CITY CENTER. Foodies take note: this is the place where you'll want to start your visit to Frankfurt. Fressgass is the nickname given to the stretch of Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse between Opernplatz and Börsenplatz ­ it's the only place in Germany with such a high concentration of delis, restaurants, cafes and gourmet shops. Charming little tables line the street, and there are several lively public events here through the year. And here's a fun tidbit: in German the word "fressen" means "to devour," such as a hungry animal might. The word "essen" on the other hand, is the more polite one usually used in reference to the human act of eating. It's a good example of the sometimes self-deprecatory Frankfurt humor!

CITY CENTER. The section of Goethestraße between the Alte Oper and Roßmarkt is an amazing sight, especially if haute couture makes you swoon. Chanel, Ferragamo, Burberry, Jil Sander, Gucci, Versace, Georges Rech, Tiffany, Prada and Hermes are just a few of the top designers with boutiques here.

EAST FRANKFURT. A large three-level shopping mall, the Hessen Center houses more than 115 diverse shops. Other retailers include a major department store, food and beverage specialists, restaurants and cafes.

CITY CENTER. Often called "the Fifth Avenue of Germany," Frankfurt's Zeil (Golden Mile), between the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache, is where all the biggest department stores are clustered. An attractive pedestrian zone, it's also home to a wealth of boutiques and specialty shops, plus two shopping centers, the Zeilgalerie and Frankfurt Hoch 4. If you're visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, you'll be able to enjoy the outdoor farmers market on the Konstablerwache.