Combining a city break with shopping in Copenhagen is by no means a stupid idea, especially not before Christmas when the streets are lit up and decorated. What you are looking for dictates which areas and streets you should concentrate on. Here is a small guide to the best shopping:
Strøget – this is Copenhagen’s most important shopping street. The street is car-free and perfect for looking for garments, shoes and accessories. Here you will find fashion from the international and well-known brands such as Prada and Max Mara, the major magazines such as H&M and Zara, with fashion from Danish designers scattered from time to time.
Jægersborggade – here you will find many small shops with handmade design, art, ceramics and jewelry, as well as vintage clothes and some Danish fashion. One of the city’s best flea markets is held in Jægersborggade in the spring. Hip area with many good dining options.
Elmegade – livat area with many small shops. Known for housing creative designers of footwear, jewelry and cool clothes. Top dining options in one go.
Grønnegade and Pilestræde – both streets are worth the trip if you want to shop for Danish fashion, trendy shoes, Danish design and much more.
Shopping interior design
The Danes are world-renowned for their distinctive design, especially when it comes to interior design. If this is something for you, you might want to start with a visit to the Danish Furniture Art Museum. The focus is on design, preferably from 1920 until 1970.
Shops that carry Danish interior design can be found all over the city. Among the best are Hay House in Østergade, Normann Copenhagen in Østerbrogade, GUBI Store in Møntergade and Georg Jensen Silver on Amagertorv. On Amagertorv is also Illums Bolighus, which you will also find in Bergen and Oslo.
Ten things you need to know about Copenhagen
- According to Abbreviation Finder, Copenhagen was originally a fishing village, simply called “Havn”. The village was so plagued by robbers and pirates that Bishop Absalon decided that fortifications should be built around what now constitutes Slotsholmen. From there, the city has grown to become Denmark’s capital.
- Copenhagen is one of the greenest cities in the world. The city has reduced polluted emissions by about 35% in the last ten years, and aims to be carbon neutral by 2025.
- Half of Copenhagen’s residents ride their bikes every single day. In total, they cover 1.2 kilometers every day. Currently, 9 of a total of 28 planned superbike trails are being built, and Copenhagen aims to be the best city in the world for cyclists by 2025.
- Copenhagen already has the best swimming opportunities among the world’s big cities, according to a rating made by CNN. It was emphasized that the city’s inhabitants have access to beautiful beaches, a short way to the bathing possibilities, and that the water is more than clean enough for a dip, even in the harbor area.
- Walt Disney is said to have been inspired by Tivoli in Copenhagen when he decided to build Disneyland in Florida.
- Although Tivoli is quite old, built in 1843, Dyrehavsbakken just outside Copenhagen is the world’s oldest amusement park. It was built in 1583.
- When it was decided that the shopping street Strøget would be car-free (1962), the city’s mayor received countless death threats from angry shop owners. Today, most people are very happy, and Strøget is one of the world’s longest pedestrian streets.
- According to the World Happiness Report 2013, Copenhageners are the happiest city dwellers in the world. The same award designated Copenhagen as the city in the world with the best living conditions.
- The airport in Copenhagen, Kastrup, is considered Europe’s most efficient. It rarely takes more than 45 minutes from the time you get off the plane until you are at the reception of the hotel, when it is located in the city center.
- In Copenhagen you will find the largest collection of unopened (amazingly enough – Danes are thirsty) beer bottles in the world. The collection is owned by the Carlsberg brewery, and consists of over 20,000 bottles.
