In a city where you don’t necessarily speak the language, it isn’t easy to discover those special little boutiques that tickle your fancy. But tucked just behind mammoth department store Magasin are a bunch of shops that will keep you coming back time and again.

Barleywine
This charming specialty shop boasts an impressive range of beers from Danish microbreweries, along with a good selection of foreign beers and wines too. If you’re looking for a gift or just something to take to dinner, this is the place to find what you didn’t even know you were looking for. The staff recommendations are right on the money. Tastings by appointment.
Admiralgade 21, Cph K; closed until Jan 14, open daily 12:00-18:00; www.barleywine.dk

Chaps
Whether a man in your life needs a little pampering or your own beard needs a jolly good tidy up, head to Chaps. The impeccable owner, Armand, offers classic British shaving services, including hot towel shaving and facial massage. Stepping through the door is like stepping back in time: antique mirrors and retro barber seating pull you into the experience so you can leave your day’s stresses behind. Armand speaks perfect English, so you will have no trouble explaining that very particular beard you’ve been trying to create. Hairdressing services are also available.
Vingårdstræde 20, Cph K; open Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 11:00-13:00; 3060 0713

Handler
Just across the street is Handler, a remarkable sewing supplies store. Everyone loses a button sometime or other, but it’s only then that you realise you have no idea where you might find a replacement – and what is the Danish word for ‘sewing’? Never fear, Handler is stocked with an eye-popping selection of buttons, laces, zippers, fabrics and even corsetry supplies. This basement boutique is a place to get inspired.
Vingårdstræde 19, Cph K; open Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00; www.lynlaase.dk

H Skjalm P
A wealth of home interiors in dynamic prints awaits you at H Skjalm P’s store. Not just another Danish interiors brand, the name stands for unique home wares, arts and handicrafts, and has done for more than half a century. You may have seen pieces of the range, which changes twice each year, in department stores throughout Denmark, but here in Nikolaj Plads is the only specialist store stocking the full range of products along with knowledgeable staff. Our pick is the Urban cushion range in bold weaving prints, which are also used for a small selection of ladies’ scarves.
Nikolaj Plads 9, Cph K; open Mon-Thu 09:00-16:00, Fri 09:00-16:00; 3311 8200; www.hskjalmp.dk