Saarbrücken

The city's nearly one-kilometre long pedestrian street, linking the central station with St. Johanner Markt, will surely entertain you even on a rainy day: a shopping round through its international stores and covered walkways can well fill up an entire day.

Get a taste of local life at the city's most popular gathering venue, and take a stroll in the narrow alleyways along the myriad cafés and restaurants. The fountain in the middle of the square was designed by F. J. Stengel, and together with Ludwig's Church and the Castle, it forms what is called the Stengel triangle. You'll also find Fröschengasse here, formerly a workers' district with Baroque-style houses.

A few minutes from the train station, Europa Galerie is a three-storey shopping mall housing over a hundred stores and offering plenty of services and catering facilities. The building is a true architectural gem, with mosaic tiles produced by famous Villeroy & Boch, headquartered in nearby Mettlach. Another few minutes' walk along Trierer Straße, and you will reach Bahnhofstraße, the city's 700-metre long lively promenade.

The charming pedestrian streets of Kaiserviertel are filled with a wide range of small boutiques and plenty of services. Its small cafés always make for some prime people-watching, especially during the popular food markets held here every Thursday. Don't miss out!

Considered the hip quarter of Saarbrücken, this area north of St. Johanner Markt is worth a detour for its art and second hand stores (check out Tabula Rosa), as well as unique bars and eateries. Have this place on top of your list if you are visiting at the end of July, for it hosts the annual Nauwieser Fest.

Just when you think you've found all the gems of Saarbrücken in the old town, you'll reach Mainzer Straße, the city's eastern artery running through this friendly quarter with myriad shops and restaurants. Enjoy the cinema, try yourself at the climbing gym, or indulge in flavours at the Michelin-starred Klaus Erfort restaurant. Tours in the quarter are also organised.

A shopping mall right next to the Saarbrücken Zoo with several fashion stores, services, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants. Various programmes like flea markets or sports days are organised regularly.