The Vibrant European City With The Best Pedestrian Shopping Mall, According To Rick Steves

Looking for a European city that combines stunning architecture, walkability, delicious cuisine, and world-class shopping? Located in the vibrant, bustling city center of Copenhagen, Strøget is a shopper's paradise. The name Strøget comes from the Danish word strøg, meaning "to walk." The name perfectly encapsulates the half-mile-long stretch that is perfect for a day of admiring beautiful architecture, enjoying Danish cuisine, and shopping till you drop.

According to travel guru Rick Steves, Strøget emits a sense of "cobbled cuteness and modern bustle." The pedestrianization of Strøget in 1962 brought with it a significant shift to the atmosphere and function of the area. In his article, Steves comments that" Danes have a knack for enjoying everyday experiences, and their capital is the best place to sample the Danish good life." Once a busy vehicular road, this stretch has now been converted into an area where tourists and locals alike can safely wander about and indulge in the city's offerings.

Interestingly, Strøget is not only one street but many. It encompasses at least four streets (Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, and Østergade) as well as three public squares (Nytorv Square, Gammeltorv Square, and Amagertorv Square). Food lovers in Copenhagen can especially rejoice because you can find a variety of delicious eateries along Strøget, such as traditional Danish pastry shops or cute sidewalk cafes. In this pedestrian area, you'll find various attractions as well, such as beautiful churches, the famous Stork Fountain, art galleries, museums, and Copenhagen's courthouse. 

Stop by around midday to see the royal guard with an accompanying band march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the royal family in Denmark. The streets that comprise Strøget are also popular places to see street performers. Amagertorv Square is the best place to go if you are simply wandering about, looking for a bit of entertainment. Musicians, singers, acrobats, and magicians all perform amid the hustle and bustle. For those who have the shopping bug, Strøget is the perfect place to find high-end fashion brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and more.

Steves also suggests that visitors spend some time wandering the area just outside of Strøget to get a feel for Copenhagen and its "cozy" atmosphere. Strøget spits visitors out into Nyhavn, a colorful 17th-century canal that has inspired actual fairytales. Now, visitors can meander alongside the waterfront, enjoy some local fare, and snap a picture in one of Copenhagen's most photographed locations. A sunny day here calls for an ice-cold beer and a boat tour of the canal. A few blocks further lies the Little Mermaid statue. Sitting atop her rock, watching the hordes of tourists pass by each day, she is a friendly face to those entering the harbor.

Visitors can cross over to the beautiful island of Christianshavn from Nyhavn, according to Steves. Once a merchants' district, this area is now home to some of the best restaurants in Copenhagen. Take a stroll and admire the beauty of the canals, or stop by Our Savior's Church, famous for its stunning exterior spiral staircase that reaches the very top of its steeple. Down the street is Freetown Christiania, an area where a group of activists claimed an abandoned military barracks as their own in the early 1970s. Here, you will also find numerous workshops, eco-friendly restaurants, galleries, music venues, cafes, and more. The commune is worth a visit for its uniqueness, but visitors must abide by the rules that the residents have put into place. No matter which way you plan to spend your day in Copenhagen, each street in this city has a story to tell.