KaDeWe, Berlin

KaDeWe (full name of Kaufhof des Westens but called KaDeWe by everyone!) is Germany's equivalent of the UK store Harrods, except that it is even bigger than Harrods and offers seven floors of shopping, shopping and yes more shopping… The store celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2007 and you can expect some wonderful things to be happening during the time with lots of party celebrations being planned even as we speak…

What does it sell?
KaDeWe basically sells everything from clothes for women, men and children to household items, food, games, toys, sporting goods and so on. Make sure to stop by the visitor centre when you arrive for a floor map and ask about any special offers and promotions that the store may be having. The main sales are held in January and the summer months, but there will quite often be special purchases available throughout the store.

Best things to buy?
Make sure that you check out the home wares department as here you will find an amazing array of gifts for your home such as fantastic crockery and glasses that are miles cheaper tan the equivalent stores at home.

If you are a clothes horse then here you will find an amazing variety of clothes for men and women. What I love about German stores is that they stock many items together so, for example if you want a white shirt then most of the white shirts will be in one place allowing you to easily compare the shirts on offer! The store also stocks a range of very affordable clothing as well as offering the higher end couture clothing ranges such as Boss, Armani, Hilfiger, D&G, Burberry for women and Armani, Boss, CK and Versace for men (as well as a few hundred other designers and items!)

Be sure to check out the 6th floor food hall and especially the Christmas market hall with lots of wonderful chocolate gifts to tempt you! Chocolate buying for Christmas s is very popular in Germany and you will always find lots and lots of chocolate here to decorate the tree and even your home. The range of diabetic chocolate is also fantastic and puts or British shops to shame! You can also try some real German delicacies such as goose (again a Christas speciality) as well as lots of fish dishes.

Where to eat?
Although the store offers little coffee shops and restaurants for me head to the top floor self-service restaurant 'Winter Garten'. Not only does this place afford wonderful views over Berlin you will find seating no matter how large your party and you can chill out in peace and quiet and eat to your hearts content! Here you will find a range of snacks food and more substantial items that won't break the bank including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to try some of delicious salads and cakes! A range of German specialities are always on offer.

Where is it?
KaDeWe is located on the Tauentziehn Strasse in Berlin-Schoneberg and if travelling by U (Unter) Bahn then get off at Wittenbergplatz. Sie using lines U1, U2 und U3. By bus lines 343, M19, M29 und M46 all stop outside the store and any taxi driver will get you here!

Nearby you will also find lots of smaller stores that are great to browse and potter around and the area also offers a wide range of exciting cafes and restaurants to tempt your palette!

Opening times:

Open Monday to Friday 10am until 8pm and Saturdays 9.30am until 8pm (the only shops that are legally allowed to open in Germany on Sundays are those at trains stations and airports as well as chemists and bakeries!)