Shopping in Frankfurt: 5 Things You Must Buy From Germany

Frankfurt is a diverse city. From the well-preserved, historic buildings of the Altstadt (especially the central Römerberg square) to the modern skyscrapers of the Innenstadt and the famous financial centre, it has it all. Moreover, shopping in Frankfurt is quite an experience!

But if you look beyond the stony facts of Germany’s highest skyline, a whole lot of German lifestyle and traditions are waiting for you to discover. The city’s cultural life is full of civic customs and traditions shaped through the influence of the Roman Empire and Goethe, one of the world’s most famous poets.

Frankfurt shopping is as varied as the city itself. Nearly every brand you can guess is represented in the city, with most fashion retailers opening their first branch in Frankfurt. With a large bandwidth of modern brands, Frankfurt also offers a wide scope of traditional shopping opportunities in its historical city.

While strolling in the middle of Frankfurt you can have a look at an overwhelming variety of traditional German goods and specialties you couldn’t buy anywhere else. Here’s our recommendation of things to buy from Frankfurt…

Bembel

People serve the local drink Ebbelwoi (Apple wine/Cider) in a Bembel, which is a glazed stoneware jug. Bembels have existed for more than 100 years and traditionally feature a light grey base colour with blue hand-painted details, available in various sizes. It’s available in any design you wish, from an apple to wedding wishes drawn on the face of the jug.

Apple Wine

There’s one thing that Frankfurt is really famous for: apple wine! Called Apfelwein (or Ebbelwoi) in German, the brewing of apple wine has been a source of pride for many Frankfurters. You can’t return home with an empty Bembel in your hands. There is no getting around bringing a bottle of Wagner’s apple wine, Frankfurt’s famous winery. Wagner is one of Frankfurt’s oldest apple wine manufacturers, located in Sachsenhausen, south of the river Main. It offers a cozy environment to drink and you must buy a bottle of apple wine with family and friends.

Bethmännchen

The Bethmann family invented those delicious little pieces of pastry made out of marzipan and almonds. Legend says that each piece of almond placed on the side of the Bethmännchen represents one of the inventor’s sons. You can find Bethmännchen marzipan cookies in every bakery and many homes throughout Frankfurt during the Christmas season. A must-buy while shopping in Frankfurt!

Additional: Take the Wine Tasting Tour!

Masskrug

Leaving the world’s most famous country for beer without one of the famous 1 litre jugs is a no-go! The enormous scope of different designs goes from glass to ceramics. In Frankfurt, you can get them traditionally painted with historic motives.

Räuchermännchen

Those little smokers are manufactured in Frankfurt since 1830. Traditionally, it’s a little forester or a miner with a pipe in his mouth. You can light an incense stick inside and the smoke will come out the pipe. It is perfect to bring some of Germany’s charm into your own living room.