4 Best Shopping in Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley, Germany

The beautiful art nouveau Markthalle on Dorotheenstrasse is one of Germany's finest market halls, with a curved glass ceiling for natural light to show off a mouthwatering selection of exotic fresh fruits, spices, meats, cheeses, chocolates, honeys, flowers, and hand-made jewelry and crafts, including holiday decorations in season. Check out the huge ceramic fountain, which spouts water from the original well. The restaurant balcony overlooks the action, which starts at 7:30 am weekdays.

Some of Stuttgart's more unique shops are found in this older quarter. A stroll through the neighborhood's smaller streets reveals many tucked-away shops specializing in fashion, jewelry, artwork, and gifts.

The flagship store of this upscale regional department-store chain has glass elevators that rise and fall under the dome of the central arcade, whisking you to multiple floors of designer boutiques. There is also a clearance Breuninger Outlet at Rotebühlplatz 25.