A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers a vibrant landscape for second-hand shopping, ranging from large charity chains to niche vintage boutiques and community-run swap markets. Whether you are hunting for furniture, clothing, or unique antiques, the city’s reuse culture is well-established and accessible. This guide helps you navigate the variety of shops available, grouping them by type and listing their specific opening hours to help you plan an efficient day of browsing. Please note that opening hours may change due to holidays or local circumstances, so it is always wise to check ahead if you are traveling specifically for a certain store.

Charity Shops and Non-Profit Retailers

Charity shops are a cornerstone of the Copenhagen second-hand scene. These stores often support social causes and offer a wide range of goods, from clothing to household items. The Danish Red Cross (Dansk Røde Kors) operates numerous locations with varying schedules. For instance, several branches are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 or 17:30, with Saturday hours typically ending by 14:00 or 15:00. Some locations, such as those open Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 17:30 and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00, offer slightly later starts. Another branch operates Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 to 17:00, and Thursday from 11:00 to 15:00.

Kirkens Korshær (Salvation Army) and Kirkens Genbrug (Church Aid) also have a strong presence. Kirkens Korshær locations vary significantly; some are open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 to 17:00, while others operate Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 17:00. One specific location is open Monday through Sunday from 09:00 to 22:00, though it is noted that no staff may be present during certain hours. Kirkens Genbrug shops generally follow weekday schedules of 10:00 to 17:00 or 12:00 to 17:00, with some closing on Saturdays. Frelsens Hær (The Salvation Army) stores typically open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 16:00, or Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 18:00 with Saturday hours until 15:00.

Other notable charity retailers include Danmission Genbrug, which is open weekdays from 11:00 to 18:00 or 16:00, and Folkekirkens Nødhjælp, open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 17:00. Mødrehjælpen, a charity supporting families, has locations open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 17:00 and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00. IGEN and iGenbrugsen offer additional options, with IGEN open weekdays until 17:30 and iGenbrugsen operating weekdays with a later Thursday start at 13:30.

General Second-Hand Shops

Beyond charity organizations, independent second-hand shops offer curated selections of goods. These stores often specialize in specific categories like furniture, electronics, or general household items. Lidkøb is a prominent name with multiple locations; one branch is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, while another operates weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00 and weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. Wasteland offers a broad range of items and is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 to 18:00, Friday until 19:00, Saturday until 17:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00.

For those interested in furniture and smaller household goods, Brugte Møbler og Småting is open weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Den Grønne Genbrugshal provides a large space for browsing, open Monday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Genbrugs Bazaren operates Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, while Genbro is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.

Other general second-hand options include Name it, open weekdays from 09:30 to 17:30 and Saturday from 09:30 to 15:00. Loanto is open weekdays from 11:00 to 17:30 and Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00. Loppehylder offers consistent weekday hours from 10:00 to 18:00 and weekend hours from 10:00 to 16:00. Reden Genbrug is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. Kofoeds Skole operates Wednesday through Friday from 13:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00.

Vintage and Specialty Stores

If you are looking for curated vintage clothing or specific antiques, several specialty shops cater to these interests. Vintage 199 is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. Godt Fund vintage has limited hours, open Friday from 14:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00. Wald’s Vintage, categorized here as a charity shop but offering vintage goods, is open weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00.

For antique enthusiasts, Antik Huset is open weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00. Globus Antik has more restricted hours, open only Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00. Crims Crams offers a unique selection, open daily from 13:00 to 19:00 except for Monday and Saturday. Genfund operates Thursday and Friday from 11:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. Ryesgade Genbrug has a split schedule, open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 to 17:30, and Tuesday from 12:00 to 17:00, but is closed on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Community Markets and Swap Events

For a more interactive experience, community markets allow for direct exchange or sale of goods. The Byttemarked på Borgervænget Genbrugsstation is a notable swap market open on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00. It is important to note that this market is closed on December 24-26, December 31, and January 1. These events are excellent for finding unique items and engaging with the local reuse community. Since these are often volunteer-run or community-organized, the atmosphere is casual, and bargaining may be possible depending on the seller.

Planning Your Shopping Day

To make the most of your time, consider grouping your visits by location and opening hours. Many charity shops and general second-hand stores open in the late morning, around 10:00 or 11:00. If you are an early riser, prioritize stores like Name it or Kirppu, which open at 09:30. For afternoon browsing, stores like Crims Crams (opening at 13:00) or Kofoeds Skole (opening at 13:00) are good options.

Weekend shopping requires careful planning. Many stores, such as Ryesgade Genbrug and Godt Fund vintage, are closed on Sundays. Conversely, stores like Wasteland and Den Grønne Genbrugshal offer Sunday hours, though often shorter than weekdays. If you are visiting on a Saturday, note that many shops close early, often between 14:00 and 16:00. Always verify the specific hours for the branch you intend to visit, as schedules can vary even within the same chain.

Tips for Selling Your Own Items

If you wish to sell your own belongings, consider hosting a garage sale or participating in a market. When organizing a garage sale, ensure you have clear signage and a way to accept payments, as cash is still widely used in second-hand transactions. For market participation, such as at the Byttemarked, prepare your items neatly and be ready to negotiate prices. It is helpful to bring change and a table or display stand if the venue does not provide one. Since rules for private sales can vary by location and event, check with the specific market organizer for any requirements regarding setup times or fees. Keep your items clean and in good condition to attract buyers, and be prepared to answer questions about the history or condition of your goods.

Conclusion

Copenhagen’s second-hand scene is diverse and rewarding, offering everything from charity-run clothing stores to specialized antique shops and community swap markets. By planning your route around the specific opening hours provided and grouping visits by type, you can efficiently explore the city’s reuse offerings. Whether you are shopping for bargains or selling your own items, the key is to respect the schedules and engage with the local community. Remember to double-check hours before your visit, as they may change, and enjoy the hunt for unique finds in Denmark’s capital.