Six discoveries on the Kö

It is one of the most famous shopping streets in Germany - but there is much more to experience on Königsallee than just shopping and window shopping. 

Anyone visiting Düsseldorf cannot avoid one address: Königsallee. Boutiques of world-famous designers line up next to the branches of large chains. But even if you're not on a shopping spree, it's always worth stopping by the Kö. Best of all, most of the experiences hardly cost anything. 

Enjoy the view

Probably one of the best views of the hustle and bustle of the Kö is offered by - Mayersche Buchhandlung! The chain's branch is located right next to the Schadow-Arkaden and therefore at the northern end of the shopping mile. So unless you want to lose yourself in a romance novel, a crime thriller or the latest bestseller on proper nutrition, make sure you get a seat by the panoramic window. It's the best opportunity to watch the Düsseldorf public in complete privacy. 

Stop off at Rosalie's Deli

The Kö is one kilometer long and at 87 meters, it is the widest street in Germany. This means that if you walk up and down the avenue, you can't do without refreshments. In the Kaufhof building, Rosalie's Deli offers a wide selection of "delicious" snacks. If you like, drink your first champagne at eleven and have a second breakfast in the late afternoon. Or party into the weekend: On Friday afternoons, the team calls for an after-work party on the restaurant's own terrace.

Jump on the HopOn HopOff bus

Are you surprised that we recommend a classic tour with the HopOn HopOff bus? But yes. Because not only does the route through Düsseldorf start on Königsallee. The ride on the red double-decker also gives you a pretty good idea of the dimensions of the street. You'll find out where the most people are and where things are a little quieter. Also to discover: the many statues such as the Bergisch Lion or the Ball Player.

Watching the Kö parrots

In case you are wondering who is screeching loudly over the shopping mile: the Kö parrots. They perch in the plane trees in the south of the avenue and fly spectacularly through the city center, especially in the morning and at dusk. With their bright green plumage, the Psittacula krameri are hard to miss and can easily match the speed of any sports car. These exotic birds originate from Africa and India and came to Germany more than six decades ago. Popular with tourists, they are sometimes considered a nuisance by locals.

Visit the Triton Fountain

For almost 30 years - since 1994 to be precise - the entire Königsallee has been a listed building. The Triton Fountain has certainly contributed to this. Located not far from the Kaufhof department store at the northern end of the Kö and completed by local sculptor Friedrich Coubillier in 1902, the fountain is now a selfie hotspot. Only one is never in the picture: The fountain figure of the Greek god of the sea Triton, armed with his lance, turns away from the visitors. Instead, the entire city moat lies at his feet.

See and be seen 

Don't be surprised if you come across a woman in a short pink outfit and ten-centimeter high heels on an ordinary Wednesday morning. Or a man showing off his thickest watch. The motto "See and be seen" is simply part and parcel of Königsallee. After all, four sidewalks - two next to the stores, two next to the moat - serve as catwalks here. Sit down in one of the cafés at the Kö-Galerie and see if the XXL sunglasses are actually those of the famous actress you think you recognize. It's quite possible. 

Cover picture: Düsseldorf Tourismus