MITTE. Despite its close quarters, Departmentstore Quartier 206 holds the distinction of being one of Berlin's most distinguished department stores. High-end fashions for children, women, and men take top billing, but the store also manages to fit in a dizzying array of top-of-the-line personal and home accessories. S-BAHN and U-BAHN: Friedrichstrasse

CHARLOTTENBURG ­ WILMERSDORF. Ultra-sleek and very Euro, this large center in Charlottenburg is a perfect spot for shopping and people-watching. Completed in the early '60s, it was intended to be the commercial heart and soul of West Berlin, and indeed it was - and still is! Bars, coffee shops, and about 100 stores spread across three, atrium-style floors. In addition, unique features like the Clock of Floating Time, Lotus-Fountain, and even fragments of the Berlin Wall have become tourist attractions almost as popular as the mall itself. Take the elevator to Europa-Center's 22nd floor and get a great view of the surrounding city. U-BAHN: Zoologischer Garten

MITTE. Considered the main drag of what was once East Berlin, Friedrichstrasse has shrugged off its cobwebs and emerged as one of the city's more cutting-edge commercial zones. Where visitors once found ho-hum trinket and souvenir stands, they now discover a bustling central district that's the epitome of 21st century capitalism. Indeed, high-end markets, boutiques, department stores, and restaurants stand in the shadows of modern office buildings, giving Friedrichstrasse the look and feel of London, the Big Apple, and other fashion centers. U-BAHN: Friedrichstrasse and Französische Strasse

MITTE. In keeping with Berlin's justly-earned rep as a city with a keen sense of style, Galeries Lafayette in Mitte carries elegant, brand-name French designs, as well as expensive perfumes, colognes, shoes, and accessories. In addition, the department store is known for its fabulous basement floor, which features gourmet delights like exotic produce, imported wines, premium meats, and other delicacies. U-BAHN: U6 Französische Strasse

CHARLOTTENBURG ­ WILMERSDORF. One of Berlin's ­ perhaps even Western Europe's ­ largest and most famous department stores, legendary Kaufhaus des Westens in Charlottenburg is revered for its wide variety (seven floors worth!) of high-end merchandise, ranging from contemporary fashions and cosmetics to best-selling media and kitschy kitchen wares. In addition to great shopping, the store has a delicacies department on the sixth floor that features champagne, wine, and beer bars; a deli; a crêperie; and even a sushi bar. U-BAHN: U1, U2, U3 Wittenbergplatz