9 hours in Frankfurt - shopping?

[Tortuga]

I have a 9 hour layover in Frankfurt, would like to make the most of my time there and get some shopping done. Can anyone recommend some shopping areas - is it worth leaving the airport to go into the city? Mainly interested in buying jeans, tops etc

 

[Fantic125]

IIRC, the main shopping area in Frankfurt is the Zeil, just north of Domplatz (historical centre).

The airport is a couple of km's from the centre so you will need to catch the regional train in. It runs regularly between the airport and the centre. The station in Frankfurt is walking distance to the Zeil, or you can catch the underground.

It's worthwhile having a look around the historical centre as well.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Catch the S-Bahn in to town. You want to head to the Zeil as Fanatic25 said. The shopping there is quite good IMO, lots of department stores amongst other shops too.

Get the S-Bahn to Hauptwache (no change needed), which is at the upper end of the Zeil, you can then walk down towards Konstablerwache and see all the shops. If you're done when you get there, you can get the train back to FRA from Konstablerwache (again, no change needed).

 

[Foreigner]

MyZeil is is actually a mall and I left unimpressed. What kind of shopping? Seems there were not enough businesses to pull shoppers. That said, still interesting to visit the area. If travelling from airport, I wouldn't take a walk from Hbf to it. Rather, take the underground train. The Altstad is just OK. Now that can be a shorter walk from Hbf.

 

[burrco]

Agree with Must...Fly! If you want to go shopping take the S8 or S9 from FRA to Hauptwache and check out the department stores like peek and cloppenburg. Maybe finish the day at one of the museums on the Rhine.

Depending how adventurous you feel, and your trust in German Rail, you could also venture two hours (2.10 to be precise) away to the outlets at Metzinger - esp. if you're a Hugo Boss fan.

Alternatively just spend the day sight seeing in Mainz.

 

[Tortuga]

Appreciate the replies, thanks. Will take the S-Bahn and start practicing my german !! I need to buy two pairs of jeans (thinking Levis?) and some tops etc. I would also be interested in an ebook reader or ipad if possible, buying electronics in Argentina is a nightmare, import customs makes prices double of the US, although they don't bother with your luggage, shipping anything to the country is a nightmare.

 

[burrco]

Don't forget to get your VAT refund form filled in before leaving the store!

 

[Tortuga]

Hey Burrco, I found this website that explains the VAT refund. Tax-free shopping. Might help some others who are in Frankfurt and want the VAT back I will be claiming the VAT using a service company since I won't get the opportunity to go back to the shop after I get customs to sign the form and inspect my purchases! Am I right in thinking VAT is usually 20%?

 

[kelvedon]

German VAT rate is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% in some categories like food.