In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to unique boutiques, vintage and homegrown design, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.
Happily hygge, Copenhagen is a global center of cool. Famous for its design retailers, the Danish capital has also become a major culinary destination in recent years. With so much to see, taste, and peruse, where do you begin? Writer and street-style expert Verona Farrell offers five places to start.
Best for vintage
Restore
The fashion capital of Scandinavia brims with great vintage and secondhand stores. My most recent discovery is Restore, a tiny gem just off main shopping street Strøget that has a particularly good selection of denim and vintage sportswear.
What called my name most on my recent trip was a brown-and-orange Gola messenger bag. Commonly associated with teenage skateboarders, this accessory is perfect for dressing down outfits enough to be mistaken for a Copenhagener (I hope!). While the prices here are slightly higher than at bigger, more established secondhand stores, Restore caters to the occasional thrifter who might feel overwhelmed by a huge inventory, and who appreciates a carefully curated range of finds.
Best for books
Paludan Bog & Café
In every city I visit, I am always on the hunt for the perfect café-bookstore – somewhere with Wi-Fi if I need to connect and a great selection of local works if I’m looking to relax. In Copenhagen, Paludan Bog & Café ticks all those boxes.
An institution since 1951, Paludan started as a publisher and later added the café component in the ’90s “to pay the rent,” as one witty clerk put it. Expect a good cup of coffee, a mean cheesecake, and the company of chatty students and busy writers.
Best for food
Torvehallerne
Torvehallerne is a year-round alternative to Reffen, the popular street-food destination in Copenhagen that closes for most of the winter. At this indoor food hall, you’ll find fresh delicatessens, Danish smørrebrød, a takeaway-porridge café, as well as bakeries, florists, and wine shops. Centrally located and full of variety, it’s the perfect spot for travelers who might not know what they’re craving yet. My favorite spot in Torvehallerne for a quick and tasty lunch is Laboca, where you can pick up empanadas and a side salad for 100 DKK (€13). After discovering it, I ate there five days in a row, and successfully tested every filling available. I can wholly recommend the classic ham and cheese or the spicy BBQ pulled beef.
Best for souvenirs
Studio Arhoj
Put Studio Arhoj on your list if you plan on bringing back a souvenir worth holding onto for years. Everything here is made in-house by a group of skilled potters who work on-site, molding, blowing, and glazing nearly every item in the store.
I’ve taken home their classic Chug Mug (299 DKK/€40) to add some Copenhagen flair to my kitchen. On my wish list is the Loop, a handy tool for protecting your table from hot dishes that’s as pretty as it is practical.
Because the boutique can get crowded, the best time to have a good browse is in the mornings and during weekdays.
Best for local design
Wood Wood Museum
If you’re interested in exploring Danish fashion, Wood Wood is a great place to start. Alongside its own designs, this retailer boasts a mix of well-established and up-and-coming brands, including popular choices. Since the Wood Wood team has its finger on the pulse of what’s new, this is an excellent place to discover emerging designers and get inspired.
I suggest visiting Wood Wood Museum, which offers reduced prices for off-season items. With consistently updated stock, of the current selection I have my eyes on a pair of Adidas Campus 80s, available at a bargain price of 300 DKK (€40).
