The best things to buy in Copenhagen are Danish design objects, sustainable fashion, gourmet licorice, and craft beer. Skip the fridge magnets and buy something Danes actually use.
After years of living here, I have learned one thing about deciding what to buy in Copenhagen. The good stuff is rarely in the souvenir shops near Nyhavn. It hides in design stores, food halls, and secondhand racks across the city.
This guide covers what is genuinely worth your money and your suitcase space. I will be honest about prices, because Copenhagen is not cheap. I will also point you to the neighborhoods where locals actually shop.
What to Buy in Copenhagen at a Glance
If you want the short version, here it is. These are the categories that reward you most.
- Danish design: chairs, lamps, ceramics, and kitchenware.
- Fashion: minimalist brands and excellent secondhand finds.
- Food and drink: licorice, chocolate, craft beer, and coffee.
- Crafts and jewelry: silver, knitwear, and small studio ceramics.
- Books and prints: Danish design posters and photography.
Each one tells you something about how Danes live. That is the real souvenir. Quality over quantity sits at the heart of Danish consumer culture.
Danish Design: Furniture, Lighting and Home Décor
Denmark built its global reputation on design, and Copenhagen is the showroom. The aesthetic is clean, functional, and built to last. If you buy one thing here, make it a piece of design.
Iconic Danish Chairs
Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner are household names in Danish homes. The Series 7 chair and the Wishbone chair appear in countless kitchens across the country. Full size pieces are pricey, but they last generations.
Cannot fit a chair in your bag? Buy a miniature from Designmuseum Danmark. These scale models make smart, light gifts. The museum shop is one of the best in the city.
Lighting Worth the Suitcase Space
Danish lighting is a love letter to dark winters. Louis Poulsen and HAY make fixtures that soften the gloom beautifully. A PH lamp is an investment, but the smaller table versions travel well.
For something quirkier, look at the work of Space Copenhagen. Their pieces show how the design scene keeps evolving. Lighting is where Danish craft and daily life meet.
Ceramics, Porcelain and Glass
Few gifts feel more Danish than ceramics. Royal Copenhagen porcelain has been made since 1775. Its blue fluted pattern is instantly recognizable to any Dane.
For a modern twist, visit Studio Arhoj in Christianshavn. Their colorful little ghost figures are addictive collectibles. Danish ceramics blend tradition with playful contemporary energy.
What to Buy in Copenhagen for Fashion Lovers
Copenhagen fashion has gone global, and for good reason. The look is understated, practical, and quietly expensive. Knowing what to buy in Copenhagen means knowing which brands are actually Danish.
Danish Fashion Brands
Ganni leads the pack with its playful, sustainable streetwear. By Malene Birger and Samsøe Samsøe offer cleaner, grown up lines. Rains makes the rain jackets that every commuter here owns.
The scene is not without controversy. Copenhagen Fashion Week markets itself as the sustainable capital of style. Yet it has faced greenwashing allegations that deserve a skeptical eye.
Copenhagen’s Vintage and Secondhand Scene
This is where I do most of my own shopping. Nørrebro and Vesterbro are full of secondhand gold. You can find designer pieces at a fraction of retail.
The Danish secondhand market is huge and socially normal. Buying used carries zero stigma here. It is also the most honest version of the city’s sustainability promise.
Food and Drink: Edible Gifts to Take Home
Edible gifts are the safest bet for picky relatives. Copenhagen’s food scene runs from Michelin temples to corner bakeries. The city holds a cluster of Michelin stars that pulls food lovers from everywhere.
Licorice, Chocolate and Sweets
Danes are obsessed with licorice, and not the sweet kind. Salty licorice, or salmiak, divides every newcomer instantly. Lakrids by Bülow turns it into gourmet, gift ready boxes.
For chocolate, look at Summerbird and Frederiksberg Chokolade. Both are made locally with real care. They survive a flight home far better than pastries do.
Beer, Aquavit and Coffee
Copenhagen sits at the center of Nordic craft beer. Mikkeller and To Øl ship their bottles worldwide now. A mixed pack makes a genuinely good present.
Aquavit, the caraway spiced spirit, is the traditional choice for Danish meals. Coffee nerds should grab beans from Coffee Collective in Jægersborggade. For more edible ideas, browse the city food markets and the best bakeries.
Jewelry, Textiles and Local Crafts
Beyond furniture and food, Copenhagen rewards craft hunters. Small studios sit tucked into quiet side streets. These are the purchases with a real story behind them.
Silver and Jewelry
Georg Jensen has shaped Danish silver for over a century. His pieces balance sculpture and wearability beautifully. Pandora, now global, also started right here in Denmark.
For independent makers, wander the studios of Jægersborggade. You will meet the people who made what you buy. That direct connection is rare and worth paying for.
Knitwear and Textiles
Danish winters demand good wool, and locals deliver. Knitwear here favors simple shapes and natural fibers. A quality jumper outlasts a dozen cheap ones.
Textiles from brands like Kvadrat appear in cushions and throws too. They bring a slice of Danish hygge into any home. Look for them in design shops along the center.
Where to Shop in Copenhagen
The neighborhood shapes the experience as much as the goods. Knowing where to go saves time and money. Here is how I split the city when friends visit.
Strøget and the City Center
Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. It mixes global chains with Danish flagship stores. Illums Bolighus here is a one stop temple of Danish design.
Branch off onto Købmagergade for more space and fewer crowds. The historic department store Magasin du Nord anchors the area. Tourist note, the centre can feel like a crowded place in summer.
Nørrebro, Vesterbro and Local Streets
For independent shops, Jægersborggade in Nørrebro is unbeatable. Ceramics, coffee, jewelry, and books sit side by side. This is where Copenhagen’s makers actually trade.
Værnedamsvej, on the Vesterbro border, is a food and wine lover’s street. It feels more Parisian than Danish. For a fuller map, see our guide on where to shop in Copenhagen.
Prices, Tax-Free Shopping and Payment
Let me be blunt about cost. Copenhagen is expensive, and shopping is no exception. A little planning protects your wallet.
How Much Things Cost
Here is a rough guide to typical price ranges. Prices are in Danish kroner, the local currency.
| Item | Typical price (DKK) |
|---|---|
| Royal Copenhagen mug | 250 to 600 |
| Lakrids licorice box | 90 to 200 |
| Designmuseum miniature chair | 400 to 900 |
| Ganni dress | 1,200 to 2,500 |
| Secondhand designer jumper | 150 to 500 |
For the bigger picture, read whether Copenhagen is expensive overall. The honest answer is yes, but quality justifies a lot.
Tax-Free Shopping and VAT Refunds
Denmark adds 25 percent VAT to almost everything. Non EU residents can claim part of that back. Ask for a tax free form at participating stores.
Services like Global Blue handle the refund at the airport. You usually need to spend at least 300 kroner per store. Most shops take cards, so you rarely need cash in Copenhagen.
Is It Worth Buying in Copenhagen? My Take
After all these years, my advice stays simple. Buy fewer things, but buy them well. That is the most Danish lesson the city offers.
The discount chains flooding the city, with cheap everyday goods, miss the point entirely. So does the cycle of trend driven scarcity in fashion. A well made lamp or a good wool jumper will outlive both. For deeper context, see what Copenhagen is known for and our full shopping guide for expats.
FAQ: What to Buy in Copenhagen
What is the best thing to buy in Copenhagen?
Danish design is the best thing to buy in Copenhagen. Think ceramics, lighting, and small furniture pieces. They are well made, distinctly Danish, and built to last. A Royal Copenhagen mug or a HAY accessory works for almost any budget and suitcase.
What souvenirs is Copenhagen known for?
Copenhagen is known for Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Lakrids licorice, and craft beer. Design objects from HAY and Illums Bolighus are popular too. Little Mermaid trinkets exist, but locals consider them tourist clutter. Choose something Danes actually use at home.
Is shopping in Copenhagen expensive?
Yes, shopping in Copenhagen is expensive by most standards. A 25 percent VAT is built into every price tag. However, secondhand shops in Nørrebro and Vesterbro offer real bargains. Non EU visitors can also reclaim part of the VAT at the airport.
Can I get a tax refund when shopping in Copenhagen?
Yes, if you live outside the EU you can claim a VAT refund. Spend the minimum amount, usually 300 kroner, at a participating store. Ask staff for a tax free form. Process the refund at Copenhagen Airport before you fly home.
Where do locals shop in Copenhagen?
Locals favor
