There’s nothing like a shopping spree or just a bit of window-shopping in design-crazy Denmark. And whether you’re looking for some self-indulgence or a unique souvenir, Copenhagen won’t let you down.
The city’s central string of shopping streets is collectively known as Strøget. It’s where big international chains line up alongside the impressive flagship stores of some of Denmark’s most popular brands.
On rainy days you can browse for hours, warm and dry, in the iconic department stores of Illum and Magasin du Nord.
It’s true that shopping in Copenhagen isn’t cheap, but we’ve chosen our favourite selection of stores where you can fill your suitcase with trendy Danish goods – from Lego to liquorice.
Best for the dinner table: Royal Copenhagen
Hand-painted plates by Royal Copenhagen can be found in many Danish homes. The classic yet timelessly trendy porcelain series is hugely popular, with fans of the brand often adding to their collections at birthdays and Christmas.
The company is the result of a merger back in 1985, though the core business, Den Kongelige Porcelainsfabrik, dates from 1775, when it was founded under protection of Queen Juliane Marie.
Today Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store can be found behind a castle-like red-brick facade at Amagertorv, in the heart of the city.
It’s a fragile but fascinating world of plates, jugs, cups, bowls and vases, all proudly bearing three small blue waves that represent Denmark’s great inner waterways: Lillebælt, Storebælt and Øresund.
Address: Amagertorv 6, 1160 Copenhagen
Open: Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–4pm.
royalcopenhagen.com
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Best for Danish design: Georg Jensen
Right near the Royal Copenhagen store on Amagertorv, the flagship Georg Jensen store was named after its founder, a Danish sculptor who trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Jensen turned to working in silver and opened his first silversmiths in Copenhagen in 1904, just around the corner from the Amalienborg Palace, before expanding his business to Berlin, Stockholm, Paris, New York.
The brand, with its iconic curvy and silver design, is still highly popular among Danes today, and Georg Jensen’s jewellery, candle holders, cutlery and cocktail shakers make great designer souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
Address: Amagertorv 4, Copenhagen
Open: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm
georgjensen.com
Best for fashion and beauty: Illum
You’ll find plenty of Danish designer stores dotted around central Copenhagen, but a good place to start is at the iconic department store, Illum. Its entrance faces Strøget, just a few metres from Amagertorv.
The city’s oldest department store, Ilum dates from 1891, when it was located on the opposite side of the street and specialised in sewing and dress accessories.
Today it’s home to a cornucopia of Danish and international fashion brands, jewellery and beauty products and no less than 120 different stands.
Known for its beautiful Christmas decorations, Illum is worth a peek inside even if your wallet can’t stretch to actually buying anything.
Address: Østergade 52 (Strøget), 1100 Copenhagen
Open: Daily 10am–8pm
illum.dk
Best for kids: Lego Store København
Lego is one of Denmark’s most famous exports and one of world’s best-selling toy brands – and the flagship Lego Store on Strøget is the place to get your souvenirs.
The company was founded in 1932, focusing on wooden toys. Soon it started to produce the familiar colourful plastic bricks, and today Lego products are sold in more than 130 countries.
Boosted by several theme parks and a series of Lego-themed movies, the brand is still going strong and a source of joy for kids (and some parents too!).
Lego originates from the other side of Denmark in the small town of Billund, still home to the original Legoland theme park. But if you don’t want to travel there, the company’s Copenhagen store is a great free alternative.
Address: Vimmelskaftet 37 (Strøget), 1161 Copenhagen
Open: Mon–Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm
lego.com
Best for beer lovers: Carlsberg brand store
Beer lover? Then chances are you’ve enjoyed a Carlsberg or two because this beer is definitely one of Denmark’s best-known exports. Founded in 1847, Carlsberg today is one of the world’s three biggest brewery groups.
And while you might be able to find their beers at your local pub back home, you’ll have to head to the Copenhagen suburb of Valby to find their dedicated brand store.
You can reach it by taking the S-train and getting off at – where else? – Carlsberg Station.
With the shelves stacked with merchandise and equipment for your home bar, this is a true paradise for fans of the brew and its iconic logo. And of course you can stock up on the beers and ciders too.
Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, 1799 Copenhagen
Open: Tues–Thurs 11am–3pm
visitcarlsberg.com/brand-store/
Best for foodies: Torvehallerne
True foodies shouldn’t miss a trip to the food mecca of Torvehallerne. A unique mix of international restaurants and Danish delicatessens, it’s a great place to get a taste of Denmark.
More than 100,000 Copenhagen residents come here each week to buy everything from whisky to wild mushrooms, and berries to bread.
But for a truly Danish delicacy, why not try some Scandi-candy? The Lakrids by Bülow stall is one of several brand stores by the Danish “liquorice king”, who has made the black stuff trendy with his gourmet liquorice combined with fruit and chocolate.
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 Copenhagen
Open: Mon–Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm.
torvehallernekbh.dk
See also:
Ten fun things to do in Nørrebro
Copenhagen: where to find new Nordic cuisine on a budget
