Source:
Miguel Ferreira: https://medium.com/@_miguelferreira/the-100-best-record-shops-in-europe-be209dd9d10e

Whether you’re a seasoned record collector or making your first entry into the world of record collecting, this is a comprehensive guide on the most influential, friendly and absolute must visit record shops in Europe; from old favorites in Berlin to new small record shops in Lisbon. Many of the record stores listed below are record stores specialized in electronic music, but a few extra tips were included for all the crate diggers out there who want to go beyond the usual suspects. Enjoy the read and long live vinyl!

Austria

Tongues 27, Kirchengasse 27, Vienna

A delicatessen shop and a record store (yep, you read it right!). Tongues sells fresh produce from local farmers including meat, cheese, bio products and freshly prepared meals. This store also offers a fine selection of vinyl records, from House and Techno to Indie rock and dubstep or reggae.

DAS Market Zieglergasse 40/Ecke Westbahnstrass, Vienna

Run by Fritz Plöckinger, one of the pioneers of house music in Vienna, Das Market is a well-stocked vinyl specialist in Techno, Disco and House. One of the best places to buy interesting electronic music records in Vienna.

Substance Recordstore Westbahnstrasse 16, a-1070 Vienna

Large selection of vinyl records, CDs, books, music DVDs and band shirts. Good independent record shop specialized in indie, alternative, dub and electronica.

Belgium

DOCTOR VINYL, RUE DE LA GRANDE ILE 1 GROOT EILAND — 1000 BRUSSELS

The dinosaur of record stores in Brussels. Stocking a large selection of cutting edge electronic music, Doctor Vinyl is the record store that Jeff Mills, Dave Clarke and other famous and well respected DJs visit when they’re in town.

VEALS & GEEKS, RUE DES GRANDS CARMES 8 LIEVEVROUWBROERSTRAAT — 1000 BRUSSELS

Cool indie record shop specialized in various underground music genres, including jazz. Veals & Geeks sells mostly old psychedelic music from USA, UK and Japan, but you can also find music from Eastern Europe, german rock, and other underground genres from all over the World.

THE COLLECTOR, RUE DE LA BOURSE 26, 1000 BRUSSELS

The Collector has been in business since 1983. There you can find a large collection of rarities from jazz, rock, classical, to other genres. Good selection of second hand records.

WALLY’S GROOVE WORLD, LANGE NIEUWSTRAAT 126, 2000 ANTWERP

Record shop specialized in electronic music with a great selection of collectors and rare items, new and second hand records. If you’re wondering if the shop has anything to do with Beligum’s legendary deep house label called Wally’s Groove World, the answer is yes. The label actually emerged out of this store when upcoming and local artists used to shop there and would give Koen Van Immerseel aka DJ Koenie (the shop owner) their demo tapes because they knew that DJ Koenie wanted to support emerging talents and release their music on vinyl.

MUSIC MANIA, SINT-PIETERSNIEUWSTRAAT 19, 9000 GENT

Legendary record store in Gent. Nicely curated selection, you can find a bit of everything from the ’60s to new stuff . New and second hand Indie rock, breakbeat, rarities, Reggae, alternative electronic music, etc.

Czech Republic

HAPPYFEET, VODIČKOVA 704/36, 110 00 PRAGUE 1-NOVÉ MĚSTO

New and second hand vinyl records. This small record shop in Prague specialises in old Suprafon and Panton-branded Czechoslovak pressings. Also sells soul, funk and jazz.

PHONO.CZ, OPATOVICKÁ 156/24, 110 00 PRAGUE-NOVÉ MĚSTO

The only record store in Prague that is not mostly focused on second hand records. Offers a wide selection of funk, soul, jazz, latin, afro, hip-hop, disco, rare grooves, dance music, rock, pop.

Denmark

DORMA 21, Kompagnistræde 20c, st. tv. 1208 Copenhagen

Little and cozy Berlin style record store focused on quality electronic music. The place to go for every electronic music lovers visiting Copenhagen.

Can Records, Tullinsgade 5, 1618 Copenhagen V

Boutique record shop specialized in early electronic, ambient, new wave, disco, rare groove and world music records.

Second Beat, Jagtvej 129, 2200 Copenhagen N

Nice little store with a good range of 2-hand danish records, Jazz, Indie, Rock, Hip-Hop and oddities.

Ooh Aah Records, Ryesgade 77, kl. 2100 Copenhagen Ø

Small independent second-hand record specialized in Punk rock and experimental music. You’ll also find a good selection of progressive rock, electronic, disco, and soul records.

Mint Records, Gammel Kongevej 140A, 1850 Frederiksberg Copenhagen

Definitely worth a trip if you’re visiting Copenhagen. Upstairs they have a good selection of soul and jazz. Downstairs you can find bargain bins and sections for rock, pop, country, reggae, world music and Danish music.

ROUTE 66, FÆLLEDVEJ 3, 2200 COPENHAGEN N

All genres but mainly indie. Good selection of records released by local and independent danish labels. Route 66 also releases minor danish acts on their own label, Danish Vinyl Production.

Sound Station, Gl. Kongevej 94, 1850 Frederiksberg Copenhagen

Fantastic selection of rock, pop, indie, jazz, dance, psyche, metal, punk, blues, soul, jazz, and new releases. Records are a bit expensive but you should visit Sound Station anyway because it’s one of Scandinavia’s best-stocked record stores.

Crate: Beer and Vinyl, Jægersborggade 50, 2200 Copenhagen

Crate beer and vinyl offers a small selection of records (500–700). These guys sell mainly second hand records and offer a wide selection of rock, blues, soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. And as the name says, they also sell beer.

Estonia

BIIT ME RECORD STORE, Viru 3-5 10140 Tallinn, Estonia

The place to visit in Tallinn if you’re looking for disco, techno, dub, electro, indie, rock, reggae, noise, industrial, IDM, or Estonian music.

Finland

DIGELIUS MUSIC, LAIVURINRINNE 2 FI-00120 HELSINKI

In business since 1971, specialising in nordic music, folk, ethnics, jazz and and other not-so-commercial genres. Probably the best record store in Helsinki for jazz and not-so-commercial genres from around the World.

REDHILL RECORDS, ALBERTINKATU 5, PUNAVUORI, HELSINKI

Second hand record store in Helsinki. Wide range includes rock, folk, heavy metal, disco, funk, soul, reggae, jazz, rap, world music. Redhill Records also offers a fine selection of Russian and Eastern — European vinyl.

France

SYNCROPHONE, 4–6, RUE DES TAILLANDIERS, 75011 PARIS

One of the best record stores in Paris for House, Techno & other electronic music genres. Syncrophone has been an important part of the French house and techno scene for nearly 10 years, so it’s no wonder many french DJs select Syncrophone Records as their record shop of choice in Paris.

Superfly Records, 53 rue Notre Dame de Nazareth 75003 Paris

Collectors/Vinyl record shop in Paris run by Paulo Goncalves & Manu Boubl offering a fine selection of rare second hand soul, jazz, Brazilian, African and Latin records.

L’INTERNATIONAL RECORDS, 12 RUE MORET, 75011 PARIS

Independent store with a vast collection (both new and second hand) offering everything from indie pop & rock to krautrock, house, techno, dubstep, ambient, drone, hip-hop, funk, soul, afro and reggae.

TECHNO IMPORT, 16 RUE DES TAILLANDIERS, 75011 PARIS

One of the classic record stores loved by many Parisian underground DJs. Techno Import is known for its fine selection of techno records and all sorts of underground electronic music.

TE IUBESC RECORD SHOP, 56, RUE PAJOL PARIS

Record label and record shop. Te Iubesc Record Shop opened its doors to the public in 2014, aiming to promote good music of all genres. Selections include: techno / house / minimal / jazz / blues / classical / rock / pop.

BETINO’S, 32, RUE SAINT SÉBASTIEN — 75011 PARIS

An old independent record store specialized in black music ranging from House, Garage, Hip-hop, Soul or Funk to Boogie, Jazz, Brokenbeat, New Jazz, Latin and Reggae. Betino’s is one of those stores where you can always find a nice mix of fresh and new, and old and legendary.

SOUFFLE CONTINU, 20–22 RUE GERBIER, 75011 PARIS

Independent record store specialized in jazz, experimental electronics, metal, rock and everything in between these genres, from krautrock to drone, noise, free jazz, etc. Great free jazz label too.

CHEZ EMILE RECORDS, 38 Rue Sergent Blandan, 69001 ­ Lyon

Lyon’s leading vinyl specialist. Specialized in house and techno music and everything in between, Chez Emile offers a fine selection of music from local artists but also new and second hand vinyl from all over the World.

Germany

HARD WAX, PAUL-LINCKE-UFER 44A, 10999 BERLIN

Legendary record shop (and distribution house) founded by Mark Ernestus from the legendary Rhythm & Sound duo. The place to visit in Berlin for cutting-edge electronic dance music, from techno, house to dub and bass music. But your probably already knew that.

SPACE HALL, ZOSSENER STRASSE 33, 10961 BERLIN

One of Berlin’s finest record stores specialized in Electronica, Dubstep, Techno and House music. Known as the best shop in town to find overlooked gems and dig for rare favorites at affordable prices.

THE RECORD LOFT, ADALBERTSTRASSE 9, 10999 BERLIN

Project of a former Discogs seller, The Record Loft is probably Berlin’s finest specialized second hand record store for all sorts of electronic music. This place is a record collector’s dream.

OYE RECORD STORE, ODERBERGERSTR. 4, 10435, PRENZLAUER BERG, BERLIN

House and disco specialists. You can also find there hip-hop, jazz and brand new electronic 12-inches.

HHV.DE STORE BERLIN, Grünberger Straße 54, 10245 BERLIN

Over 2.000 records to dig, along with a big selection of streetwear and sneakers. You can also order from the wide range of records available at hhv.de online shop and pick up your records at the store next day.

PUBLIC POSSESSION, KLENZESTRASSE 16, 80469 MUNICH

Public Possession is an Independent record label and lovely boutique record shop based in Munich, offering a carefully curated selection of quality leftfield / house / techno records.

SMALLVILLE RECORDS, HEIN-HOYER-STRASSE 56, 20359 HAMBURG

If you visit the seaport city of Hamburg, you must pay a visit to Smallville record store. Although they have a fine selection of House, Techno, and everything in between, the focus is mainly the kind of contemplative deep house and techno that the increasingly loved Smallville label has been putting out in the last few years. The record store is owned by 3 fine DJs/producers Julius Steinhoff & Just von Ahlefeld (Smallpeople) and Peter Kersten (Lawrence), who usually hang-out there and share their passion for music with their customers (another great reason to visit the place and buy some records!).

Zardoz Records, Schulterblatt 36, 20357 Hamburg

Hamburg’s best record shop for second hand vinyl records. Good selection of new releases as well. Perfect for oldies / 60s / indie rock / punk / electronica, classic, jazz and pop. They also sell posters T-shirts, original postcards, DVDs, buttons and audiobooks.

Pure Soul Records, Kohlhöfen 17, 20355 Hamburg

Perfect for soul lovers. Nice selection of soul, funk, R’n’b, 60s garage, 50s rockers.

Groove City, Marktstraße 114, 20357 Hamburg

Another good record store in Hamburg. These guys sell mainly vinyl records, but you’ll also find some CDs. Good selection of Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Afro, Psych, Soundtracks,etc.

Greece

HABEAT RECORDS, 105 54, PALLADOS 21, ATHENS 105 5

This is the place to check out in Athens if you’re a house and techno head. Habeat Records offers a fine selection of underground and hot-right-now house and techno records.

Hungary

AKTRECORDS, 1066 BUDAPEST, Ó STREET 35.

One of Budapest’s nicest record shops for techno and house vinyl heads. They also also stock electronica, electro, drum’n’bass, breakbeat, hip-hop, funk and reggae.

DEEP RECORD STORE, 1062 BUDAPEST, ARADI STREET 22

These guys have been in business over a decade, selling all kinds of electronic music. They’re also a distributor of hungarian music.

Iceland

Lucky Records, Rauðarárstígur 10, 105 REYKJAVÍK

Probably Iceland’s leading vinyl record store, offers tons of records from a wide variety of musical genres, from jazz to soul, funk and afrobeat, to rock and punk or electronic and classical music, as well as new and old icelandic music.

Smekkleysa Bad Taste Record Store, Laugavegur 35, 101 REYKJAVÍK

Record store with good collection of local icelandic music and international music (from electronica to soul, jazz, indie, rock, etc). Bad Taste Records is also a legendary local label since the eighties, releasing milestone records by artists like the Sugarcubes or Sigur Rós.

12 Tónar, Skólavörðustígur 15, 101 REYKJAVÍK

Legendary’ record shop, record label, listening lounge and general hang-out spot in Reykjavík featuring from the best of Icelandic rock, to jazz, classical music, alternative, indie and electronic music.

Ireland

ALL CITY, (GROUND FLOOR) 4 CROW STREET, TEMPLE BAR, DUBLIN 2

All City is an art shop and record store. All City sells an eclectic mix of house, techno, hip-hop, soul and funk, as well as releases from their own in-house record label. This place is pretty much like a candy store for street artists and vinyl heads.

SPINDIZZY, 32 MARKET ARCADE, SOUTH GREAT GEORGE’S STREET, DUBLIN 2

This place is good for all styles, but they’re pretty famous for their large selection of second hand Dance music 12”s. You can find a bit of everything from Techno, House, Electro to drum’n’bass, electronica, ambient or IDM.

Italy

ULTRASUONI RECORDS ROMA, VIA ANTONIO PACINOTTI, 83, ROME

Small Record Shop offering a carefully curated selection of underground House, Techno, Ambient, electro from around the world.

Le Disque Record Store, Verona Via Scuderlando 276–37135

Owned by the same guys behind Le Disque Distribution & Ambiwa Records, Le Disque has a wide and nice selection of vinyl records and cds. Genres include: House, Disco, Funk, Classics, Cosmic, Techno,Chicago House , Detroit Techno, Deep House, Minimal, etc.

SERENDEEPITY, CORSO DI PORTA TICINESE 100–20123 MILAN

Nice concept store in the city centre, specialized in vintage, vinyl records design and books. Big stock of house, techno, electronic, jazz, blues, experimental, r’n’b and world music.

Lithuania

Vinilo Studija, Pylimo g. 41/1 VILNIUS

Small record shop in the old town of Vilnius. Nice selection of second hand vinyl records from classical music to jazz, soul, disco, funk, pop, rock and metal. Good spot also if you’re looking for Lithuanian music released on vinyl.

Netherlands

RUSH HOUR , SPUISTRAAT 98, 1012 TZ AMSTERDAM

One of the best and nicest record shops in Amsterdam. Rush Hour is specialized in House, Techno, Electro, Disco and everything in between. Also a legendary record label and distributor.

REDLIGHT RECORDS, OUDEKERKSPLEIN 26, 1012 GZ AMSTERDAM

Small but well stocked record store in the heart of Amsterdam’s red light district. One of Amsterdam’s finest record stores, specialized in second hand vinyl records covering everything from ambient, Jazz, Disco or Folk to Funk, Rock, House music etc.

INDEEP’N’DANCE RECORDS, ROZENGRACHT 60, 1016ND, AMSTERDAM

InDeep’n’Dance music selections focus mainly on House and Techno.

CLONE, Raampoortstraat 12 3032 AH Rotterdam

Clone was founded in Rotterdam as record store in the mid-90s after Hotmix closed. Today, Clone is one of the World’s most legendary record labels and record stores, loved and admired by vinyl heads and electronic music lovers from all over the World. Clone specializes in all sorts of experimental & underground electronic music.

Norway

Råkk & Rålls, Akersgata 39, 0158 Oslo

Second hand music paradise. Råkk & Rålls is probably Oslo’s biggest 2nd hand shop by far. Massive three floor space where all music genres are well represented, from metal to Nordic disco, and where you can also find stuff like furniture, dvds, computer games, etc.

Bare Jazz, Grensen 8, 0159 Oslo

Scandinavia’s biggest all-jazz specialty record store and coffee shop located in a super cool little back yard in the centre of Oslo. Bare Jazz is also a nice place to hear good live jazz music.

Poland

SIDEONE, CHMIELNA 21, 00–001 WARSZAW

Small but well stocked underground electronic music orientated store.

Portugal

FLUR, AVENIDA INFANTE D. HENRIQUE, ARMAZÉM B4 CAIS DA PEDRA — SANTA APOLÓNIA, 1900 LISBON

Located on the waterfront in Lisbon, a very short walk from Lux (Lisbon’s best electronic music club), Flur is Lisbon’s finest record store offering a carefully curated selection that spans a full gamut of genres often neglected by other local record stores: ambient, house, techno, pop, rock, noise, electronica, jazz, drone, experimental, krautrock, disco, boogie, italo, hip-hop, dub, reggae, funk, soul, library, dubstep, UK funky, country, film music, African and latin styles,etc.

CARPET & SNARES, ESPAÇO CHIADO, RUA DA MISERICORDIA 12–20, PISO S/L, LISBON

Record label and record store based managed by one of Lisbon’s finest DJs, Jorge Caiado. Carpet & Snares is specialized in house & techno. They also have a selection of underground electronic music second hand records. This shop has also played an important role in promoting new talents like André Leiria.

CARBONO, RUA DO TELHAL, nº6 B 1150–346 LISBON

Cool shop, mainly selling second hand records and CDs. These guys focus more on heavy metal, punk but they also have a good selection of Jazz, Portuguese music, World music — West African boogaloo, Brazilian tropicalia, and if you’re lucky you might find some interesting electronica records as well.

GROOVIE RECORDS, RUA DE SÃO PAULO, 252 1200–399 LISBON

Groovie Records is a Portuguese label that has been releasing garage/fuzz/psych vinyl records since 2005. Their store near Cais do Sodré is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for indie rock, brazilian psych, tropicalia and other good stuff.

Discolecção, Calçada do Duque, 53-A 1200–156 Lisboa

Must stop in Lisbon if you’re looking for second hand vinyl records. You can find there a bit of everything from free jazz classics to Beatles, rarities to asian, prog-rock, etc.

GLAM-O-RAMA, Rua Viriato, 12 1050–010 Lisboa

If you’re not into heavy metal don’t even bother visiting Glam-o-rama. If heavy metal is your religion, then this record shop is definitely worth visiting in Lisbon. Well, to be honest, you should visit Glam-o-rama anyway. They actually also have a fairly decent selection of prog, indie or even jazz and fado, in CD, vinyl or DVD, new and second hand.

Louie Louie, Escadinhas do Sto. Espírito da Pedreira, 3, 1200–290 LISBOA

Coffee shop and record store located in one of the most touristic parts of Lisbon, Chiado. LOUIE LOUIE has a bit of everything for all tastes: from dance music, to african, brazilian, fado, rock, second hand records and new records. They also sell CDs and DVDs.

MAU GÉNIO, Estrada de Benfica, 731A — Shopping Center Nevada, Shop 9 1500–089 Lisboa

Good store to visit before going to a Benfica football match (the shop is located quite close to Benfica’s stadium). If you’re looking for second hand records Mau Génio is definitely worth visiting. Massive selection of second hand vinyl, CDs, DVDs as well as books, covering a wide range of genres, from rock to classic music. Pro tip: If you buy at least 3 records, they’ll offer you a discount.

Sound Club Store, Espaço Chiado 1st floor, Shop 24 / 2nd floor, Shop 42 1200–273 Lisboa

Located in the same building as Carpet & Snares, a shopping mall called Espaço Chiado, this record store actually has two separate shops: one on the 1st floor and second one on the 2nd floor. On the 1st floor you will find mainly second hand records: from Disco to jazz, classical, soul, rock, indie,etc. On the 2nd floor you’ll find mainly Portuguese music, Brazilian and World music.

VINIL EXPERIENCE, Rua do Loreto, 61–1º Esq. A 1200–241 Lisboa

A must visit in Lisbon if you’re into psych, krautrock, garage or progressive rock. New and second hand records, as well as a good selection of CDs.

Bar Capitão Leitão, Rua Capitão Leitão, 5B, Lisboa

Great hosts, music & cocktails. This pretty much sums up what Bar Capitão Leitão is all about. This cozy spot in in the quirky neighbourhood of Marvila is a bit different than what you might expect. It’s actually a bar famous for tasty cocktails and local craft beers, but it’s also the smallest record shop you’ll find in Lisbon, with a small but nice selection of House and Deep house records. The owners, Will and Viviana, apart from being the warmest and nicest hosts and bartenders you could find in Lisbon, are also music lovers (Will is actually a DJ).They regularly host small house music parties at Capitão Leitão and a series of outdoor parties in Lisbon called Studio Club.

HARBORAGE, RUA DO ROSÁRIO Nº 54 PORTO

Small record shop specializing in underground electronic music. From House, to Techno and everything in between.

MATÉRIA PRIMA, RUA DA PICARIA 84, 4050–477 PORTO

More than just a record store, Matéria Prima has become a meeting point and cultural hub for the Porto underground music scene. The store is specialized in electronica, drone, noise, indie rock, but also have a good selection of house and techno.

Romania

MISBITS, STR. FAINARI, 43A, BUCHAREST

The only record shop of its kind in Bucharest. Owned by a local DJ, Ioana Parlog, Misbits is all about deep house, techno and dub techno, but also has second-hand records featuring other genres from funk, hip-hop, drum’n’bass, classical music, romanian pop and jazz.

Spain

Palma 39, C/ palma 39 28004 Madrid

Located in the central district of Malasaña, this shop is a venture formed by two previously existing record stores in Madrid, Is The Place and Recycled Music Centre. Good stock of both new and second-hand dance music records, and spanish house and techno labels.

ROTOR DISCOS, C/ GRAN VÍA, 40 6º-1. 28013, MADRID

Record shop in the centre of Madrid specialized in Techno, electronica, ambient, house, industrial.

DISCOS PARADISO, C/FERLANDINA 39, 08001 BARCELONA

Record store run by Arnau and Gerard, two young Catalan music enthusiasts who before opening Discos Paradiso travelled by bus around Europe to look for vintage vinyl. Good selection of underground electronic music, including techno, house, electro, dubstep and everything in between.

SUBWAX BCN, Carrer del Marquès de la Mina, 2, 08003 Barcelona

Subwax is one of Barcelona’s hot spots for crate diggers, but it actually started as a record store based in Malmö, Sweden. It was founded by Jimi Disko & Jeff Bennett in 1994 under the name Cosmic One Records, but in 2003 Jimi & Jeff rebranded it as Subwax Records. In 2012 Jimi ended partnering with Stefan Gulito and moved to Barcelona. Subwax specializes in rare electronic music, reggae/dub music and also have a large selection of second hand classics.

Sweden

SNICKARS RECORDS, HÖKENS GATA 11 116 46 STOCKHOLM

Perfect for lovers of black and dance music: Soul — Funk — Disco — Hip Hop — Techno — House — Jazz — Pop- Rock — World — Reggae etc. They also sell new records from local Scandinavian and selected labels in various genres.

FADE RECORDS, SKÅNEGATAN 78 116 37 STOCKHOLM

Quite central in the city and recommended for electronic / techno / disco. Fade Records also sells music-oriented clothing.

Record Mania, Östgötagan 2 STOCKHOLM

Record store specialized in Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, Disco, Funk, Latin, House and Brazilian music.

United Kingdom

IDLE HANDS, 74 STOKES CROFT, BRISTOL BS1 3QY

Chris Farrell, started Idle Hands as a label whilst working at the legendary record store Rooted Records. When the shop closed down he was encouraged by friends to take the plunge and bravely ended deciding to open his own record shop in 2011. That was great decision because Idle Hands (label and shop) is today a major player of the Bristol scene. If you’re visiting Bristol, make sure you head there for new 12’’ records — they have a fine selection from house and techno, to dubstep, grime and everything in between.

KRISTINA RECORDS, 44 STOKE NEWINGTON ROAD, LONDON N16 7XJ

This Dalston based record shop attracts crate diggers from across London. Kristina Records is one of London’s finest record stores specialized in new and second-hand vinyl across most genres of underground music, but mainly electronic music.

HONEST JON’S, 278 PORTOBELLO ROAD, LONDON W10 5TE

This record shop on Portobello Road is a slice of music history. Since opening its doors in 1973 Honest Jon’s has been stocking a truly eclectic and unusual range, from blues, house, german & detroit techno to soul, reggae, world music and selected oddities.

PHONICA RECORDS, 51 POLAND STREET, LONDON W1F 7LZ

One of London’s leading vinyl specialists in electronic music. Friendly staff. Pretty good selection of house, techno and everything in between. Good recommendations on the racks.

SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE, 7 BROADWICK STREET, SOHO, LONDON W1F 0DA

Located in Soho, these guys are owned by the legendary London-based label Soul Jazz Records. Really nice store to explore and discover music you may not have been completely exposed to in the past. SOTU tends to slightly focus more on hip-hop, funk and soul but the shop sells all-non mainstream music: Reggae, Punk, Techno, new wave cosmic disco, House, Funk, African, brazilian, Nigerian compilations and electronica.

ALAN’S RECORDS, 218 HIGH ROAD, EAST FINCHLEY, LONDON, N2 9AY

Excellent independent second-hand record shop with friendly staff. Great place to find rare and collectable items. Soul, Reggae, Chicago/New York/House & Deep House, Techno, Balearic, Blues, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, Punk, World Music.

LOVE VINYL, 8JD, 5 PEARSON STREET, LONDON E2 8JD

One of the latest additions to the London’s growing list of dance-music oriented independent record stores, stocking everything from the latest house and techno releases to the best in underground disco from the 70′s and 80′s.

Rough Trade West, 130 Talbot Road, W11 1JA, London, UK

Rough Trade first opened in 1976, West London, on the doorstep of punk. Iconic leftover of the punk era, 41 years later it’s still great place to find rare and interesting records in London.

Rat Records, 348 Camberwell New Road, London, United Kingdom

Rat Records is one of the good second hand vinyl record shops you can find in South London. These guys stock everything from Reggae and Rock to Jazz, Soul, Blues and Hip Hop.

RYE WAX, THE BASEMENT, THE CLF ART CAFE, 133 RYE LANE, LONDON SE15 4ST

Opened in 2014, Rye Wax is a vinyl and comic book store located in Peckham. Nice selection of comics, graphics novels, CDs and the latest quality electronic music and second-hand titles.

Reckless Records, Berwick Street Market, 30 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8RH, UK

Record shop specialized in second hand 7 and 12 inch vinyl, lots of prog, psych and jazz in the front. Also sells 1960s and 70s rock/pop, new wave, indie, lo-fi, techno, house, disco, funk, soul, hip-hop, blues and everything in between.

Sister Ray, 75 Berwick street, London W1F 8TG, UK

Starting from a humble record stall in Camden Market during the mid 80s, Sister Ray has steadily grown into one of London’s most iconic record shops. If you’re looking for new wave and punk rock Sister Ray is the right place to lose yourself. Great for new records. Not much in the bargain department for used vinyl though.

Flashback Records, 50 Essex Rd, London N1 8LR

Perfect for crate digging krautrock, library and soundtracks records. Also offers a solid selection of disco 12″s, rock, hip-hop and a commendable dedication to 7″s.

Cosmos Records, 324A Hackney Rd, London E2 7AX

Cosmos London boasts about 10,000 records, with a big focus on soul, rare groove, jazz psych, Latin and disco. Perfect if you like spending an entire afternoon crate digging rare british records, private pressings and soul classics.

Zen Records, 69 Broad Ln, London N15 4DJ, UK

Nice curated collection of rare groove, funk, soul and reggae pieces of wax. Ask Rob for vinyl tips and he’ll pick you out a few gems.

Eldica, 8 Bradbury St, Dalston, London N16 8JN, UK

Tucked away behind Dalston Junction Eldica has become a bit of an underground dream destination for DJ’s, Producers and lovers of black music across Europe. Packed with crates and crates of second hand gems, from Jazz to funk, soul, disco and reggae.

The Book & Record Bar, 20 Norwood High St, West Norwood, London SE27 9NR, UK

Opened in 2013, The Book & Record Bar has a quite large selection of second hand, rare and collectable records & books. It’s the perfect destination if you’re into Rare UK psych, jazz and folk.

Mike’s Record Shop, Unit 29–31, Indoor Market, 98–100 Wood Street, London E17 3HX

THE hidden gem for truly dedicated diggers. Mike’s Record Shop in the Indoor Market, Wood Street, specialises in Sixties, Seventies, Rock, Punk, New Wave, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Psych, Reggae, Soul, Progressive Rock and more good stuff.

Soul Brother Records, 1 Keswick Road, East Putney, London, SW15 2HL

A Soul, jazz, funk mecca just around the corner from East Putney tube station. Nice selection of CDs and vinyl records including jazz funk, modern soul, disco, classic and rare soul and jazz.

RUBADUB, 35 HOWARD STREET, GLASGOW, LANARKSHIRE G1 4BA

Glagow’s finest record store. Rubadub stocks a great array of CDs and vinyl and is a real heaven for fans of electro, house, Detroit techno and reggae.

PICCADILLY RECORDS, 53 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JR

Piccadilly records is Manchester’s leading outlet for independent music. Piccadilly has a great reputation, not just in Manchester but worldwide, offering a huge selection of vinyl in all types of genres, from indie rock to funk, soul, jazz, disco, reggae, house, techno, minimal wave, electro-pop, etc.