What to See on Strøget and Strædet

Many people know Strøget as the heart of Copenhagen, but the city’s true local charm lies just behind it, on the bohemian street of Strædet with its independent shops and jazz clubs. Discover the hidden side of the capital with Welcome to Copenhagen.

Copenhagen is a city of contrasts that goes far beyond the traditional tourist circuits. At Bienvenido a Copenhague, in addition to guiding you through the complex Danish bureaucracy, we love showing you how to experience the capital like a true local. That’s why we’re diving into its urban heart to share one of the many secrets this great city holds.

Getting Lost on Strøget: More Than Just a Shopping Destination

What many tourists don’t realize as they stroll down Strøget is that this immense pedestrian street—the longest in Europe—came into being in the 1960s almost by accident. To alleviate the overwhelming traffic in downtown Copenhagen, the city council decided to close it to cars during the Christmas season. It worked so well that it stayed that way forever.

Today, the name Strøget actually refers to a network of several pedestrian streets (Frederiksberggade, Østergade, and Nygade) that connect City Hall Square with the elegant Kongens Nytorv. In addition, it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by, enjoy street musicians, and, of course, shop at luxury stores like Louis Vuitton or the legendary Magasin du Nord department store.

But not everything is out of reach: along its path, well-known brands like ZARA coexist with the incredibly fun official LEGO store, souvenir shops, and the spectacular tableware of Royal Copenhagen. Also, you can’t miss Søstrene Grene—a Danish home decor and lifestyle shop that is similar to Flying Tiger in terms of great prices, but with a much more delicate and Nordic style.

The Strædet Corner: Where Locals (and Stars) Hide

Right on the parallel street behind it, Strædet, the rhythm of Copenhagen changes completely. Here, the big chains disappear to make way for charming cafés, independent design shops, art galleries, and a bohemian atmosphere.

It is precisely in this corner that La Fontaine is tucked away, the city’s oldest and most authentic jazz club. A venue so incredibly iconic that even Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance in July 2015 during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. She gave an unforgettable and intimate concert.

Finding Housing in Denmark

On the other hand, finding a place to live can be one of the biggest challenges when arriving in Denmark. Did you know that it’s not easy to find a shared apartment, that pets are often not allowed, and that there are almost no apartments for rent in downtown Copenhagen?

We believe this is a complex process that differs from that in other countries, especially Spain. That’s why we encourage you to request information about finding housing in Denmark—we’d be happy to help.