The World’s Best Record Stores

Berlin, a hub of alternative culture, is naturally one of the best places to find unique vinyl records. Among its most iconic record stores is Hard Wax, founded in 1989 by Basic Channel duo Mark Ernestus and Moritz Von Oswald. Tucked away in an old factory building behind the canal in Kreuzberg, the store boasts a dazzling collection spanning multiple genres. Customers often describe it as “the warmest, most inclusive record store in the world,” making it a must-visit for music lovers.

Rough Trade West, London

One of London’s most iconic record stores, Rough Trade West was founded in 1978 by Geoff Travis, who borrowed £4,000 from his father to establish what would become a longtime sanctuary for punk music. Over the years, economic hardships forced Travis to hand the store over to his employees, but its punk rock roots remained intact. Today, it has evolved into a haven for indie music in all its forms, from dance tracks to sci-fi movie soundtracks. Frequently visited by renowned musicians, Rough Trade West continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub.

Sounds of the Universe, London

Situated in the heart of Soho, Sounds of the Universe is a paradise for jazz enthusiasts, offering an extensive collection of original recordings, particularly from the acclaimed Soul Jazz Records label. With an ever-evolving selection that spans the US, Jamaica, Japan, Brazil, and Europe, the shop is a must-visit for those seeking rare and vintage vinyl. In addition to its impressive jazz selection, Sounds of the Universe boasts the UK’s most extensive range of reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, and soul records.

Betino’s Records, Paris

Paris is a haven for vintage enthusiasts, and its record stores play a significant role in this scene. While the city is home to numerous shops specializing in vintage vinyl, Betino’s Records stands out as a true gem. Its founder, Betino Errera, has been supplying music lovers with rare records since the mid-’80s. He first introduced American imports at the legendary boutique Radio Pygmalion in 1986 before opening his own store in 1999. Staying true to its roots in the early house and jazz-funk movements, Betino’s Records offers an exceptional collection of second-hand jazz, soul, disco, Latin, and African music, alongside a carefully curated selection of new releases.

Barcelona City Records, Barcelona

As one of Spain’s most dynamic cultural hubs, Barcelona has no shortage of exceptional music spots, and Barcelona City Records is one of its finest. Tucked away in a side street near the bohemian district of La Rambla, the store houses one of the most extensive record collections in Spain. Specializing in both nostalgic and contemporary releases, it is particularly renowned for its Latin music selection. The shop also offers an impressive array of funk, soul, jazz, and African records. Notably, one of its owners, Oriol Aparicio—better known as Much Boogaloo—is a celebrated DJ at Marula Café, one of Barcelona’s most influential music venues, further cementing the store’s reputation as a key player in the city’s music scene.
Råkk & Rålls, Oslo

Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, is home to one of the world’s most exclusive record stores: Råkk & Rålls. Known as a reference point for Norse metal and Nordic disco, this store is a key player in Europe’s second-hand vinyl scene. Spread across three floors adorned with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design, Råkk & Rålls offers a treasure trove of thousands of records, making it easy to lose track of time as you explore its eclectic collection.

Dub Store Record Mart, Tokyo

A must-visit for any music lover heading to Japan, Dub Store Record Mart is one of the world’s most revered reggae sanctuaries. Often regarded as the most significant reggae hub after Kingston, this store specializes in reggae albums, particularly those from the golden era of 1960 to 1982. With over 400 titles in stock, it draws reggae enthusiasts from around the globe, with about 30 percent of its visitors coming from overseas to seek out Jamaican music treasures.

Rm360, Seoul

For those in search of the best hip-hop records, a trip to Seoul, South Korea is a must. Rm360, a cultural landmark in the city that birthed K-pop, is a haven for both classic and contemporary hip-hop albums, spanning from the 1980s to today. Founded in 2011 by the renowned DJ Soulscape, Rm360 offers a vast selection of not just hip-hop, but also second-hand vinyl spanning jazz, soul, and funk genres. Naturally, you’ll also find a great collection of Korean pop.

Flur Discos, Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has rapidly climbed the ranks of Europe’s top travel destinations, and its music scene is an integral part of its rise. Flur Discos, nestled along the Tagus River, is a standout in the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Open since 2001, this gem is packed with both vintage and contemporary records across a variety of genres. Whether you’re into pop, rock, electronica, jazz, techno, reggae, funk, soul, or even movie soundtracks, Flur Discos has something for every music lover. After indulging in a record shopping spree, head just five minutes down the road to the famous nightclub Lux Fragil to keep the rhythm going.

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