ILLUM Department Store, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s flagship luxury department store blending fashion, design, fine food and rooftop views in a single polished destination on historic Strøget.
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s flagship luxury department store, anchored on the bustling shopping street Strøget in the historic inner city. Spanning multiple levels, it brings together Danish and international fashion, beauty, design, sport and lifestyle brands under one sleek roof. A gourmet food market in the basement and a rooftop lined with bars and restaurants turn a shopping trip into a full urban experience, complete with city views across old spires and cobbled squares.
A brief summary to ILLUM
- Østergade 52, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1100, DK
- +4533144002
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Head to the rooftop for a mid‑afternoon drink or early dinner; you get relaxed dining plus some of the best urban views over central Copenhagen’s rooftops and spires.
- Use ILLUM Underground in the basement to grab high‑quality snacks or a quick meal between shops, especially if you want gourmet food without a formal restaurant stop.
- Plan extra time if you are into fashion and design—multiple floors of Danish and international brands can easily fill half a day of browsing and trying things on.
- Take advantage of elevators and wide aisles if travelling with a stroller or luggage; it is easier to move vertically through the store than to criss‑cross each floor.
- If the weather turns wet or cold, use ILLUM as a base: combine shopping, meals and rooftop coffee without needing to step back out onto Strøget too often.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
ILLUM location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about ILLUM
Grand emporium at the heart of Strøget
ILLUM rises above the crossroads of Strøget and Købmagergade, Copenhagen’s most famous pedestrian shopping streets, its clean-lined façade opening into a polished world of fashion, beauty and design. Inside, escalators and bright atriums lead you through an orderly maze of rails and displays, where global names sit alongside contemporary Scandinavian labels. The atmosphere feels more like a curated gallery of style than a simple mall. Light floors, glass balustrades and understated signage keep the focus on the products, while large windows frame glimpses of Amagertorv’s square and the constant flow of life outside.From fine ladies’ outfitter to modern style icon
The ILLUM story began in 1891, when Anton Carl Illum opened a small shop specialising in sewing items and dress accessories for the city’s fashionable women. As Copenhagen grew, so did the business, and by the turn of the century it had moved into the corner site it still occupies today. Over the decades, the store expanded floor by floor, reinventing itself several times to keep pace with new shopping habits. Mid‑century refurbishments introduced modern department store ideas, while later transformations turned it into a fully fledged shopping centre with more than a hundred individual boutiques under one roof.Fashion, beauty and lifestyle under one roof
Today’s ILLUM is organised vertically, with whole floors dedicated to different facets of urban life. Women’s fashion fills a large upper level, from luxury maisons to contemporary Scandinavian designers and everyday wardrobe staples, while men’s collections run from sharp tailoring to relaxed streetwear. Elsewhere, you find sneakers and leather shoes, accessories, jewellery and watches, beauty halls stacked with international cosmetics and organic skincare, and sections for sportswear, athleisure and children’s clothing. Personal shopping suites and style advisors help time‑pressed visitors navigate the sheer breadth of choice.ILLUM Underground and the taste of the city
Descend to the basement and the mood shifts from fashion to flavour. ILLUM Underground functions as an upscale food market, blending gourmet grocery counters with casual eateries, bakeries and specialist producers. Open kitchens dish up salads, dumplings and sandwiches, while coffee bars and juice stands keep the energy levels high. Glass cases brim with cheeses, charcuterie and fresh produce, and there is often an emphasis on quality ingredients and Danish culinary craftsmanship. It is a convenient place to assemble a picnic, sample Nordic baked goods or pause for a quick meal between shops without leaving the building.Rooftop views and Copenhagen hygge
On the top floor, the department store opens out into a rooftop universe of restaurants, bars and terraces. Here, tables are clustered along glass fronts and balconies that look towards the copper roofs and towers of Christiansborg Palace and across the surrounding rooftops. In good weather the outdoor seating offers a classic Copenhagen combination: city panoramas, a light breeze from the harbour and a laid‑back, candlelit atmosphere that can stretch long into the evening. Even on cooler days, the rooftop is a welcoming place for coffee, dessert or a relaxed drink after a day on Strøget.Practical comforts in a polished setting
Beyond its headline attractions, ILLUM is designed for comfort and ease. Wide corridors, lifts and escalators link each level, and seating nooks are scattered between departments. Digital and physical information points, clear floor maps and multilingual signage help you orient yourself quickly. Extended opening hours from late morning into the evening make it easy to fold a visit into a day of sightseeing, a business trip or an after‑work wander. Whether you are hunting a specific brand, sheltering from the weather or simply curious about contemporary Danish style, this refined city‑centre institution offers a polished, all‑in‑one snapshot of modern Copenhagen living.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Varehuset Messen
0.2 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Magstræde
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Børsen
0.5 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Nytorv 2
0.5 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Kultorvet is a historic cobbled square in Copenhagen’s city center, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern café culture, street performances, and community gatherings.
Church of Our Lady
0.5 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.1 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Højbro Pl.
0.1 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Balderdash
0.2 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Gammel Strand
0.3 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.1 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Llama
0.2 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Marchal
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
0.3 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ILLUM
0.0 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.1 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magnolias
0.1 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Norse Store
0.2 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Hygge Original
0.2 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Magasin du Nord
0.2 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Norse Projects
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Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
0.2 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Charlie's Bar
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
1105
0.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Moose
0.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Balthazar
0.2 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar Deco
0.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Gejser Bar
0.3 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Bar'Vin
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
0.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Lusso
0.2 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Boutique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
