What to Buy in Copenhagen: Top 10 Souvenirs to Take Home

Copenhagen has an undeniable charm—its canals, colorful buildings, innovative design, and rich culture make it a dream destination for any traveler. But beyond the beautiful sights and delicious food, one of the highlights of any trip is picking out the perfect souvenirs. When visiting Copenhagen, you’re not just collecting a trinket; you’re taking home a piece of Danish history and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for something small and meaningful to remember your trip by or a unique gift for someone back home, Copenhagen offers a wide variety of options. Here are my top 10 recommendations for what to buy in Copenhagen.

1. Danish Porcelain from Royal Copenhagen

A visit to Copenhagen would not be complete without a stop at Royal Copenhagen, one of the oldest and most iconic porcelain manufacturers in Denmark. Founded in 1775, their delicate porcelain pieces have become synonymous with Danish craftsmanship. I found the signature blue-and-white designs especially stunning, many of which are inspired by Danish nature and folklore.

A teacup from their famous “Flora Danica” collection or a small figurine of a Danish animal could be a beautiful addition to any home. While their more intricate pieces can get pricey, you can easily find smaller items like plates or mugs that still capture the brand’s timeless elegance. These pieces not only serve as beautiful decor but also make wonderful, memorable gifts for loved ones back home.

2. Danish Design Furniture and Home Accessories

Copenhagen is the heart of Danish design, a city known worldwide for its minimalist, functional, and beautiful home furnishings. While bringing a full-sized piece of furniture home might not be realistic, you can definitely pick up smaller items to bring that iconic Danish style into your space.

I couldn’t resist picking up a sleek, stylish throw blanket from Hay, a Danish design brand that combines modern aesthetics with comfort. Another popular stop for design lovers is the Illums Bolighus store, which carries everything from furniture to decorative objects, many of which are created by famous Scandinavian designers. Whether it’s a designer lamp, a set of stylish coasters, or a beautiful woolen rug, there’s plenty to choose from to give your home a Scandinavian flair.

3. Tivoli Gardens Memorabilia

One of Copenhagen’s most beloved landmarks is Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting amusement park and garden dating back to 1843. If you visit this magical place, you’ll find that it’s impossible not to be swept up by the excitement of the rides, the lush gardens, and the charming atmosphere.

While many people go for the fun of the rides, I found that the real gems in Tivoli come in the form of souvenirs. There’s something special about picking up a piece of memorabilia from this historic park. The Tivoli souvenir shops offer a range of items, from adorable plush toys to beautifully crafted glass ornaments. The Tivoli Christmas shops, in particular, are a perfect place to pick up something unique—whether it’s a delicate hand-blown ornament or a fun, nostalgic keepsake.

4. Smørrebrød Ingredients

No visit to Copenhagen is complete without tasting Smørrebrød, the iconic Danish open-faced sandwich. If you’re like me and can’t stop thinking about the delicious combinations of rye bread, herring, and other toppings, why not bring the flavors home with you?

I picked up a few essential ingredients from the local markets. Denmark is known for its high-quality, sustainably-sourced fish, so I bought some preserved herring in one of the city’s specialty shops. I also found jars of Denmark’s famous mustard, as well as locally-made rye bread, which you can take back home in packaged form. It’s a simple but delightful way to remember the Danish culinary experience.

5. Danish Hygge Candles

If you’ve spent any time in Copenhagen, you’ll have no doubt heard of “hygge” — the Danish concept of cozy contentment and well-being. And what better way to embrace hygge than by bringing home a beautifully-scented candle?

I stumbled upon a fantastic local candle shop called St. Pauls, where they handcraft luxurious candles in delicate glass containers. The scents are subtle and sophisticated, with many inspired by nature. The Skov scent, for instance, is a blend of pine, birch, and cedarwood—evoking the feeling of a Danish forest in winter. These candles make perfect gifts and are a lovely reminder of the comfort and coziness of Danish life.

6. Scandinavian Knitwear

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in the colder months, you’ll find that the city is full of stylish knitwear stores. Woolen scarves, sweaters, and mittens are as much a part of Danish life as cycling and cinnamon buns.

I found a beautiful woolen sweater at Samsøe & Samsøe, a Danish brand that blends casual Scandinavian design with quality craftsmanship. The sweaters come in soft natural colors and are made from high-quality wool, making them warm, comfortable, and stylish all at once. I also grabbed a hand-knitted scarf at a small boutique, made from Danish wool. It’s perfect for the colder days back home and a true Danish souvenir to keep me cozy.

7. Design-Focused Jewelry

Denmark is home to some of the most celebrated jewelry designers in the world, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few pieces while in Copenhagen. Danish jewelry is known for its minimalist aesthetic, high-quality materials, and timeless designs. One of the most famous Danish brands is Georg Jensen, renowned for its silver and gold jewelry.

I picked up a simple yet elegant silver necklace with a geometric pendant that I knew would be a perfect addition to my collection. There are also many smaller boutiques offering handcrafted pieces, so whether you’re looking for a delicate bracelet or a bold statement ring, there’s no shortage of stylish jewelry to choose from.

8. Danish Craft Beer

Copenhagen has a vibrant craft beer scene, with a growing number of local breweries offering a diverse range of beers. Many of these breweries also sell their products directly to visitors, making it easy to take home a few bottles of authentic Danish craft beer.

I visited Mikkeller Bar, one of the city’s most famous craft beer spots, where I had the chance to taste a variety of unique brews. I grabbed a few bottles to bring back with me, including their “Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast Stout,” which is known for its rich, coffee-like flavor. There are also many other beer shops around the city that sell limited edition or locally-produced brews, making this a perfect souvenir for beer enthusiasts.

9. Copenhagen Chocolate

Danish chocolate is a real treat, and it’s easy to find locally-produced, high-quality chocolate bars and confections throughout Copenhagen. One of the best places to stop for artisanal chocolates is Summerbird, a Danish chocolatier that has been crafting exquisite chocolates since 1986.

I loved their handmade truffles, especially the ones infused with caramel and sea salt, as well as their chocolate bars filled with Danish specialties like licorice or marzipan. The packaging itself is beautifully designed, so it makes for an excellent gift, too. You can find Summerbird locations across Copenhagen, but you’ll also see other chocolatiers offering similar artisanal treats.

10. Copenhagen’s Iconic Danish Licorice

Licorice is a beloved treat in Denmark, and it’s not uncommon to see people munching on it throughout the day. Danish licorice is often paired with salt or other distinctive flavors, making it a unique souvenir for those who want to try something different.

I bought a selection of Salty Licorice from Lakridseriet, a specialty store that sells high-end licorice. Their licorice was smooth, rich, and unlike anything I’d had before. They offer a variety of flavors, from classic salty to more adventurous combinations, like chocolate-covered licorice. It’s a polarizing flavor—so it might not be for everyone—but it’s definitely an interesting souvenir for adventurous foodies.

Copenhagen is a city full of charm and creativity, and the souvenirs you bring back can be just as beautiful and unique as the memories you take home. Whether you’re picking up a piece of Danish design, indulging in the local food culture, or taking home a piece of Denmark’s history, there’s something for everyone to remember their trip by.