Although most shoppers visiting Frankfurt will head straight for the Zeil, shopping is quite a different experience for expats living in the city. Of course, you'll want to take a day or two and browse the upscale shops of the Zeil upon your arrival, but after that, you will need to attend to more mundane tasks, such as shopping for groceries, household items, and the like.

Large supermarkets do exist in Frankfurt, but they are rather few in number. More commonly, you will find specialty grocers, and family owned stores that carry a limited selection of goods. As an expat, this can be a good way to get to know the locals, and soak in the culture outside of the city center.

Here are a few of the grocers, stores, and markets favored by expats living in Frankfurt:

The Bornheimer Wochenmarkt, located on Am Uhrtürmchen/Marktplatz in the center of the Bornheimer square, is a large market where farmers sell a variety of fruits and vegetables. You will also find many types of meats, including the city's famous sausages, as well as cheeses, spices, and fresh dairy products. Browsing through the Bornheimer Wochenmarkt is an excellent way to mingle with the locals while you gather some of the freshest foods available in the city.

The Kleinmarkthalle has been a favorite with expats for decades. Here, you will find a variety of forign and ethnic foods, as well as rich desserts, breads, spices, and ethnic ingredients. Numerous vendors also offer fresh fish, meats, and cheeses, as well as an assortment of fresh flowers.

British expatriates tend to frequent the Schillerstrasse Market, where British favorites such as crème eggs and Walker crisps can be found. This market also offers a wide assortment of cheeses, meats, fruits and vegetables, and local delicacies. The Schillerstrasse Market is also a good place to shop for local crafts to decorate your apartment or flat.

If you are in the mood for Asian cuisine, head to the Superkato, located at Kornmarkt 3. Here, you can purchase Asian noodles, rice, spices, and other specialties. There are also numerous vendors selling sushi rolls.

The Erzeugermarkt, located on the Konstablerwache, is the largest produce market in the Frankfurt area. You will find 52 kiosks selling Hessen specialties, as well as produce, meats, and dairy from nearby farms. While you're here, be sure to visit the wine kiosks, which sell apple wine, a regional specialty. If you want to try one of Frankfurt's favorite specialties, head for the Kartoffelpuffer kiosk, where you can sample large fried potato pancakes topped with applesauce.

If you need to purchase household goods, the Lorey is one of the most popular destinations in Frankfurt. Located at Schillerpassage 16, the Lorey offers an array of houshold goods, as well as traditional German products and kitsch.

While the Zeil and Goethestrasse are rife with top designers and expensive price tags, most expats prefer the more subdued boutiques of Bornheim, Bockenheim, and Sachsenhausen. Here, you can shop for clothing at quaint shops and second hand stores, and enjoy the local culture at one of the many cafes.