Shopping-minded travelers to Copenhagen know exactly where to go for the best of Danish fashion: head straight to the heart of the city, to Strøget.
The city’s largest shopping district stretches for more than a pedestrian-friendly half mile and is dotted with well-known international labels that draw shoppers from around the world: Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and many more.
Equally appealing as the stores is the lively street atmosphere. Strøget is a favorite stage for street performers — musicians, magicians and acrobats add vibrancy to the avenues and make window-shopping feel like an event.
For truly distinctive high-end Danish finds, though, explore the side streets. “I would actually say that it’s not on the actual Strøget you’ll find the most interesting high-end Danish brands, but the smaller side streets to Strøget,” says Henrik Thierlein, international press officer with VisitCopenhagen.
His pick is Kronprinsensgade, Copenhagen’s fashion district, tucked off the Strøget side street of Købmagergade.
Here you’ll discover a mix of Danish and international labels along with a handful of exclusively Danish boutiques. Start your visit at Copenhagen’s earliest café, Café Sommersko, at Kronprinsensgade 6, and map out a plan for exploring this stylish street. If you come on a weekend, arrive early or expect to wait for the café’s popular Scandinavian brunch buffet.
When it’s time for lunch, try the Pariserbøf — despite the Parisian name, it’s a classic Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich). Pair it with a Danish microbrew from Jacobsen for a local flavor.
From Café Sommersko, stroll to Bruuns Bazaar — a favorite among fashionable young Danes — located at Kronprinsensgade 8 (women’s fashion) and Kronprinsensgade 9 (men’s fashion). The brand, designed by Danish brothers Teis and Bjørn Bruun, offers clean, modern streetwear with well-cut, understated pieces.
For cutting-edge style and bold accessories, visit Stig P at Kronprinsensgade 14. The boutique specializes in trendy clothing, colorful accessories and eye-catching footwear, perfect for shoppers seeking casual-chic statements.
After an immersion in contemporary design, step back in time at Perchs Tea Room, at Kronprinsensgade 5, Copenhagen’s oldest teahouse. Founded in 1835, Perchs invites visitors to unwind while choosing from more than 150 teas and sampling cakes, scones and finger sandwiches. The interior reflects its long history, with teas still measured carefully and a traditional atmosphere where coffee is not served.
With shopping and tea on the itinerary, you might feel ready to leave Copenhagen satisfied. But there’s one more essential stop you shouldn’t miss.
“Nobody leaves the country without having tasted the Danish chocolate brand Summerbird,” Thierlein notes. Find Summerbird at Kronprinsensgade 11.
These handmade chocolates are made with marzipan crafted from a high ratio of Valencia almonds to sugar and contain no preservatives or additives, ensuring fresh, pure flavors. Must-try items include the sommerfugl — a butterfly-shaped marzipan coated in dark chocolate — and the flødeboller — delicate marshmallow and marzipan treats encased in fine chocolate. Better yet, sample both.
Kronprinsensgade offers a compact, stylish shopping experience that combines Danish tradition and contemporary design. From refined boutiques and trendy labels to historic cafés and exceptional chocolate, this little street provides a memorable slice of Copenhagen that goes beyond the main thoroughfare.