Shopping In Germany: A Look At The 10 Best Shopping Boulevards, Flea Markets & More

The culture and historical extravaganza that is Germany, overwhelms and amazes those who visit and explore this bountiful country. Just like its tourist attractions, shopping in Germany can also be an enriching and hugely satisfying experience. Though shopping malls are not very popular in the country, you can find the best luxury brand outlets as well boutique stores stocked with some of the best things to buy in Germany. Every important city has a vibrant shopping street offering something unique and interesting for the shopaholic in you.

Best Places For Shopping In Germany

Let’s check out some popular German markets and shopping destinations.

1. Schildergasse, Cologne

Considered to be the busiest shopping street in Europe, Cologne’s Schildergasse has a long history that dates back to ancient Roman times. Today it is amongst the best places for shopping in Germany with major department stores and fashion outlets like Galeria Kaufhof, Zara, H&M, etc. The centre of attraction here is the Weltstadthaus, a huge glass structure resembling a whale that houses a lovely clothes store.

2. Zeil, Frankfurt

Also known as the Fifth Avenue of Germany, this shopping street in Frankfurt is a delight for the discerning shopper. The area between Konstablerwache and Hauptwache is lined with the best international brand stores and chic boutiques offering the best in fashion and high living. While you’re exploring this fantastic promenade, do not miss visiting the 10-storey Zeilgalerie with its breathtaking architecture and a wonderful viewing platform offering the best views of Frankfurt. The adjoining Goethestrasse is the best place to shop for designer jewelry..

Location: 60313 Frankfurt am Main – Innenstadt

3. Konigsallee & Schadowstrasse, Dusseldorf

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In the heart of Dusseldorf this upscale promenade with a tree-lined river and numerous boutiques and designer stores is an elegant place for some high-end shopping in Germany. Called Ko by the locals, connoisseurs can shop to their heart’s content at the luxury stores and shopping malls along this street. Another fantastic shopping destination, Dusseldorf’s longest and most popular shopping street Schadowstrasse has more than 200 shops that offer everything that you could wish for without burning a hole in your pocket.

4. Ku’damm, Berlin

Kurfurstendamm, simply know as Ku’damm is Berlin’s most popular shopping street and the best place to hang out and spend an enjoyable evening. Get you dose of latest fashion trends and pick some classy stuff from Armani, Chanel, YSL and chic boutique stores. The cool new shopping centre, Bikini Berlin has lots of trendy stores and pop-up shops, while Berlin’s largest department store KaDeWe offers a world of beauty, garments, fashion, and accessories spread over 6 storeys.

5. Mönckebergstraße, Hamburg

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If you’re looking for a relaxed shopping experience, this charming pedestrian street running between the main train station and the historic City Hall of Hamburg is a great choice. The oak-tree lined boulevard is home to Europe’s largest sports store Karstadt and the world’s biggest electronics store Saturn. The usual suspects like H&M, C&A, Zara and other fashion brands rub shoulders with small & more personalised retail stores selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and electronics. The traditional stone house turned shopping centre, Levantehaus, with high-end speciality stores and restaurants. There are plenty of cafes all along where you can sip a beer or coffee to rest your weary feet, which is one of the best things to do in Germany.

Timings: 10AM-8PM (Mon-Sat). Sometimes shops close around 7PM on week days.

6. Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt

If you’re game for a unique experience of grocery shopping in Germany and exploring and amazing local shopping destination, a visit to Kleinmarkthalle is a must. Bustling with activity, this wonderful market spread over 1500 square metres with over 150 stalls selling fresh produce, gourmet products, wine and flowers, is a great place to shop, eat and mingle with the locals. Cooking enthusiasts & foodies can pick up regional specialities like Frankfurt’s Green Sauce and many exotic international delicacies at fair prices.

Location: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 8AM-6PM (Mon-Fri), 8AM-4PM (Sat).Sunday closed.

7. Mauerpark Flea Market, Berlin

The most vibrant and fun market in Berlin and one of the best places for Sunday shopping in Germany clubbed with some lip-smacking street food and live music, Mauerpark must not be missed if you’re in the city on a Sunday. From antiques to unique hand crafted souvenirs & art works, books, clothes, second hand goods and furniture, this is an amazing place to pick up some cool stuff. The live music, food trucks, wine bars and craft beer stalls add to the lively vibe of this popular flea market.

Location: Bernauer Str. 63-64, 13355 Berlin, Germany
Timings: 10AM-6PM (Sunday)

8. Ingolstadt Village Designer Outlet

For a slightly different shopping experience, head to this shopping village in Germany that’s home to world-class designer brands like Prada, Coach, Gucci, and Versace. Just an hour away from Munich, the place is good for tourists as well as shopaholics. You can grab some good discounts during the yearly promotional sales on branded products. The Shopping Express shuttle is a great way to reach this designer outlet, or you catch a bus which is a more reasonable option. With restaurants and cafes, the Ingolstadt village offers a relaxed shopping experience away from the bustle of the city.

Location: Otto-Hahn-Straße 1, 85055 Ingolstadt, Germany
Timings: 10AM-8PM (Mon-Sat)

9. Kathe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Shop

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While Germany is famous for some of the best Christmas markets in the world, this magical shop allows you to experience the same vibes even in Summers. With a fantastic display, huge selection of products and great quality, Kathe Wohlfahrt’s is a wonderful destination for shopping in Germany. With a red Christmas wagon parked outside, stacked with toys and beautifully crafted Christmas delight inside, this huge store is a fun stop that the kids will also love. You can’t help but admire at the huge Christmas pyramid and pick up some amazing souvenirs and accessories from this fantastic shop.

Location: Herrngasse 1, 91541, Rothenburg, Bavaria, Germany
Timings: 10AM-6PM (Mon-Sat)

10. Mall of Berlin

This huge shopping mall with its minimalistic & elegant design and hundreds of stores is your one-stop shopping destination when in Berlin. From designer clothes & shoes to handbags and electronics, you’ll find the best brand stores right here. A fantastic food court with a great range of stalls offering international cuisine is perfect for a relaxed break between the shopping. There is an interesting slide from the 3rd to 1st floor and most evenings you can chill out to the beats of cool DJ’s playing at the central area, to add some fun to your shopping experience.