The main shopping area is along the big pedestrian street Stroget (which means "strolling"). It begins at Radhuspladsen and changes names several times, starting as Frederiksbergade, then Nygade, Vimmelskaffet, Amagertorv and Ostergade, ending on Kongens Nytorv. Many unusual and quaint little shops line the streets branching off from Stroget, such as the antiques-and-crafts-lined street, Kompagnistraede. The more upscale shopping area is between Amager Torv and Ostergade/Kongens Nytorv. Along the streets just north of that section you'll find the trendy, exclusive fashion shops, mostly in Kronprinsensgade and Gammel Mont.
Denmark is famous for its design, from furniture to jewellery. It's also known for furs, hand-knit sweaters, porcelain, glass, handmade pipes, Bang and Olufsen audio equipment, silver and children's toys, as well as all sorts of practical, everyday items created with humour and an eye for good design.
ANTIQUE STORES
Look for antiques in the city center. There are three main areas to focus on. Straedet, a pedestrian street running parallel to Stroget, is home to many classy antique shops. There's also an antique/flea market on Gammel Strand on Friday and Saturday in the summer 9 am-5 pm. For furniture, head to Store Kongensgade and Bredgade near Kongens Nytorv. Ravnsborggade, away from city center, is a whole street of antique shops ranging from the quite exclusive to the rather modest.
DEPARTMENT STORES
Illum's—Offers a huge variety of goods, everything from Belgian chocolates (in the main floor's food arcade) to some of the top names in designer wear. It's expensive, but it's all high quality. Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Ostergade 52. Phone 3314-4002.
Illum's Bolighus—This citadel of Scandinavian home furnishing designs is fun to browse through, even if you don't buy anything. It's part of the Royal Scandinavia complex, which has lots of interesting shops. Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Amagertorv 10. Phone 3314-7181.
Magasin Du Nord—The oldest and largest department store in Copenhagen. It's across from the Royal Theatre. Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Kongens Nytorv 13. Phone 3311-4433.
ELECTRONICS STORES
Bang and Olufsen—Top-quality television and audio components, with a recognizable modern design. The equipment can be adapted to U.S. requirements. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Ostergade 3-5. Phone 3315-0422.
FACTORY OUTLETS
Royal Porcelain Factory—Tableware in many traditional porcelain designs from Royal Copenhagen. One-hour factory tours Monday-Friday every hour 9 am-2 pm except at noon. Store is open Monday-Friday 9 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm. Smallegade 47, Frederiksberg (15 minutes by bus from the Central Railroad Station). Phone 3814-9297.
GALLERIES
Bredgade is the street where the hottest art galleries are found. The most famous is Gallerie Asbaek, but there are many others along the street. Adjacent streets such as Store Kongensgade and Store Strandstraede also have some interesting galleries.
Galerie Mikael Andersen—Represents up-and-coming Danish artists. Monday-Friday 11 am-5 pm, Saturday 11 am-2 pm. Bredgade 63. Phone 3333-0512.
Gallerie Asbaek—The hottest art gallery in Denmark, dealing in Scandinavian and international art. Monday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Bredgade 20. Phone 3315-4004.
Gallerie Norby—Specializes in ceramic art. It's one of the city's most active galleries. Tuesday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday 11 am-2 pm. Vestergade 8. Phone 3315-1920.
MARKETS
Gammel Strand—At Gammel Strand, near the walking street and just across the canal from the exquisitely painted Thorvaldsen Museum, is a scenic and centrally located antique market. It's a lovely place for having a coffee or cold drink while gazing at white lace shawls and ranks of antique pieces. Held June-August, Friday and Saturday 10 am-2 pm.
Israels Plads—At Israels Plads, by Norreport train station, there's an open-air fruit, vegetable and flower market, with vendors calling out their wares and the alleyways teeming with people. Monday-Friday 10 am-5:30 pm. On Saturday mornings in summer, a flea market with antique silverware, jewelry and other items is set up at this same location.
SPECIALTY STORES
Georg Jensen—A master silversmith and artist, whose beautiful designs—both traditional and modern—are an essential part of the Royal Scandinavian complex (that includes lots of interesting stores). Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Amagertorv 4. Phone 3311-4080.
KREA—The best selection of handmade and educational toys, including LEGO blocks (a Danish creation). Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Vestergade 4-6. Phone 3332-9858.
Royal Copenhagen Porcelain—Beautiful figurines, Christmas plates and dinner sets—everything in top-quality porcelain. A seconds shop is upstairs. Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Amagertorv 6. Phone 3313-7181.
Skandinavisk Glas—Fine glassware. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Ny Ostergade 4 (behind Hotel D'Angleterre). Phone 3313-8095.
Sweater Market—Beautiful handmade sweaters, mittens and socks, as well as Icelandic wool. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Fredriksberggade 15. Phone 3315-2773.
W. O. Larsen—Specializes in handmade pipes and personal tobacco blends. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Amagertorv 9. Phone 3312-2050.
