Located near the railway station in the center of the city, Handwerkerhof (U-Bahn: Hauptbahnhof) is a crafts mall in a medieval castle setting, where Franconian artisans create and sell a wide range of handicrafts. It's open March 20 to December 23, weekdays 10am to 6:30pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. In December, it also opens Sunday 10am to 6:30pm.

At Kistner, Weinmarkt 6 (tel. 0911/203482; www.kistner.de; U-Bahn: Lorenzkirche), you can step back in time. This wonderful store is full of antique books, prints, and engravings, including some by Dürer, Rembrandt, and other masters. The owner, Herr Kistner, is an expert in the field.

Villeroy & Boch, Königstrasse 13 (tel. 0911/223182; www.villeroy-boch-nuernberg.de; U-Bahn: Lorenzkirche), sells sets of china, crystal ware, and porcelain trinkets.

The largest department store in the city, Karstadt, Königstrasse 14 (tel. 0911/2130; U-Bahn: Lorenzkirche), carries clothing, housewares, and other home furnishings.

Adding variety to prudence, La Condomeria, Ludwigstrasse 57 (tel. 0911/232784; www.lacondomeria.de; U-Bahn: Weisser Turm), sells condoms in various colors, textures, flavors, and scents. It also has postcards and T-shirts.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.