Thrift like a local in Copenhagen
Enjoy our guide to experiencing secondhand, vintage and charity shop shopping in the danish capital during your visit.
Find shopsThe heart of it all
With over a million residents in Copenhagen, Red Cross secondhand shops are overflowing with treasures passed along from locals, reflecting the vibrancy of each community. Items are curated by the volunteers, offering High-quality finds at affordable prices; every purchase supporting humanitarian efforts.
Explore our vintage shops by neighbourhood
Vesterbro is one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant and dynamic neighbourhoods. Once known as the city’s gritty red-light and working-class district, it has now transformed into a hub of creativity, cafés, and nightlife. A previous working-class community turned trendy neighborhood, the streets are now populated by young families, craft beer breweries, and cafés. Vesterbro is bordering the innermost part of Copenhagen as well as Frederiksberg, and is one of the most well-visited parts of the capital by tourists and locals alike, due the amount of sights speckled through the neighborhood.
Local Red Cross Shops
Red Cross Istedgade 69 – A thrift gem in the heart of Vesterbro
One of the best places in Copenhagen to find thrifted treasure is here. The raw brick walls, sparkly chandeliers, and vintage display cabinets make Red Cross Istedgade full of character and perfectly capture the spirit of Vesterbro.
This is a super popular shop with both locals and tourists. It is not unusual to hear Swedish, Danish, English, and French being spoken by customers, usually accompanied by exclamations of joy at finding that special something.
Brands to watch for
Think brands such as Cras, Hunkøn, Carhartt, Tiger of Sweden, Soulland, Ganni, and Stine Goya. It’s well worth a visit here if you can get there before the local Copenhagen girlies!
Fresh drops twice a week
The shop, which sells men’s and women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories, receives a new drop of clothes every Wednesday and Friday. The Friday selection includes vintage, trends, and more quirky finds.
People, places & pulse
Vintage, retro & quirky finds nearby
The Red Cross shop is not the only place to shop for thrift items on this street. Notable shops to visit include Reden, Dannebrog Antik, Funky Junky, and Mødrehjælpen, which specialises in children’s clothes.
Place to eat
Coffee & lunch in Kødbyen
The shop is situated in the heart of Vesterbro, just a short walk from the trendy Kødbyen area. If you visit, be sure to grab a coffee from Prolog, or enjoy a delicious yet affordable lunch at Ume. Their handmade onigiri are fabulous but be aware that once they sell out for the day, that’s it!
Pastries & gelato worth the wait
For baked goods, Hart (located on Istedgade and in Kødbyen) is the best spot to visit, and you can always expect your pastry to be served with a smile. In the summer, Siciliansk Is is the top choice for gelato. Don’t let the long queue discourage you; it’s definitely worth the wait.
Green spaces & local hangouts
Enghave Plads: The heart of the neighbourhood
If you arrive at Istedgade via Enghave Metro station, you’ll be in the heart of the area. The metro opened in 2019, and the surrounding square was transformed. There are plenty of coffee shops and cafés around the square, so you can grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
The square frequently hosts events, including football games on a big screen, flea markets, and concerts.
Enghave Parken: Copenhagen’s climate park
Just down the street, Enghave Parken reopened in 2019 as Copenhagen’s largest climate park, serving both as a reservoir and a green space. There are many places to sit and relax in the park or watch a game of pétanque.
Skydebanehaven: Family fun & local history
If you have children with you and they need to blow off steam after shopping, Skydebanehaven is only 240 meters away. This green oasis offers both a large playground for children, featuring a giant wooden parrot slide, and peaceful lawns. In the summer, children can cool off in the park’s vast paddling pool.
For those curious about the name and the tall Neo-Gothic style wall, Skydebanehaven translates to ‘The Shooting Range Garden’. The park is on the grounds of a former shooting range belonging to the Royal Copenhagen Shooting Society. The tall brick wall was built to shield passersby along Istedgade from stray bullets.
Experience everything Copenhagen has to offer
For an in depth guide to all the other wonderful neighbourhoods in Copenhagen go to visitcopenhagen or click the link: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/neighbourhoods/neighborhoods/copenhagen-neighbourhood-guide
In Nørrebro, you will find the epicenter of multiculturality, stretching from the lakes of the inner city to the northernmost part of Copenhagen. The neighborhood is brimming with youth, cultural diversity, and art in the streets. This is reflected in the abundance of events, such as social dining, street festivals, and cultural societies. Nørrebro is recognised for its blend of inclusivity, street culture, sustainability projects, and overall vibrancy, and The Red Cross has three shops in the vibrant heart of Nørrebro, which Time Out once ranked as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Local Red Cross Shops
Red Cross Megastore Fælledvej – Your ultimate thrift shop in Copenhagen – Three floors of hidden gems
This Megastore has three floors filled with secondhand treasures. Although it appears small from the front, it expands significantly once you step inside.
On the ground floor, you’ll find furniture and homeware, along with a selection of clothing and books. The homeware section is a true treasure trove of Danish design. If you know what to look for, be sure to keep an eye out for brands like Kähler, Eva Trio, and Bodum.
Upstairs to the right, a section is dedicated to men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. The items are arranged by category, with the best selections displayed near the changing rooms, making it an excellent place to find something special.
For book lovers, the left side of the shop features a well-stocked bookstore that offers both Danish and English titles. It is arranged like a traditional bookstore, complete with coffee tables displaying selected books, often with a Copenhagen theme, and cosy armchairs for reading.
Additionally, there are areas dedicated to fabric, crafting supplies, toys, and children’s clothing. If you enjoyed exploring your grandma’s button box, you’re in for a treat!
In the basement, you’ll discover DIY items, picture frames, and other practical goods, and a great selection of vinyl records for music enthusiasts.
Red Cross Nørrebro 40 – The local experience
Just a short 200-meter walk away is this smaller Red Cross shop, which offers a simpler, more local experience. The wide windows give an inspiring view of the store’s selection.
You’ll find racks of men’s and women’s clothing, ideal for those seeking easy, affordable wardrobe pieces.
There is a good selection of shoes and bags, along with curated racks near the entrance that highlight some of the best finds.
Fremtiden – The future of thrift
If that isn’t enough to spoil you, right next door is Fremtiden (The Future in Danish), a store specifically aimed at young people. The handpicked selection here changes regularly, reflecting the latest trends that Nørrebro influencers are wearing. Managed by student volunteers, the opening hours vary, so it’s best to check their Instagram for the most up-to-date information and to see the latest drop.
Local life & culture
A hotspot for secondhand shopping
This section of Nørrebrogade is a popular spot for secondhand shopping in Copenhagen.
There is a diverse selection of commercial secondhand stores that appeal to a variety of tastes, including Y2K styles and authentic vintage pieces. Prag is renowned as the original destination for vintage shopping in Copenhagen, making it well worth a visit, although prices can be on the higher side.
Elmegade, a vibrant side street, is home to independent fashion boutiques that offer both secondhand and new items, as well as unique design shops and secondhand bookstores.
Cafés, bars & TikTok spots
This part of Nørrebro offers a wide variety of dining and drinking options, making it worth taking a stroll to find what suits your taste. Blågårdsgade is a lively street filled with cafés, bars, and restaurants, including the TikTok-famous pizza spot, Diamond Slice.
Just a short walk from the Megastore, Sankt Hans Torv is home to the popular brunch spot Wullf & Konstali, as well as several other coffee shops. Historically, this area was reputed to be one of King Frederik X’s favourite hangouts, known for its many bars.
If you’re looking for a filling and healthy lunch, the Gaza Grill is an excellent choice. Their halloumi bowl, which includes bulgur, hummus, and other delicious ingredients, will energise you for another round of thrift shopping!
Green spaces & local landmarks
Assistens Cemetery is the most famous green space in the area. It serves as a resting place for many notable Danes, including fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. A map at the entrance helps visitors locate these and other famous graves.
This area is near the city centre lakes, which once served as drinking water reservoirs but now attract visitors for walking, running (a 6.35 km loop), and people-watching. In winter, the lakes can freeze over. Queen Louise Bridge is an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee while watching the Nørrebro style pass by!
While in Copenhagen
Experince being a part of the local life, and explore which seasonal events are happening during your time in Copenhagen by visiting visitcopenhagen or clickling the link: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/explore/events-cid58/events-cid59
Frederiksberg is distinguished by its classic streetscape, with well-maintained older buildings and green areas that characterize the neighborhood. It is densely populated, and one of the more affluent municipalities in Copenhagen. This is also reflected in the shops that line the streets. Gammel Kongevej is renowned for its cafés, boutique shops, and picturesque settings. In the 1600s, the king constructed a private road that connected Copenhagen to Roskilde. This road was intended for the royal family and was secured with locked gates, restricting access to the general public and is now the main shopping street in Frederiksberg.
Local Red Cross Shops
Gl. Kongevej 135 – A curated collection of quiet luxury
This Red Cross shop on Gammel Kongevej, situated just 600 meters from Nummer 82.
As you enter this small store, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a stylish boutique.
The selection of brands and items is outstanding, particularly in the men’s department, which offers a wide range of suits, shirts, ties, and smart shoes. It’s a great place to discover excellent value classic clothing for both men and women.
Gl. Kongevej 82 – From basics to statement pieces
Nummer82 is a lively youth boutique where all volunteer team members are under 35 years old. When you step inside, you can explore a thoughtfully curated collection of fashion, ranging from classic basics to eye-catching statement pieces. Every item is handpicked to ensure that only the best makes it onto the racks.
The shop offers clothing, shoes, and unique accessories for all genders, combining brand names like Ganni, Han Kjøbenhavn, and Malene Birger with standout vintage finds and affordable, high-quality pieces.
Whether you’re after a unique look or a sustainable fashion bargain, Nummer82 is a must-visit spot for style-savvy shoppers.
Culture, cafés & community
Frederiksberg’s blend of old and new
You can find a number of upscale designer secondhand shops, along with numerous stylish, unique, and quirky independent businesses.
This street is home to long-established businesses, ranging from Vinstue 90, a ‘slow beer’ bar founded in 1916, to Grønnemann Ure, a watch shop that opened in 1949.
During the summer months, a large and popular flea market takes place every Saturday outside the City Hall of Frederiksberg.
Café culture and European charm
The street features numerous coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants including the original Hart bakery, Ipsen & Co and Polly.
A special highlight is Maude’s Salon, which opened in 2013. The interior decor may surprise those accustomed to the minimalist Danish style, as it is inspired by the character Maude’s parlour from the popular Danish TV series, Matador set in the 1930’s- and 40’s.
Just opposite Nummer 82 is the charming Værnedamsvej. This street has been known for many years as Copenhagen’s Little Paris, the narrow, lively street is lined with cosy cafés, wine bars, and boutique shops with a definite French flair!
One especially unique spot close by on Tullinsgade (just off Værnedamsvej) is the Central Hotel & Café, famous as the smallest hotel in Copenhagen or perhaps the world! It boasts just one guest room with a tiny coffee shop below. Definitely an Instagram moment!
Green escapes in the heart of Frederikberg
There are two lovely parks in this area. The Landbohøjskolen Have is a relatively unknown smaller park that features a diverse range of plant life. It combines elements of landscape gardening and romantic aesthetics, including ponds, small brooks, rockeries, rose gardens, groves, open grassy areas, flower beds, and shaded paths.
The other much larger park, Frederiksberg Have, is more well-known and serves as a popular spot for walking, picnicking, and relaxation. During the summer, boat tours navigate the canals within the garden. There is also a viewing area where visitors can see the elephants in their enclosure at Copenhagen Zoo. In winter, an ice-skating rink is set up outside the park, and skates can be rented for use.
From Cold War command to cultural landmark
Frederiksberg is an independent municipality within Copenhagen, which means it has its own city hall.
Frederiksberg City Hall was officially inaugurated on May 9, 1953, and during the Cold War, it served as a civil defence and command centre. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the building and enjoy the view from the top of the bell tower. Additionally, the city hall features one of only five paternosters (a continuously moving open elevator) in Copenhagen. While you can observe the elevator in motion, it is not open to the public.
Why Copenhagen is ideal for thrifting
Thrifting is rooted in Danish appreciation for circular fashion, ethical consumption, and community initiatives. The Red Cross local thrift shops are managed and staffed by volunteers, who recognize the value of upcycling and recycling textiles, furniture, and books.