If you are visiting Germany from the United States, you may not expect some of the differences in the business hours of local stores. Generally, the stores will not be open as late as you might be used to and you should not plan to buy groceries (Lebensmittel) on a Sunday. In fact, shopping hours in Germany are among the most restrictive in Europe.
Note : The following opening hours (Öffnungszeiten) apply in general, but may vary from store to store; As in the United States, stores in smaller cities close earlier than a mall in major cities such as Munich or Berlin.
What to expect when shopping
Buying in Germany is usually quite modern. Although there are still markets in the squares of the old cities, most of the people do their shopping in the main supermarket chains. There are many different stores to choose from:
- The Discounts: Most people shop at both discount and major chains such as Lidl, Netto, and Aldi. While discount stores have inconsistent inventory that doesn’t show up as pretty, they generally offer better deals.
- Top chains – These options include stores such as Kaisers, Edeka, Real, Rewe, and Kaufland
- Bio is a great source of organic food.
- Markets: In addition to the weekly and daily markets that take place in city squares, there are Turkish, Asian and African markets in some areas of the city that are a great source of products and specialty items.
- Online and Specialty Stores – If you need something specific, it may be best to ask for it.
Opening hours of shops, bakeries and banks
Department store
Mo-Sat 10.00 am – 8:00 pm
Sundays closed
Supermarkets and shops
Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (small supermarkets nearby between 6 and 8 pm)
Sun closed
Stores in smaller cities may close during a 1 hour lunch break (usually between noon and 1 pm).
Bakeries
Mon – Sat 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Banks
Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4 pm; ATMs are available 24/7
Saturdays and Sundays closed
Shopping on Sundays
In general, German shops are closed on Sundays . The exceptions are bakeries, stores at gas stations (open 24/7) or supermarkets at train stations. In bigger cities like Berlin, look for small shops called Spätkauf or Späti . Opening hours vary, but are generally open until at least 11:00 during the week (much later) and on Sundays.
Another exception is Verkaufsoffener Sonntag (shopping Sundays). This is when the larger grocery stores have special opening hours on specific Sundays. They often fall before Christmas and in the days leading up to the holidays.
Public holidays
All shops, supermarkets and banks are closed on German holidays such as Easter and Christmas. They are even closed on the days surrounding the holidays, making shopping for necessities between Christmas and New Years (Silvester) a special challenge. However, it is a great excuse to eat during this festive time as many restaurants remain open, recognizing the profit potential.
Museums and other attractions have special opening hours, and trains and buses run on limited hours. Check the websites before you go and be sure to plan ahead.
