embody the effortless chic of a Frenchwoman!
So why not travel to the fashion capital of the world and stay in one of Paris’ hostels? Stay in the artistic neighbourhood of Belleville at Les Piaules, where funky décor, spacious dorms and an in-house bar await you!
Coiffeur Vintage, 32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France
Vintage by Ramin, 64 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France
Kilo Shop Kawaii, 65 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France
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10. Los Angeles, USA
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LA is synonymous with beaches, Hollywood stars and wannabe influencers, but the city is also a hit for vintage shopping! Maybe it’s because everything is so far apart and lots of second-hand shops can flourish, but maybe it’s also because in such a big city it’s only logical that someone has to get rid of something nice at some point.
Second-hand shopping in Los Angeles is all about quantity. The huge Society of St Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Thrift Store is a prime example of this – it’s the biggest second-hand shop in LA! You can get lost in this shop for hours and find hidden treasures such as old Ralph Lauren blazers for 8 dollars behind a pile of faded Forever 21 tops.
But you don’t have to get caught up in the hype of a popular attraction: a simple visit to the many Goodwills around town will do the trick! With the huge selection they carry, you’re sure to find something pretty and interesting in each of them. Now that’s science!
Don’t forget to take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard after your shopping spree. The hostels in LA exude a relaxed and summery atmosphere and are the ideal place to unwind. The Walk of Fame Hollywood Hostel is located directly on Hollywood Boulevard. I guess I’ll see you at the cinema.
Society of St Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Thrift Store, 210 N Ave 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA
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Each of these cities has so much more to offer, not to mention all the vintage shops hiding in other parts of the world! I hope that next time you’re in a new place, you’ll also take a look at the best vintage shops and maybe come home with a little wearable souvenir. And if you find something really cool, please let us know in the comments below!
Read on:
🌟 What to do in Shoreditch: The ultimate guide to eating, drinking and shopping
🌟 Where to stay in New York: a neighbourhood guide
🌟 The 11 best hostels in Los Angeles
About the author:
Hi, I’m Linda, born in Rome in the constellation of Aquarius. My hobbies include drawing on coffee cups 
, playing with glitter
and pretending to be a witch 
. 
Favourite place on earth: Budapest, Hungary 
Favourite hostel: Clink261 – London, UK. Catch me on Instagram @lindasaidmeow!
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