Illum Copenhagen - Image 1
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Illum Copenhagen

4.2
·7k reviews·København, Denmark

Iconic 5-floor luxury department store on Strøget, blending high fashion, niche perfumes, and a rooftop dining escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Rooftop DJ sets and vibes

CrowdMedium
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Illum Copenhagen - Image 1

Illum Copenhagen

Best Time

Friday evenings

Rooftop DJ sets and vibes

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 5-floor luxury department store on Strøget, blending high fashion, niche perfumes, and a rooftop dining escape.

4.2
(7k reviews)

"A beautiful department store, very well presented and something for everyone. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Rooftop Dining Gem

Don't miss Palæo on the rooftop for healthy, gluten-free options with a view!

✨ Niche Perfume Hunt

Great spot for unique fragrances, but check for dust on shelves.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Illum Rooftop

Illum Rooftop

4th Floor

Enjoy healthy food and panoramic city views from this often-overlooked rooftop oasis.

TikTokInstagram
Designer Fashion Boutiques

Designer Fashion Boutiques

Various Floors

Explore exclusive Danish and international brands like Miu Miu and Acne Studios.

Instagram+1
Niche Perfume Selection

Niche Perfume Selection

Perfume Department

Discover a wide array of unique and high-end fragrances, a shopper's delight.

Reddit
Historical Ambiance

Historical Ambiance

Throughout the Store

Experience the charm of a classic department store, dating back to 1904.

Instagram+1
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Rooftop Views & Bites

Don't miss the Illum Rooftop! It's a hidden gem for healthy food and stunning city views, perfect for a summer escape. TikTokInstagram

Luxury Shopping & History

Illum is a historic department store on Strøget, offering high-end fashion and a glimpse into Copenhagen's past. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Rooftop DJ sets and vibes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Christmas season
Why
Festive window displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Palaeo_official has a rooftop café at Illum that most people walk right past 😮‍💨 This spot is perfect if you’re craving healthy, protein-rich food with a summer rooftop vibe! Palæo’s concept is no gluten, natural ingredients - basically food that will make you feel good🌱😍 … honestly a summer gem we wish we’d known about sooner! 📍Illum Rooftop. Adr: Købmagergade 20, 1150 Copenhagen #københavn #...
@copenhagenspots
6.6K likes • 165.7K views

🎯 Rooftop Dining Gem

Don't miss Palæo on the rooftop for healthy, gluten-free options with a view! TikTokInstagram

✨ Niche Perfume Hunt

Great spot for unique fragrances, but check for dust on shelves. Reddit

Copenhagen day 2 - HAY House - Studio Arhoj + Illum 4th fl. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #copenhagen #denmark
nokkynatcha
2.2K likes • 42.3K views
It’s 1904, you go shopping at Illum department store in Copenhagen, Denmark. Follow @myretrophoto for more historical photos🎞️ #copenhagen #københavn #illumcph #1900 #1904 #nostalgia #nostalgic #edwardian #edwardianfashion #edwardianjewelry #edwardianera #history #historylovers #historynerd #historylesson #timetravel #antique #antiquephoto #vintagephoto #colorized #colorizedhistory #historia #fas...
myretrophoto
2.6K likes • 33K views

⏳ Be Patient During Sales

Expect long queues for fitting rooms, especially during sales events. Reddit

🏠 Home Decor Finds

Obsessed with their home decor selection, especially vases and mirrors! Instagram

Christmas has arrived, and at ILLUM, we are ready to kick off the festive season. Visit us today from 12-15, when we unveil our Christmas windows and offer hot chocolate and roasted almonds to the sounds of live jazz music. #illumcph #prada #christmas #denmark #copenhagen
illumcph
821 likes • 110.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Rooftop Dining Gem

Don't miss Palæo on the rooftop for healthy, gluten-free options with a view! TikTokInstagram

✨ Niche Perfume Hunt

Great spot for unique fragrances, but check for dust on shelves. Reddit

⏳ Be Patient During Sales

Expect long queues for fitting rooms, especially during sales events. Reddit

🏠 Home Decor Finds

Obsessed with their home decor selection, especially vases and mirrors! Instagram

☔ Rainy Day Haven

A perfect indoor escape on a wet day, easily accessible by metro. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Illum is a beautiful, upscale department store offering a wide range of luxury goods and a great rooftop dining experience with city views. While many appreciate its selection and historical charm, some find the prices very high and note issues with store cleanliness. Reddit+1

"Good place to shop for perfumes, especially niche ones.
They do need to pay attention to their shelves: most are covered in dust, no cleaned, and disgusting looking. Lots of perfume bottles are empty and sales personnel does nothing about it or about making customers feel welcome"

Natalia Li

"Wow this is a beautiful department store. Very well presented and something for everyone. A great rainy day option as you can get the metro to the door to keep dry. Great food optiond upstairs as well.

We enjoyed coffee and panins which were fresh and tasty."

Gregory Van Hinsbergh

"Exclusive Shopping Centre in the Centre of Copenhagen. Clothes, shoes, accessories, perfume, bakery, restaurants and cultural events like art exhibitions and live music.
Every Friday music by DJ on the Rooftop
At the moment SALE up to 50% discount
Embrace yourself with patience.
Expect a long queue to try out new clothes."

Lena Athena

What People Like

Beautiful department store
Great rooftop views
Niche perfume selection

What People Dislike

Very expensive
Dusty shelves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Illum is conveniently located on the famous Strøget shopping street in the heart of Copenhagen. You can easily reach it by walking from most central areas, or by taking public transport. The nearest metro stations are Nørreport and Kongens Nytorv, both a short walk away. InstagramReddit

Yes, Illum is very accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's within walking distance of major metro stations like Nørreport and Kongens Nytorv. Reddit

While Illum is centrally located, street parking in this area can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi. There are several underground parking garages nearby if driving is necessary. Reddit

Yes, you can easily get to Illum from Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Take the metro or train towards the city center and alight at a station like Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv, then it's a short walk. Instagram

Absolutely! Illum is a prominent department store situated directly on Strøget, Copenhagen's main pedestrian shopping street. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no ticket required to enter Illum. It's a public department store, and you can browse freely. Reddit

Illum's opening hours can vary slightly, but it's generally open daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays. Instagram

Entry to the Illum Rooftop area itself is free. You only pay for any food or drinks you purchase at the restaurants or cafes located there. TikTok

Yes, Illum often hosts events, including live music on the rooftop on Fridays, and special seasonal celebrations like Christmas window unveilings. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can try on clothes. However, be prepared for potential queues, especially during sale periods. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping Experience

Illum offers a wide range of luxury and designer brands, including international names like Balenciaga and Acne Studios, as well as exclusive Danish designers. You'll also find cosmetics, jewelry, and home goods. Instagram+2

Illum is known for its high-end and luxury offerings, so prices can be quite high, especially for designer fashion. Some visitors find it more expensive than shopping in their home countries. Reddit

Yes, Illum is particularly noted for its extensive selection of niche perfumes. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the shelves could be better maintained. Reddit

Illum has a fantastic selection of home decor items, with many visitors admiring their range of vases, mirrors, and other decorative pieces. Instagram

Yes, Illum does have sales, with discounts of up to 50% mentioned. Be prepared for crowds during these periods. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Illum offers several dining options, including the popular Palæo on the rooftop, known for its healthy and gluten-free menu. There are also cafes and bakeries within the store. TikTokInstagram+1

The rooftop food, particularly from Palæo, is praised for being healthy and tasty, with options like burgers and salads. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are cafes within Illum where you can enjoy coffee and pastries. MUJI on the 4th floor also has a 'TeaHouse'. Instagram

Palæo on the rooftop is known for its healthy options, which often include vegetarian and vegan choices. It's best to check the menu directly for specific offerings. TikTok

Dining at Illum, especially on the rooftop, can be on the pricier side, reflecting the upscale nature of the department store. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Illum offers great photo opportunities, from its stylish interiors and designer displays to the panoramic views from its rooftop. Instagram+1

The rooftop offers stunning cityscapes, while the various designer boutiques and the historical architecture of the building itself provide excellent backdrops. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The Christmas window displays at Illum are a major attraction and highly photogenic during the festive season. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other shoppers and avoid intrusive photography, especially in private fitting rooms or specific brand areas. Instagram

The store is well-lit, with a mix of natural light and interior lighting. The rooftop provides natural light, which is ideal for daytime photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Illum can be a great option for families, especially on a rainy day, as it offers a comfortable and engaging indoor environment. Reddit While the high-end fashion might not be the primary focus for children, the rooftop offers a space for them to enjoy a meal with a view. TikTok Consider exploring the home goods sections for visually interesting items, and keep an eye out for any family-friendly events that might be happening. The sheer scale of the department store can also be an adventure in itself for younger visitors.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Illum is primarily a luxury destination, budget travelers can still find ways to enjoy it. The rooftop offers a more accessible dining experience compared to high-end restaurants, and you can enjoy the views without spending a fortune. TikTokInstagram Window shopping is always free, and you can appreciate the displays and historical ambiance. Keep an eye out for sale periods, where discounts of up to 50% can make some items more attainable. Reddit Alternatively, visit the MUJI store for more reasonably priced lifestyle goods. Instagram

🛍️ Fashion Enthusiasts

For fashion lovers, Illum is a pilgrimage site. It houses an impressive collection of both international and Danish designer brands, offering a comprehensive overview of current trends and exclusive pieces. Instagram+1 The dedicated perfume department is a treasure trove for those seeking unique fragrances. Reddit Even if you're not buying, exploring the curated collections and soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere is an experience in itself. Don't forget to check out the latest designer openings, like Miu Miu. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Illum's History

Illum is more than just a modern luxury department store; it's a piece of Copenhagen's history. Established in 1904, it has witnessed over a century of changing fashion and consumer trends. Instagram+1 The building itself often evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting visitors back in time with its classic architecture and ambiance. This historical depth adds a unique layer to the shopping experience, making it a destination for those interested in both contemporary style and heritage.

Originally a cornerstone of Copenhagen's retail scene, Illum has evolved significantly. While it maintains its status as a purveyor of high-end goods, it has also adapted to modern demands by incorporating diverse offerings like gourmet food halls and event spaces. This blend of old and new is a key part of its enduring appeal, attracting a wide range of visitors looking for more than just a shopping trip. Reddit

The Illum Rooftop Experience

The Illum Rooftop is a true urban oasis, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling city below. Often overlooked by shoppers focused on the lower floors, this space provides not only stunning panoramic views of Copenhagen but also a curated selection of culinary delights. TikTokInstagram It's the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and soak in the city's atmosphere, especially during the warmer months.

Visitors rave about the healthy and protein-rich options available at eateries like Palæo, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch or a light bite. TikTokInstagram Beyond the food, the rooftop frequently hosts events, including DJ sets on Friday evenings, adding a vibrant social dimension to the experience. Reddit Whether you're seeking a quiet moment with a view or a lively evening out, the Illum Rooftop delivers a memorable experience that complements the shopping below.

Navigating Illum's Luxury Offerings

Illum is synonymous with luxury fashion and high-end brands. Shoppers can explore a curated selection of international designers like Balenciaga and Acne Studios, alongside prominent Danish labels such as By Malene Birger. Instagram+1 The store is also a prime destination for exclusive beauty products and exquisite jewelry, catering to those seeking premium quality and unique pieces. The Miu Miu boutique's opening further solidifies its status as a fashion hotspot. Instagram

While the allure of designer goods is strong, it's worth noting that prices at Illum can be considerably high, with some visitors finding them prohibitive compared to other markets. Reddit The department store is also renowned for its extensive niche perfume section, offering a wide variety of unique scents. Reddit Despite the premium pricing, the quality of merchandise and the sophisticated shopping environment make Illum a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts and those looking for a touch of indulgence in Copenhagen.