I've been to Berlin a few times, although not specifically for a shopping trip, but I can tell you that there are so many places to go and so many different kinds of shops, all with beautiful clothes and other merchandise, that it can be quite daunting. This may be particularly true for those staying in Berlin hostels for the first time and who have very little idea about where to start.

Thankfully, then, Marcus Maienschein had a brainwave a year ago and decided to launch his Buy Buy Bln business. The New York Times has brought this magical man to my attention and, the next time my girlfriend decides that she wants to go for some retail therapy in a different country, I shall definitely be recommending Mr Maienschein's services to her. (That way, I get to go to Berlin again as well, which is no bad thing.)

Apparently, it can be quite tricky to find more interesting and less tourist-oriented shops when you're in Berlin for just a few days, particularly if you're after some clothes that you won't be able to pick up in your local shopping centre back home.

Costing from between €15 (£13.56) to €25 for each tour, the shopping itinerary includes many of the smaller boutiques hidden in city, such as Yack Fou in Friedrichshain. And, even better perhaps, those taking part get between ten and 20 per cent off all their purchases, which makes it even more tempting.

Sounds like it's great for boyfriends too. My plan is to sign my lady up to one of Mr Maienschein's trips around Berlin and then jet off to somewhere a little bit more my style, such as Museum Island, which has five different exhibition halls, all cut off from the mainland by the river Spree.

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