Shopping in Frankfurt
What to Buy
- Apple Wine (Ebbelwoi): Frankfurt's signature drink in decorative bottles - available at Kleinmarkthalle or Sachsenhausen taverns
- Bethmännchen: Traditional marzipan cookies, especially during holidays
- Grüne Soße Mix: Herb blend for Frankfurt's famous green sauce
- Handkäs: Regional cheese (check customs regulations for transport)
- German Christmas ornaments: Year-round at Käthe Wohlfahrt stores
- Designer goods: Goethestraße luxury shopping district
- Books: Frankfurt is Germany's publishing capital - excellent bookstores
Shopping Areas
Zeil: Main shopping street with department stores (Galeria, MyZeil mall) and international chains. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm.
Goethestraße: Luxury boutiques including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton. Frankfurt's most exclusive shopping.
Kleinmarkthalle: Indoor market for food, flowers, specialties. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm. Best for authentic local products and lunch.
Berger Straße (Bornheim): Independent boutiques, specialty shops, neighborhood feel. Great for unique finds.
Schweizer Straße (Sachsenhausen): Antiques, galleries, independent stores.
Shopping Tips
- Sunday closures: Nearly all shops closed Sundays except train station stores and airport
- Tax refunds: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds (19%) on purchases over €25 - ask for Tax Free forms
- Markets: Saturday farmers' market at Konstablerwache for local products
- Opening hours: Typically Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, smaller shops may close 6pm
- Payment: Cash still widely used; carry euros as some small shops don't accept cards