Traffic-free Zeil is the most famous road in the German city of Frankfurt (below) and attracts 500,000 people every day. At its heart is Zeilgalerie (112 Zeil, tel: 49 69 9207340), which has about 50 shops under its huge silver roof. This shopping centre abounds with stylish boutiques, with about 15 stores tailored to the seriously fashionable. If you prefer something more playful, head to toyshop Sulzer (No 62; tel: 49 69 20907). Wannabe rally drivers will race to pick up a toy car while those of a less speedy disposition will lose themselves among the painting sets and glass-art kits.
Kenvelo (No 38; tel: 49 69 91397014) sells casual clothing that is perfect for sightseeing in this cosmopolitan city. A women's dark-blue Lindsay denim jacket (Euro47/HK$520) is snug enough for rainy days but still stylish. When the sun shines, men can don a stripy peppermint-green T-shirt (Euro10) and denim Caspar shorts (Euro30) for a picnic.
For handmade cosmetics with fresh, natural scents head to Lush (No 29; tel: 49 69 20978804). Its Champagne Supernova (Euro4) bath ball fizzes into a deliciously citrus bath. Just as intoxicating is the Sugar Rush ballistic bar (Euro3.50) and the rich warm perfume of the Black Magic massage bar (above; Euro6).
Back outside on Zeil there are many gifts shops and market stalls. Here you can buy one of the most popular local souvenirs: an Ebbelwei wine carafe (called a bembel) and matching glasses, used for sipping the city's renowned apple-infused drink.
For more self-indulgence go to shoe store Deichmann (109 Zeil, tel: 49 69 9139 9681). Its leather poppy-red ballerina pumps would have enchanted Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at just Euro19.90. The white and silver sling-backs are equally adorable and, at Euro12.90, come at an enchanting price too. Men are catered to with a huge range of trainers, including a black and white mesh-covered shoe for Euro19.90.
For more fashionable tailoring and shoes head to Peek und Cloppenburg (71 Zeil, tel: 49 69 298950). Famous names such as Burberry, Max Mara and Paul Smith have joined forces with more affordable designers to create a shopping pantheon your wardrobe will thank you for.