Shopping in Germany - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

In Germany, the garland of victory in the number of stores belongs to two of the largest cities - Berlin and Munich. The superior boutiques with collections of the best designers can be found in Dusseldorf and Cologne. Hamburg, being a major seaport, is known for its souvenirs and marine products. Stores in this country open about 10 am and work up to 7 pm. Sunday is traditionally considered a day off. Germany belongs to the category of countries with tax free, which allows you to return VAT on purchases. To do this, you need to provide a check for an amount exceeding 50 euros and a special filled coupon at the border control point.

In Germany, every traveler can find a store for himself. Some will be attracted by the largest shopping centers with restaurants, bars and even cinemas. Others like cozy unique boutiques and shops with unknown but exclusive things. Flea markets are very popular among tourists, as treasure hunters can find unique items at discounted prices. The season of sales here takes place twice a year, in January and in the second half of July. Discounts may reach 50%. A particular attention should be paid to products labeled bio. They are classified as eco-friendly products. This sort of goods is in high demand in this country and throughout Europe.

The largest shopping centers in Berlin are the elite KaDiFe store, the French department store Galerie Lafayette, and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden on Potsdam Square. A large number of boutiques can be found on Ku'damm Street and in its vicinity. In KaDiFe, you can buy clothes, shoes, antiques, cosmetics, and appliances. In the department store, there is a huge gastronomic section. The former is one of the largest shopping centers in the world and occupies 3 buildings.  It competes with Galerie Lafayette, which is a stylish and refined shopping center full of French chic. It presents the advantage of French brands, delicacies and premium dishes. In Ku'damm street there are elite boutiques of Chanel, Prada, Versace, Escada, MaxMara, and Louis Vuitton. It’s also worth visiting the Europa-Center, Wertheim in Berlin. On Schlossstrasse, you can find any stuff at affordable prices. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Munich will please travelers with opportunities for shopping in different price categories. Branded, exclusive items should be looked for on Theatinerstrasse and Maximilianstrasse. There you can find boutiques of Chanel, Hugo Boss, D&G, and Louis Vuitton. Those who are looking for more inexpensive brands should go to the streets of Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauserstrasse with Mango, H&M, and small shops on them. All major shopping streets are located near the Marienplatz square in the downtown. Nuremberg is the second city of Bavaria after Munich. There is also a large number of shops. The city is famous for Christmas shopping and souvenir products. It makes delicious gingerbread, sweets with marzipan, mulled wine, which can be taken away in a plastic bottle.

In Dresden, it is worth to visit the shops with the legendary Meissen porcelain, which has been produced in this city for 300 years. Cologne can unpleasantly surprise travelers with high prices, so it’s better to go to Bremen for cheaper but the same quality things. The largest department stores with an affordable pricing policy are Peek&Cloppenburg and Karstadt. Dortmund can also be categorized as a city with inexpensive shops. A special attention should be paid to sportswear. It is best to go to the brand store of Dortmund Bavaria, which is one of the best football clubs in the world. Large flea markets are in Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, and Hannover.

Outlets in Germany are real villages from shops and boutiques with shocking prices. One of the largest is Metzingen located near Munich. It represents about 70 world brands. The building in which the outlet was located, was constructed in the 12th century. The Wine Museum is situated nearby. In an hour drive by car from Frankfurt you will find the outlet village of Wertheim Village. It has about 50 different brands of world renown. A 20-minute drive from Berlin is the McArthurGlen Designer with 80 stores. Discounts in it can reach 70%. There is a children's club where you can leave your children, while you go shopping.