Shopping in Copenhagen: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Are you an expat in Denmark looking for the best shopping experience in Copenhagen? You\’re in luck! Copenhagen is a shopper\’s paradise, with a wide range of stores, boutiques, and markets to choose from. As an expat, shopping in a new city can be overwhelming, but we\’re here to help you navigate the streets of Copenhagen and make the most of your shopping experience.

Exploring the City Center: Where to Shop in Copenhagen

The heart of Copenhagen is the perfect place to start your shopping adventure. The Strøget pedestrian street is home to a plethora of stores, from high-end fashion to local boutiques. It\’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee while you take a break from shopping. We recommend taking a stroll down the side streets as well, where you\’ll find hidden gems and unique shops.

If you\’re looking for high-end fashion stores, the Illum and Magasin du Nord are two of the most popular department stores in the city center. Illum is known for its luxury brands, while Magasin has a more diverse selection of clothing and accessories.

Top Shopping Streets in Copenhagen

Aside from Strøget, there are several other shopping streets in Copenhagen that are worth exploring. Værnedamsvej in Vesterbro is known for its trendy fashion boutiques and specialty food stores. Jægersborggade in Nørrebro is a hip and eclectic street with unique shops and cafes.

Boutiques and Fashion Stores in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is known for its minimalist and functional fashion, and there are plenty of boutiques and stores that showcase this style. One of the most popular brands is Ganni, which has several locations throughout the city. Stine Goya and Saks Potts are two other popular fashion brands with unique styles.

For high-end fashion, visit the department stores Illum and Magasin du Nord, or head to the luxury boutiques on Ny Østergade.

Shopping Malls and Department Stores in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several large shopping malls and department stores, including Fields and Fisketorvet. Fields is located just outside the city center and has over 140 stores, while Fisketorvet is located near the water and has over 120 stores.

In addition to the malls, Illum and Magasin du Nord are two of the most popular department stores in the city center. Both have a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and home goods.

Market Shopping in Copenhagen

If you\’re looking for a more authentic shopping experience, head to one of Copenhagen\’s many markets. The Torvehallerne market is a must-visit, with its selection of fresh produce, baked goods, and gourmet foods. It\’s a great place to grab a bite to eat while you shop.

For vintage and second-hand finds, head to the Nørrebro Flea Market on Sundays. This market is known for its unique and eclectic items, from vintage clothing to furniture to vinyl records.

Shopping for Danish Design in Copenhagen

Denmark is known for its minimalist and functional design, and shopping for Danish design is a must-do for expats. From furniture to home decor to fashion, Danish design is everywhere in Copenhagen.

Check out stores like Hay, Muuto, and Normann Copenhagen for beautiful and functional home goods. For fashion, Acne Studios and Wood Wood are two popular brands with a minimalist aesthetic.

Home Decor Stores in Copenhagen

In addition to the Danish design stores mentioned above, there are several other home decor stores in Copenhagen worth exploring. Illums Bolighus is a department store dedicated to home decor and furniture, while Bolia and BoConcept are two popular furniture stores with modern designs.

Fashion Boutiques in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a thriving fashion scene, with several boutiques that showcase local and international designers. One of the most popular areas for fashion boutiques is the street of Elmegade in Nørrebro, which is home to several unique and independent stores.

Another popular area for fashion boutiques is the street of Kronprinsensgade in the city center. Here, you\’ll find a mix of high-end and mid-range fashion boutiques, including the popular brand Ganni.

Shopping for Local Brands in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several local brands that are worth checking out while you\’re shopping. Some of the most popular local brands include Stine Goya, Saks Potts, and Ganni, which are known for their unique and stylish designs.

Another popular local brand is Soulland, which specializes in men\’s fashion with a Scandinavian twist. The brand has several locations throughout Copenhagen.

Shopping for Souvenirs in Copenhagen

If you\’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, there are several shops in Copenhagen that specialize in Danish design and products. One of the most popular shops is the Danish Design Store, which has a wide selection of home goods, jewelry, and accessories.

Another popular souvenir shop is Flying Tiger Copenhagen, which has several locations throughout the city. Here, you\’ll find a mix of quirky and unique items, from home decor to toys to stationery.

Shopping for Food in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a vibrant food scene, with several specialty food stores and markets to explore. In addition to the Torvehallerne market mentioned above, there are several other markets worth checking out, including the indoor market of WestMarket and the outdoor market of Israels Plads.

For specialty food stores, visit the chocolate shop of Summerbird, the cheese shop of Ostebørsen, or the gourmet food store of Irma.

Speciality Food Stores in Copenhagen

In addition to the markets mentioned above, there are several specialty food stores in Copenhagen that are worth exploring. Summerbird is a popular chocolate shop with several locations throughout the city, while Ostebørsen is a cheese shop with a wide selection of Danish and international cheeses.

If you\’re looking for gourmet food items, visit the gourmet food store of Irma, which has several locations throughout Copenhagen.

Copenhagen\’s Best Coffee Shops

Copenhagen has a thriving coffee culture, with several coffee shops and roasteries to explore. One of the most popular coffee shops is The Coffee Collective, which has several locations throughout the city and is known for its high-quality coffee and minimalist design.

Other popular coffee shops include Original Coffee, Democratic Coffee, and Prolog Coffee Bar.

Shopping for Wine and Spirits in Copenhagen

If you\’re a wine or spirits enthusiast, Copenhagen has several shops that specialize in wine, beer, and spirits. One of the most popular wine shops is the WineRoom, which has a wide selection of wines from around the world.

For beer, visit the Mikkeller Bar, which has several locations throughout Copenhagen and is known for its craft beer selection. For spirits, visit the specialty store of Juul\’s Vin og Spiritus.

Shopping for Electronics in Copenhagen

If you\’re in the market for electronics, there are several stores in Copenhagen that specialize in electronics and gadgets. Elgiganten is one of the most popular electronics stores, with several locations throughout the city.

Another popular electronics store is the Apple Store, which has a flagship store in the city center. For camera equipment, visit the store of Fotokæden.

Shopping for Books in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several bookstores that are worth exploring, whether you\’re looking for new or used books. One of the most popular bookstores is the bookstore of Politikens Boghal, which has a wide selection of books in both Danish and English.

Other popular bookstores include the bookstore of Arnold Busck, which has several locations throughout Copenhagen, and the used bookstore of Antikvariatet.

Vintage and Second-Hand Shopping in Copenhagen

If you\’re a fan of vintage and second-hand shopping, Copenhagen has several stores and markets to explore. The Nørrebro Flea Market, mentioned above, is a popular spot for vintage finds.

Other popular vintage and second-hand stores include the store of Episode, which has several locations throughout Copenhagen and specializes in vintage clothing, and the store of Retrograd, which has a wide selection of vintage and second-hand furniture.

Shopping for Sports Gear in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several stores that specialize in sports gear and outdoor equipment. One of the most popular stores is the store of Illum Ski, which has a wide selection of ski and snowboard gear.

For outdoor equipment, visit the store of Spejder Sport, which has a wide selection of hiking and camping gear. For running gear, visit the store of Runners Club.

Shopping for Children in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several stores that specialize in children\’s clothing and toys. One of the most popular stores is the department store of Magasin du Nord, which has a wide selection of children\’s clothing and accessories.

Other popular children\’s stores include the store of BabySam, which specializes in baby clothing and equipment, and the store of LEGO, which has several locations throughout Copenhagen and is known for its iconic toy bricks.

Shopping for Pets in Copenhagen

If you have a pet, there are several stores in Copenhagen that specialize in pet supplies and accessories. One of the most popular stores is the store of Petworld, which has a wide selection of pet food, toys, and accessories.

For specialty pet supplies, visit the store of Animigo or the store of Animals\’ Apawthecary.

Shopping for Beauty and Skincare Products in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has several stores that specialize in beauty and skincare products. One of the most popular stores is the store of Matas, which has a wide selection of makeup, skincare, and haircare products.

Other popular beauty stores include the store of Sephora, which has a flagship store in the city center, and the store of Kiehl\’s, which specializes in skincare products.

Copenhagen\’s Best Sales Seasons for Expats

If you\’re looking to save money while shopping in Copenhagen, there are two big sales periods per year: one in January and one in July. During these times, you can score great deals on everything from fashion to electronics to home goods.

Be sure to keep an eye out for sales signs and ask store clerks about any upcoming sales. And remember, as an expat, you may be eligible for a tax refund on your purchases, so be sure to ask about that as well.

Conclusion

Shopping in Copenhagen as an expat can be a fun and exciting experience, with a wide range of stores and markets to explore. Whether you\’re looking for high-end fashion, Danish design, or specialty food items, Copenhagen has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your next shopping trip in Copenhagen and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.