Strøget Shopping Street in Copenhagen

In the heart of Copenhagen, the largest shopping area is centred around the pedestrian street Strøget.

Strøget is the essence of Copenhagen – a dynamic blend of old and new, commerce and culture, bustle and hygge. It's a place where you can shop the latest trends, admire centuries-old architecture, enjoy a bite to eat, experience street art, and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.

Use this guide as your starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own. Turn down an unfamiliar side street, look up at the beautiful facades, and stop and listen to a street musician. Strøget is the starting point for your Copenhagen adventure.

Welcome to the heart of Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city rich in history, design, and joie de vivre! In the very pulsating heart of the city, you'll find Strøget – not just a street, but an experience. Imagine a lively stretch, free of cars, where historic architecture meets modern shopping, and where you can feel the city's energy from morning till night.

A brief history

Strøget was converted into a pedestrian street in 1962, one of the first and largest pedestrianisation experiments in the world. It was a visionary decision that prioritised pedestrians and created the urban space we know today – a model for many other cities worldwide.

Strøget is one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, an impressive 1.1-kilometre-long route connecting two of the city's most significant squares: the magnificent Rå dhuspladsen (C ity Hall Square) at one end and the elegant Kon ge ns Nytorv (Kin g's New Square) at the other.

But Strøget is more than just a thoroughfare; it's a destination in itself, offering opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, dining, and simply people-watching.

This guide will take you on a journey down Strøget, revealing its secrets, highlighting its attractions, and providing practical tips to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you're an avid shopper, a history enthusiast, or wish to soak up the Copenhagen atmosphere, Strøget has something for you.

What EXACTLY is Strøget

Strøget is more than just one street. Although we call it "Strøget," it is a collection of several interconnected streets and squares that together form this famous pedestrian zone.

Walking from City Hall Square towards Kongens Nytorv, you pass through:

Frederiksberggade: The busiest part, starting at City Hall Square, is often filled with high-street shops and a vibrant atmosphere.
Nygade: A shorter stretch continuing the commercial pulse.
Vimmelskaftet: Known for the Illum department store and the Church of the Holy Ghost.
Amagertorv: Often considered the heart of Strøget, where you find beautiful Renaissance buildings, the Stork Fountain, and access to side streets with specialty shops.
Østergade: The most exclusive part leading to Kongens Nytorv, home to international luxury brands and historic buildings.

Shopping from luxury to budget-friendly

When you visit Strøget, it is clear that the area is the most famous shopping destination in Copenhagen. The street boasts an impressive array of shops, ranging from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most exclusive brands.

Luxury Shopping on Østergade: If you're seeking high-end fashion and design, head towards the end of Strøget, which leads into Kongens Nytorv (Østergade).

Prominent international and Danish brands represented here include:
- Prada
- Max Mara
- Louis Vuitton
- Mulberry
- Hermès
- Boss
  
  Flagship stores for iconic Danish brands such as:
- Georg Jensen (silverware and design)
- Royal Copenhagen (porcelain)
- Illum, the exclusive department store
- Magasin department store
  
  If you continue along Strøget down towards City Hall Square, the retail landscape shifts to more familiar international and Scandinavian high-street names.
  
  Here you find shops like:
- Lego store
- H&M
- Vero Moda
- Zara
- Weekday
- Ecco (shoes)
- Pandora
  
  See more about big Danish brands
- Souvenirs: You will also find numerous souvenir shops along Strøget selling everything from postcards and magnets to typical tourist memorabilia.

Experiences and sights along Strøget

Strøget is not just for shoppers. You cannot pass Strøget without seeing any sights. It's a route filled with history, culture, and beautiful architecture.

Look up and down the side streets during your shopping spree, and you will see several of Copenhagen's beautiful sights and attractions.

Key sights directly along or very near Strøget include:

Helligåndskirken (Church of the Holy Ghost): Situated near Amagertorv, this is one of Copenhagen's oldest churches, featuring a distinctive facade and a peaceful courtyard.
Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady / Copenhagen Cathedral): A short detour away, this is Copenhagen's cathedral, known for its neoclassical architecture and Thorvaldsen's statues. It was here that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were married.
Gammeltorv & Nytorv: Two connected squares approximately midway along Strøget. On Gammeltorv, you find the Courthouse (Københavns Byret) and the Caritas Well.
Storkespringvandet (The Stork Fountain): An iconic meeting point and beloved landmark on Amagertorv.
Amagertorv: The square itself is worth noting for its beautiful, old Renaissance-style buildings.

Historical gems near Strøget

Strøget's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring some of Copenhagen's most important historical and cultural sites.

Nearby attractions include:

Christiansborg Palace: Nearby Strøget by Amagertorv if you look across the canal, the Christiansborg Palace show up. This impressive complex houses the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office. The parts are open to the public, and the tower offers fantastic views of the city
Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) is located at the western end of Strøget. Do not forget City Hall Square with Copenhagen City Hall Tower. Dominated by the impressive Copenhagen City Hall, where you can take guided tower tours. The square itself is a major city hub
Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square): The elegant square at the eastern end of Strøget. Grand buildings, including the Royal Danish Theatre, Kunsthal Charlottenborg, and Hotel d'Angleterre surround the beautiful Kongens Nytorv square
Nyhavn: Just a short walk from Kongens Nytorv, famous for its colourful canal-front houses, historic ships, and lively restaurant scene
Rundetårn (The Round Tower): Located near Strøget, via Købmagergade, this unique 17th-century tower features a spiral ramp leading to an observatory offering excellent views.

The atmosphere and life on Strøget

Besides shops and buildings, Strøget is known for its vibrant atmosphere. The pedestrian street is also a popular hangout for the city's street performers.

You will likely encounter musicians, mimes, acrobats, and other performers contributing to the lively atmosphere, especially on weekends and warm days.

Strøget is a fantastic place for people-watching. Sit on a bench or find a café with outdoor seating and enjoy the sight of the diverse crowds passing by – locals, tourists, families, and young people.

During the Christmas season, Strøget is transformed into a beautiful display of lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.

Food and Drink in Strøget

Shopping and sightseeing can make you hungry and thirsty! Fortunately, there are plenty of options in and around Strøget:

Cafés and Bakeries: Numerous spots for coffee and Danish pastries (wienerbrød). Look for chains like Espresso House or Baresso, independent cafés, and quality bakeries like Lagkagehuset
Restaurants: A wide range from fast food and sandwich bars to finer dining. Side streets often hide cosier options. Areas like Gråbrødretorv offer outdoor seating in summer
Traditional Danish Lunch: Look for places serving "smørrebrød" (open-faced sandwiches) for a classic Danish experience
Pølsevogne (Hot Dog Stands): A must-try Copenhagen experience. Find them near key points, such as Helligåndskirken or Rådhuspladsen

Explore the side streets

While Strøget is the main attraction, much of Copenhagen's charm lies in the small side streets branching off from it. Take time to explore areas such as:

Kompagnistræde & Læderstræde: Running parallel to Strøget towards the canal, known for antique shops, galleries, and cafés.
Fiolstræde & Skindergade: In the Latin Quarter, offering bookshops, speciality stores, and a relaxed university vibe.
Grønnegade area: Near Kongens Nytorv, featuring small, exclusive boutiques, jewellery designers, and speciality shops in charming old houses.

These areas often offer a quieter and more authentic experience, set apart from Strøget's main hustle.

Practical tips for your visit to Strøget

Here is some practical advice for your visit:

Getting There: Strøget is easily accessible via public transport. Nearby Metro stations include Kongens Nytorv (M1, M2, M3, M4), Rådhuspladsen (M3, M4), Gammel Strand (M3, M4), and Nørreport Station (Metro, S-train, Regional train).
Best Time to Visit: Strøget is busiest in the afternoons, especially Saturdays. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday morning. Shop opening hours are typically 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM/7:00 PM weekdays, and 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM/5:00 PM Saturdays. Sunday hours vary.
Footwear: You will be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable shoes are essential.
Restrooms: Public toilets can be scarce. Use facilities in department stores (e.g., Illum, Magasin), museums, or cafés (typically for customers).
Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowds, to avoid pickpockets.
Currency: Denmark uses Danish Kroner (DKK), not Euros. Most shops and restaurants accept international credit cards.