Vinyl shopping in Europe concentrates in specific cities.
Tier 1 — destination vinyl cities
- London (Soho, East End): Sister Ray, Phonica, Rough Trade East.
- Berlin (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg): Hardwax, OYE, Power Park.
- Amsterdam: Concerto, Distortion Records.
- Paris (Marais, Saint-Germain): Crocodisc, Born Bad Records.
Tier 2 — strong vinyl scenes
- Stockholm (SoFo): Pet Sounds, Bengans.
- Copenhagen: Sex Beat Records, Beat Bop.
- Madrid Malasaña: Discos La Metralleta.
- Barcelona: Discos Paradiso.
- Athens Exarcheia: Politically-themed records.
Tier 3 — niche
- Lisbon (Príncipe Real): Flur record store.
- Glasgow: Strong record shop scene.
- Manchester (Northern Quarter): Vinyl Exchange.
Strategy
Many record shops have specialty focuses (electronic, jazz, indie). Researching before visit prevents disappointment.