Düsseldorf’s Best Crates to Dig Through
Düsseldorf might be known for its art scene and architecture, but beneath the surface, it’s spinning with analog soul. Whether you're hunting for krautrock, early electronic, or just that one Kraftwerk record your collection's been begging for, this city delivers.
I’ve spent countless weekends crate-digging across Düsseldorf, guided by nothing but caffeine, instinct, and the occasional tip from a fellow wax lover. In this post, I break down my favourite places to dig—some off the beaten path, others staples of the scene.
From traditional record shops to local flea markets, there’s a spot for all budgets and all personalities.
Record Shops
If you’re visiting the city or just recently moved, these are your trusted sources for finding the classic album you’ve always wanted or that rarity you saw on Discogs. They’re open regularly (except on Sunday, because it’s Germany) and offer the widest selection of both used and new vinyl.
A&O Medien
A&O Medien is located just outside of the Alstadt and is bustling with record lovers of all sorts.
It’s the largest record shop in Düsseldorf and has the largest collection of new releases and reissues.
Their recently relocated building houses not only analog but also hi-fi audio equipment, books, and posters to round out your musical hobby.
This is my go-to on Record Store Day, as your odds of finding that record on your list are the highest in all of Düsseldorf. In April 2025, the pioneers of German hip-hop, Die Fantastischen Vier, graced the shop with their presence to meet fans, sign records, and discuss the culture of vinyl.
Hitsville
Open since 1986, Hitsville is the oldest surviving independent record store in the city.
Founded within Düsseldorf’s punk scene, the shop is especially known for its strong focus on punk, hardcore, indie, alongside rock, jazz, classical, and even tango.
Their convenient location in the heart of the Alstadt is a great place for visitors to stop by and pick up a souvenir on wax. They’ve got a wide selection of used records, many of which you can get for as little as 2€. With plenty of rarities displayed on the wall, Hitsville caters to the palette of all kinds of record lovers.
Pro-tip: Go visit this excellent all-rounder coffee shop across the street for a break in between your crate digs: Rösterei Vier
Minty Vinyl
For a curated experience and quality selection, walk through to the back of a design shop in Flingern, and you’ll find Minty Vinyl. This is my personal favourite record shop, as you can feel the passion as soon as you step in. I’ve spotted the owner, Günter Herke, in multiple locations such as the largest record fair in the world located in Den Bosch, Netherlands as well as at a local flea market. From budget records to rarities that cost more than my rent, Minty Vinyl is a true collector’s haven.
Flea Markets
This is my top recommendation for anyone looking for a budget record. Weekends are when Düsseldorf comes to life, and the flea market scene is where record collectors can stack up their collection without breaking the bank. While some are open once a month, there are some that are open regularly, so there’s always an opportunity to peruse through some used vinyl.
Trödelmarkt Aachener Platz
If there’s one place I would recommend anyone to find a record in Düsseldorf, it’s at the Trödelmarkt (flea market) on Aachenerplatz. This bustling flea market takes place every Saturday and is a haven for all antique, vintage clothing, and record hunters. With live music accompanying a morning coffee at Café Sperrmull around noon, spirits are always lifted up.
Pro-tip: There are three trustworthy areas I would recommend:
Right at the entrance of the tent, there is a modest selection of fairly priced used records and CDs greeting each visitor. If nothing floats your boat, you can hop on right in and enjoy the free live music that you can already hear before you enter.
Right at the very back of the tent is an American who has built up quite an impressive range. You can get some pretty affordable records, especially if you bundle up—but be cautious, as the condition can vary quite significantly.
Towards the back, on the right side (photographed here), is where I find the best stuff. The collector is extremely knowledgeable and sorts his records very well. With a healthy mix of budget records, CDs, and rarities, you’re bound to come home with a special record.
For a list of their live music acts, check out their website.
METRO Radschlägermarket
With a relatively recent move to the METRO parking lot, the German equivalent of Costco, this flea market takes place once a month and brings together old souls and fresh heads. Most records you can find here are found in 1€ bins, but there are a few sellers who take pride and care of their collection.
Pro-tip: The easiest way to find quality sellers is if they have sturdy crates and cover their records with plastic. Since it’s an outdoor market, they need to protect their records in all weather conditions.
For official dates, check out their website.
Trödel- & Sammlermarkt Messeparkplatz P1
This is Düsseldorf’s largest flea market and unfortunately takes place monthly and is limited to the warmer seasons. And with a massive space for private vendors to sell their prized possessions, you’re bound to find a few record sellers with some solid collections. Quality varies from table to table, but I’ve come away with a few extremely affordable gems.
It’s located near the Merkur-Spiel Arena, and so it’s quite the walk from the U-Bahn station, so if you can drive, I recommend that.
For official dates, check out this website.
