Experience shopping Danish style

Shopping is an important activity on any City Break holiday. No more so than when you take a look at what Copenhagen has in store for you. The name Copenhagen actually means “traders’ harbour”, so it seems shopping has been brilliant there for the last 400 years, or more! Danish Design is known throughout the world for its time-less elegance, expressed in its unique combinations of shapes, lines, colours, textures and forms. This is evident in its architecture, interior designs and fashions alike.

The first thing that comes to mind is Royal Copenhagen Porcelain. It has been a Scandinavian ‘must have’ ever since 1775, when the Danish porcelain manufacturer, Royal Copenhagen started to produce its high quality items. At that time it was selling to royalty and aristocracy, which it still is today – but now items include stunning objects by contemporary designers and many are suitable for most pockets. Its flagship store built in Dutch Renaissance style in the pedestrian Stroget is simply a heaven of beauty on three floors and not to be missed. Royalcopenhagen.com

Right next door you find George Jensen. Here you will discover the most dazzling pieces of silver you have ever seen the name George Jensen has been a name synonymous with quality and innovation since the turn of the last century. Georgjensen.com

In the same street again, Stroget, the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe look into Illums Bolighus because when you step in there you are stepping into an exclusive world of ultimate quality and a centre stage for Danish and European design. This is the best place to discover the latest trends in kitchenware, textiles and furniture. Royalshopping.com

In the same building is Holmegaard Glass, another name to recon with. The way that their masterpiece glass is lit and displayed is worth a visit on its own. Holmegaard.com

A very strong Danish trendsetter right now is Normann Copenhagen and their biggest outlet is located in the up-and-coming Osterbro area, in what used to be a cinema but now is a huge backdrop for an amazing range of interior decorations, all inspired by humour, innovation and quality like i.e. the current bestseller, the rubber ‘Vase for one flower’ in a range of colours. Normann-copenhagen.com

The seasonal shopper knows that side streets should always be explored. Parallel to Stroget, head for the old cobbled streets of Kompagnistraede and Laederstraede filled with individually run shops. On the other side of Stroget Stroll along Valkendorfsgade and Kronprinsensgade for quirky knick-knacks and special designer clothes. When you want to see more shops like that, which you will do - head for the new trendy areas of Norrebro and Vesterbro.

Want to know more?

For a free copy of ‘HIS & HER guide to Copenhagen’, filled with brilliant ideas for shopping, eating and seeing, just send an email to: london@visitdenmark.com

How to get there?

bmi regional, Britain’s most punctual airline operates daily flights to Copenhagen from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds Bradford airports, with flights available from just £73 one way including taxes and charges. The airline operates an all jet fleet with business and economy services, business lounge facilities, online check-in and the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme, diamond club. For more information and to book flights, visit flybmi.com

Where to stay?

Arp-hansen.com or try one of the Choice Hotels - Choice.dk. Check their websites for latest offers.

For more information go to Visitcopenhagen.com.