Shopping in Constance: Tips and good addresses
The German border town of Constance scores with good shopping opportunities at reasonable prices.
Constance: for a shopping trip just across the border
If you live in St. Gallen, Winterthur, Zurich or Kreuzlingen, you will appreciate the proximity of the German border town of Constance on Lake Constance: This is worth a trip not only because of its well-preserved medieval Niederburg district, but also because of the good shopping opportunities.
The city has adapted to its Swiss friends, who like to come here at the weekends in particular to shop for fashion, food and other nice things at significantly lower prices than in Switzerland.
In Constance, you will find more than 400 specialist stores in the city center alone, as well as shopping centers and outlets in the city and the surrounding area. The branches of the large fashion chains on the one hand and numerous small, owner-managed traditional stores on the other ensure a balanced mix.
Multifaceted mix of shops in the city center of Constance
Constance's market place is the ideal starting point for a shopping spree through the city center. The Kaiserbrunnen is the vibrant center. Numerous retailers, cafés and restaurants invite you to visit in the immediate vicinity.
In the picturesque alleyways in the surrounding area, you will find high-quality boutiques, delicatessens, regional specialties, arts and crafts and, depending on the day of the week and time of day, various markets. Constance also impresses with its special historical flair, the charm of the old buildings with their playful facades.
It's fun to explore the small streets and be inspired by the range of products on offer in the old-established stores. Take a look in a gallery here, a peek in a small but fine flower store there - and relax with a coffee in between.
In addition to the Marktstätte, Hussenstrasse, Wessenbergstrasse and Rosgartenstrasse are among the best places to store in Constance. There are also branches of the big chains. A gem is Münzgasse, where you can buy numerous little things and souvenirs in the many small stores.
LAGO: the largest shopping center on Lake Constance
Since 2004, you can store in Constance at LAGO, a shopping center on Lake Constance right next to the train station. It comprises more than 70 stores, cafés and restaurants offering fashion, modern lifestyle and a wide range of culinary delights.
There is no standing still in this Constance shopping hotspot; the range changes every year. In 2024 alone, there were twelve new openings and five re-openings following renovation or relocation.
Fashion enthusiasts will find well-known brands and exclusive boutiques in LAGO, as well as classic chains such as H&M. There is also an electronics store, a bookshop, toys, a sports store and delicatessens. There is also a movie theater on the upper floor.
Which credit card accompanies you when shopping in Constance?
Outlets in and around Constance: "Zalando" and "seemaxx"
Another shopping attraction has been located in Constance's old town since 2021: "Zalando" offers bargains from over 2,200 brands on more than 1,100 square meters - fashion from head to toe. Goods from the previous season, individual sizes or items with minor defects such as a missing button are reduced by up to 70 percent.
Also on Lake Constance, but a few kilometers away from Constance in Radolfzell, is the "seemaxx", a large outlet center with more than 40 fashion brands from the lifestyle, outdoor and sports sectors.
Following the major expansion in October 2016, the total area of "seemaxx" has increased significantly to around 20,000 square meters, including around 8,500 square meters of shopping space. So if you value relaxed shopping without the crowds, this is the place for you.
Interesting fact: With the Platinum Card and Gold Card from American Express, you benefit from numerous shopping benefits such as Purchase Protection Insurance and seasonal discounts.
Schwyzerdütsch is in the air in Constance
The shopping opportunities in Constance are tempting. You can shop for outstanding fashion at German prices and get your VAT refunded. The historic, largely car-free old town with its sights, boutiques and manufactories as well as modern shopping centers are easy to explore on foot.
The pretty German border town is also an attractive destination for a short stay, regardless of your shopping plans. In winter, it is also worth taking a trip to the various Christmas markets in Constance.
Many shopping stores in Constance also accept Swiss francs as a means of payment - and of course American Express credit cards. With the Gold Card or Platinum Card in particular, you benefit from numerous practical advantages such as Purchase Protection Insurance, travel insurance and car rental benefits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Yes, Constance offers a wide range of shopping opportunities with many specialist retailers in the city center, small, owner-managed stores and a centrally located shopping center.
There is a "Zalando" outlet center in Constance itself, as well as the larger "seemaxx" outlet center on Lake Constance in Radolfzell.
Yes, this is generally possible, but the stores must also offer this refund, as the process means extra work for them. You can usually recognize stores that participate by the tax-free sticker on the door or in the checkout area.
