KaDeWe is one of Germany's pioneering department stores. As early as 1907, it provided its customers with a staggering range of goods across five huge floors. The allure of the finest quality goods is as strong today as it ever was. The food hall on the top floor is legendary.

The Fünf Höfe (five courtyards) are in a class of their own when it comes to fashion, literature, lifestyle and cafés. This pedestrianised shopping centre between Odeonsplatz square and Marienplatz square is the perfect combination of consumerism, art and culture.

Frankfurt's shopping is as varied as its cityscape. The skyscraper-dominated skyline contrasts with historical Römerberg square by the town hall, while the nearby Braubachstrasse is popular with lovers of art and antiques. The town centre and the neighbouring shopping streets are all within walking distance.

The Hohe Strasse has been the talk of the town since 1967 – it's 1km of pedestrianised shopping heaven that starts at the cathedral. And the 15,000 shoppers per hour who grace the Schildergasse simply cannot be wrong.

In the heart of this Hanseatic city you can shop for the latest goods among the historical façades of the palatial shopping arcades or in state-of-the-art buildings. Europe's largest sports shop, the world's biggest electronics store, and the largest shoe store in Europe are sure to whet your shopping appetite.

Without doubt the fashion capital of Germany. Düsseldorf has been setting trends since the days of the Electors in the 18th century. The modern era kicked off in 1949 with a street fashion show on the Königsallee, also affectionately known as the "Kö”. This was then followed by the huge fashion and footwear trade shows that made the city a hotbed of international design.

The Königstrasse (King Street), is a fitting name for Stuttgart's premier shopping boulevard. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are the most prestigious names to originate from Stuttgart, a city synonymous with the car industry.

In the Hauptstrasse that runs parallel to the Neckar river, there is more than one kilometre of shopping heaven between Bismarckplatz and the Karlstor arch, with enchanting side-streets, historical surroundings and modern living. This is where the heart of the old town beats.

The Church of St. John dominates the romantic narrow streets and small town houses. The oldest district in this Hanseatic city, once occupied by fisherman and artisans, is today home to artists, galleries and a vibrant array of shops and restaurants.

This town of brick-Gothic architecture, known as the Queen of the Hanseatic League with a history going back 1,000 years, is also famous for its Lübeck marzipan, a firm favourite with connoisseurs. "Rotspon", a locally produced red wine, is a fusion of Franco-German viniculture.