International students > Arriving and Living in Copenhagen > Shopping

Shopping

Shopping is easy in Copenhagen. On the main shopping pedestrian street Strøget and in the small surrounding streets in the historic city centre, you will find major international retail names as well as shops with more “student-friendly” prices, all within walking-distance from each other. Most shops accept the major international credit cards, but if you shop outside the city centre and in some of the smaller shops, you may only be able to pay in cash or with Dankort (Dan-Card is a debit card used by many Danes; see more information under “Money and Banking”). 

You may also choose to explore your local neighbourhood. While each of the residential areas surrounding the city centre has distinct styles, Vesterbro and Nørrebro stand out as particularly interesting:

Vesterbro

If you want to spot the latest trends in Copenhagen and, indeed, Scandinavia, this is not a bad place to start. Vesterbro used to be known as Copenhagen's worker's quarter, but over the past decade a genuine transformation has occurred in the area to the west of the Central Station. Main shopping streets are Istedgade and Vesterbrogade where you find the latest in cool street wear, as well as small designer shops with clothes and handicrafts.

Nørrebro

Like Vesterbro, Nørrebro has become a trendy area for shopping and going out. The south end of Nørrebrogade and the smaller side streets in that area, such as Elmegade and Blågaardsgade, are particularly interesting with shops run by local designers. If you are looking to buy second-hand furniture for your room, Ravnsborggade is the place to go. The street is lined with places where you can get a bargain. 

Grocery Shopping

For everyday shopping of groceries, the cheapest places to go are Netto, Fakta, Aldi, Lidl and Rema1000 which you will find all over Copenhagen. The shops are not known for their service but they are popular with the Danes because prices are low, and the large turnover in the shops ensures fresh products. To buy more exotic spices and specialities, look for the little Turkish, Pakistani and other ethnic shops all of which add their special flavour to shopping in Copenhagen.

Buying a Used Bicycle

Getting around the inner city as well as the rest of Copenhagen is easy. The city has a well-developed public transportation system of buses and trains but cycling is, in fact, the most popular, quickest and cheapest way to get around. There is an extensive network of cycling paths throughout Copenhagen. Many students choose to buy a cheap used bike when they arrive in Copenhagen.