Mention shopping and Düsseldorf and the 'Kö' (short for Königsallee) is inevitably in the next breath. This handsome leafy boulevard, bisected by an ornamental canal and fountains, hosts many of the world's top designer shops such as Cartier, Lacoste, Gucci, Chanel, Escada, Hugo Boss, Joop, Prada and many more.

Off the Kö, the Stilwerk mall is a temple to modern interior design, while nearby the striking Schadow Arkaden mall is home to more designer outlets. Meanwhile, the Schadowstrasse is known as ‘Germany's shopping mile,' and is said to have the highest turnover in the country. Close by, the Carsch-Haus, Heinrich-Heine-Platz 1, occupying a splendid Jugendstil building, is the city's top department store.

The Altstadt features small, individual shops and local specialities, such as the Mustard Museum and Shop, Berger Strasse 29, and the Gut & Gerne Schokolade chocolate shop and cafe at Burgplatz 3-5. There is a high-quality food market on Carlsplatz daily with some mouthwatering gourmet items.

Shop opening times are Monday to Saturday 0900-1830, with late opening on Thursday evening. Some shops close early Saturday afternoon.