Sockenkiste

Die Wendeltreppe
Frankfurt’s only thriller bookstore. The newest and most exciting thriller novels are presented the first Thursday of every month. The store is open until midnight on the last Saturday of every month, so that mystery lovers can browse in an appropriate atmosphere.
›› Sachsenhausen, Brückenstr. 34, Tel. 61 13 41, www.die-wendeltreppe.de

Eselsohr Kinderbuchhandlung
In an age of television and video games, reading usually comes last on a kid’s list of priorities. This bookstore has specialized in the youngest market and offers professional and expert advice on books and games that encourage reading.­
›› Bockenheim, Am Weingarten 11, Tel. 70 68 11, www.eselsohr-buchhandlung.de

Hugendubel
One of Germany’s largest chain of bookstores. Everything from national and international fiction to diverse non-fiction and travel books, history, politics and health.
›› Bergen-Enkheim, Hessencenter/Borsigallee 26
›› Innenstadt, Steinweg 12
›› 61348 Bad Homburg, Louisenstr. 25
›› Tel. 0 18 01/48 44 84
›› www.hugendubel.de

Karl Marx Buchhandlung
No less a persona than Joschka Fischer was among the founders of the radical leftist bookstore in 1970. A hint of the revolutionary spirit remains today, although it has been transformed into a University bookstore, specializing in topics such as philosophy, politics, history and cultural studies.
›› Bockenheim, Jordanstr. 11, Tel. 77 88 07, www.karl-marx-buchhandlung.de

Landkarten Schwarz
Bookstore specializing in travel literature, offering more than just what its name might suggest. Besides maps of every kind, it also offers corresponding travel guides, city maps, world atlases, globes, digital maps, coffee table books and calendars.
›› Altstadt, Kornmarkt 12, Tel. 55 38 69, www.landkarten-schwarz.de

Marx & Co
One of the few author-run bookstores in Germany. Founded by writers in order to combat the mainstream and market pressure, and create a space for unusual literature and authors of all ages.
›› Westend-Nord, Grüneburgweg 76, Tel. 72 29 72, www.autorenbuchhandlung-marx.de

Middle Earth
Germany’s oldest esoteric bookstore, offering everything for the spiritual development of the individual: books, music, crystals, Feng Shui products, oils and much more.
›› Bockenheim, Leipziger Str. 12, Tel. 77 67 79, www.middleearth-buchhandlung.de

Naacher – Welt der Bücher
Traditional bookstore whose wooden furnishings and lovingly selected assortment make it particularly appealing.
›› Sachsenhausen, Schweizer Str. 57, Tel. 60 62 77 56, www.naacher.de

Oscar Wilde
Bookstore and online shop for gays and lesbians. Fiction, picture books, accessories, CDs and DVDs.
›› Innenstadt, Alte Gasse 51, Tel. 28 12 60, www.oscar-wilde.de

Oxfam Buchshop
Sells books for a good cause, with the proceeds going to world poverty relief. The goods on sale originate from donations, and include not only books but also clothes and toys. Find a bargain and help at the same time.
›› Altstadt, Töngesgasse 35, Tel. 21 99 71 36, www.oxfam.de

Thalia
This large German bookstore chain gets its name from the Greek goddess of poetry and theater, and these areas are naturally well stocked. The assortment not only contains fiction, however, but also the most diverse scientific fields as well.
›› Heddernheim, Nordwest Zentrum, Tituscorso 13, Tel. 9 51 19 70
›› 63065 Offenbach, Aliceplatz 11, Tel. 069/8 00 73 30
›› 63450 Hanau, Hammerstr. 5, Tel. 0 61 81/30 04 80
›› 64283 Darmstadt, Schuchardstr. 8, Tel. 0 61 51/91 85 00
›› 65189 Wiesbaden, Bahnhofsplatz 3, Tel. 0 611/4 47 53 40
›› www.thalia.de

T3 Terminal Entertainment
Two-floor comic store offering what the comic lover desires. German and American comics, international DVDs, figurines, posters and games. 
›› Innenstadt, Große Eschenheimer Str. 41a, Tel. 28 75 69, www.t3ffm.de

Weltbild plus
Discount bookstore that also carries CDs and DVDs as well as software, games, electronics, living and sports accessories, on top of books.
›› Bergen-Enkheim, Hessencenter/Borsigallee 26, Tel. 0 61 09/24 91 60
›› 64283 Darmstadt, Luisenplatz 5, Tel. Luisen-Center, Tel. 0 61 51/29 34 75
›› 63450 Hanau, Nürnberger Str. 32, Tel. 0 61 81/50 73 15
›› 63065 Offenbach, Frankfurter Str. 40, Tel. 0 69/80 10 14 98
›› www.weltbild.de

Wohltat´sche Buchhandlung
Retail chain carrying books, CDs, DVDs and gift items at reduced prices.
›› Altstadt, Neue Kräme 16-18, Tel. 28 00 64, www.wohlthat.de

X-tra-BooX
The rich assortment at this store will please fans and non fans of comics. There’s something for everyone from early comic strips such as Krazy & Ignatz to classics such as Superman as well as the latest Japanese Manga comics.
›› Altstadt, Berliner Str. 20, Tel. 28 18 83, www.comicladenfranke.de

Ypsilon Buchladen & Café
Cultural shop where you won’t find piles of best sellers. The assortment is carefully selected but nonetheless varied. The emphasis is on cultural and political treatises on humanistic topics. Literature from Africa and Asia as well as literary and scientific works.
›› Nordend-Ost, Berger Str. 18, Tel. 44 87 38, www.y-buchladen.de

International bookstores

British Bookshop
Small, quaint shop with a large selection of English books. Also a search service for English-speaking baby-sitters and English teachers.
›› Innenstadt, Börsenstr. 17, Tel. 28 04 92, www.british-bookshop.de

Hugendubel bookshop
Best selection of English books in Frankfurt including a second-hand section, sometimes old or valuable rarities.
›› Innenstadt, Steinweg 12, Hotline: 0 18 01/48 44 84, www.hugendubel.de/bookshop

Readers Corner
In the Readers Corner, passionate bookworms can find not only an extensive selection of English-language literature, with an emphasis on science fiction, crime and fantasy, but also magazines in a wide range of languages such as Spanish, French, Italian and Arabian. The selection is rounded off by extensive and very personal advice; individual wishes for books are also happily fulfilled.
›› Innenstadt, Stiftstr. 36, Tel. 36 60 59 34

Südseite
International bookstore with an emphasis on political and socio-critical literature. Large selection of foreign language books, mainly English, Italian and Spanish but also Portuguese and Japanese among others.
›› Bahnhofsviertel, Kaiserstr. 55, Tel. 25 29 14, www.zambonverlag.de

TFM – Portugiesische Buchhandlung
Portuguese books on every conceivable topic, such as travel, language or fiction, as well as a CD selection with Brazilian, African or Portuguese music. Occasional readings.
›› Bockenheim, Große Seestr. 47, Tel. 28 26 47, www.tfmonline.de

Türkische Buchhandlung
Meeting place for fans of Turkish-language literature and those interested in Turkey and Turkish culture in general.
›› Bahnhofsviertel, Münchener Str. 13, Tel. 25 05 06, www.turkkitap.de

Original Frankfurt

Äpplergalerie Sachsenhausen
The store on the first floor offers typical Frankfurt souvenirs such as bembel, cider and everything that can be made with or from apples. Or try typical Frankfurt fare such as handkäs, pretzels and cider in the locale in the basement.
›› Sachsenhausen, Klappergasse 9, Tel. 61 99 53 93, www.aepplergalerie.de

Frankfurter Dippemarkt
Purveyors of traditional earthenware as well as pewter and household goods. Earthenware pots are known as dippes in Hesse, so that the markets were also called Dippe markets in former times. Today, the Frankfurter Dippemess market is the largest and oldest fair in the city. Three weeks every April and eleven days every September.  
›› Bornheim, Festplatz Ratsweg, www.dippemess.de

Hessen Shop
People from Hesse are proud of their state’s cultural achievements and you can see that in this store. It sells culinary specialties from the region, as well as items such as patriotic local books and breathable socks with a Bembel jug motif.
›› Bockenheim, Leipziger Str. 49, Tel. 91 31 81 49

Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur
The charm of this Frankfurt district doesn’t only lie in its old town, which has been heritage protected since 1972. It’s also home to Germany’s second oldest porcelain manufacturers, who combine tradition and craftsmanship with high quality materials and love for detail in their stylish porcelain creations.
›› Höchst, Palleskestr. 32, Tel. 30 09 02-40, www.hoechster-porzellan.de

Specialty shops

Aristodogs
Even a dog’s life can be luxurious and stylish these days, for example with zirconium-encrusted collars, leather dog baskets or trendy T-shirts from America, Italy or France. You can also get ex­clusive care products for your dog here.
›› Westend-Süd, Reuterweg 51-53, Tel. 71 91 07 97, www.aristodogs.eu

Australian Shop
A flavor of Down Under in the heart of Frankfurt. From Australian clothes to travel guides and maps to typical foods such as the infamous Vegemite spread. Also didgeridoo courses and advice on visa and residency requirements.
›› Altstadt, Berliner Str. 33, Tel. 90 02 84 37, www.australien-shop-frankfurt.de

Clopen
Iron-ons to create your own individual T-shirt, as well as house collections. Also design your own buttons and stickers. It’s worth dropping by regularly as many of the bags and accessories from different designers on sale change constantly.  
›› Ostend, Sandweg 110, Tel. 46 00 88 38, www.clopen.de

Coloria – Art made by you
Everybody can be an artist here: you can choose a cup or plate from a large selection of unfinished ceramics and paint it yourself. The finished product can then be picked up later; also occasional pottery and art courses.
›› Nordend-West, Eschersheimer Landstr. 86, Tel. 95 50 97 98, www.coloria.de

Musikhaus Bornheim
Owner Adi offers, among others, a large selection of vintage rarities as well as new and used instruments in his interesting second-hand music shop.
›› Nordend-Ost, Burgstr. 112, Tel. 45 10 30, www.adys-vintage-music.de

Pappnase & Co
Fun and colorful store for theater, artistry, games and gift items, for your perusal and discovery. The gift-finding rate is extremely high here, so that a visit is always worthwhile.
›› Bockenheim, Leipziger Str. 6, Tel. 70 94 93, www.pappnase.de

Pink Orange and a bit of green
Endless amounts of glass, wood and metal beads are ready to be fashioned into unique jewelry such as chains, wrists and earrings. The huge choice is a welcome opportunity to get inspired. If you feel creative and are not in a hurry, the shop will make up a piece of jewelry according to your design.
›› 61476 Kronberg, Eichenstr. 32, Tel. 0 61 73/99 67 98, www.pinkorange-online.de

Sockenkiste
The façade and window dressings of this small, curious shop run by Ute and Klaus Bund are decorated with the legs of numerous mannequins. They offer, among others: healthy socks with pique-bund (without elastic), wool socks as well as a large selection of unusual nylons from outsider brands. A footnote: this popular store for feet has existed since 1988.
›› Nordend-Ost, Berger Str. 133, Tel. 4 95 06 37

Teddy & More
An eldorado for lovers of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. Large selection from many famous manufacturers such as Bukowski Design, Sigikid, Russ Berrie, Hermann, Gund, Sunkid and Trudi.
›› Innenstadt, Zeil 112-114, Tel. 29 80 19 44, www.designbaeren.de