Shopping in Copenhagen

A showcase for world-famous Danish design and craftsmanship, Copenhagen seems to have been set up with shoppers in mind. In fact, the city name Copenhagen (København in Danish), actually means the "merchant's harbour," because it was once a major centre of trade. The spirit of those days remains with countless specialty shops in almost every corner of the city. The best buys are such luxury items as amber, crystal, porcelain, silver, and furs. Danish clothing design is now coming into fashion and is considered one of the nation's most important exports. Besides offering a great classic shopping, the Danes are famous for their range of quality designed cloths, furniture, glass-wares, ceramics and jewellery. The inner city has lots of exiting and creative handcrafters and designers with small ateliers. One of the things that make Copenhagen so attractive for shoppers is that you can do the whole thing by foot. Be sure you visit the pedestrian shopping street Strøget and Købmagergade with several small boutiques and the malls as Illum and Magasin. Other great places to shop in Copenhagen are Strædet, Kronprinsensgade, Grønnegade, Ny Østergade, Latin Quarter, Vesterbro and Nørrebro. The two longest shopping streets are Strøget and Købmagergade. Here you will find brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Chanel,  Karen Millen, Marc Jacobs, Hennes and Mauritz, Benetton, and many more. You can wander for hours and still find the shopping exciting. You find shopping malls in the heart of the city as in the outskirts of Copenhagen. In the shopping malls you find exclusive boutiques as well as chain shops represented all over Denmark. While the shops and stores offer plenty of temptation and enjoyment, the atmosphere itself is a part of Copenhagen's appeal for shoppers, from the ateliers, jewellery, souvenir, fashion, design stores to different second hand shops. Shopping hours in Copenhagen: Shops & Stores: Monday-Friday: 9.00/9.30/10.00 a.m. - to - 5.30/7.00 p.m. Saturday: 9.00 a.m. - to - 4.00/5.00 p.m. City centre in and around greater Copenhagen: Monday-Friday: 9.00 a.m. - to - 9.00 p.m. Saturday: 9.00 a.m. - to - 5.00 p.m. Small supermarkets, kiosks, bakeries etc. : Open: 10.00 a.m. - to - 4.00 p.m. Bakeries open early every day. Sunday - Shops and malls: The first Sunday in every month – shops and malls are open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Art in Denmark

Denmark is rich in craftsmen, who can often be visited in their galleries, potteries, glass and candle factories, weaving mills or other workshops around the country. Here you can observe the artists as they work and perhaps buy some of their art and unique specimens. In more candle factories you are able to make your own candles. At these Danish places you can see and buy everything from beautiful oil and watercolour paintings to graphics, lithographs, life-drawings, paper collages, figures and sculptures, made out of granite, gypsum, iron, wood etc., hand-made candles, home-made soaps, flower decorations, knitwear, woollens, textile art, leather goods, glass art in all colours and shades, amber ornaments, ceramic ware, raku as well as articles for everyday use of wood and pottery. The Art and Culture of Denmark are rich in its diversity and variety. However, there are some general characteristics of Danish Art and culture, associated with Danish society and daily life. Danish people are generally fun loving sympathetic, and expressive.

Culture in Denmark

Denmark's culture and society stems from long history and an ethnically homogeneous people. In Denmark, culture can be described through these three aspects of Danish life: Simplicity, politeness, and propriety. Countries are very diverse in their family values and gender roles, so it's important to do some research before you embark on a journey abroad. If you'll be traveling to Denmark, learn a bit about the culture, home and work environment so you'll be prepared to behave properly and treat women in a culturally appropriate manner. For the Danes their cultural heritage is very important. Denmark is an egalitarian society. Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words. A simple life is the essence of the culture of Denmark. Not much weight is given to possessions or high income, and bragging is considered to be quite rude. Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs. Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark. Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries. Also the Danish songs, the food and their flag called "Dannebrog" are yet further examples of the value the traditions hold for the Danish people.

Sights and Sounds of Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a wonderfully compact city with an efficient public transport system. This is why even if time is short, you can quite easily get a feel of the place and see most of the city and its many sights and attractions. You’ll want to see as much as you can, so get your soft shoes on so you’re comfortable and get ready to have an exciting time going around the city of Copenhagen. The city is a blend of historic and modern architecture and you can find many very unusual attractions. You can pick from some fantastic things to see and do. Find out why they call it "wonderful Copenhagen" with a city sightseeing tour of Denmark's vibrant and graceful capital, and get a bird's eye view of Copenhagen's swirling towers and turrets, not forgetting the Little Mermaid by trying out the Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Copenhagen. Make the most of your time in Denmark's capital and take advantage of free and discounted transport and admission as you explore the numerous museums and attractions the city has to offer by taking the Copenhagen Card. Be sure to see the Kastelett and the Tivoli when you’re in the city of Copenhagen. You’ll have your choices of so many wonderful things to do. Go and gaze at the Amalienborg, the Royal Castle, right near the centre of the city – it is actually four castles formed around a parade square and the residence of the Queen and the royal family. Every day at 12 noon you can enjoy the Changing of the Guard. Copenhagen landmarks are conveniently clustered in an area that is easily accessible by foot, train or bus. Around 900 years ago, a footpath was formed down what is now the heart of the city: the pedestrians-only street, Stroget, with its centuries-old architecture, fountains and busy shops.

Captivating Copenhagen (København)

Copenhagen or København, the premier capital of Northern Europe, is Scandinavia's most fantastic and largest city; and the centre of the most dynamic region in Europe, the Øresund Region. Although steeped in traditions that go back to the time of the Vikings, Copenhagen is on the cutting edge of 21st century technology, transportation, education and social welfare. Copenhagen is a major regional centre of culture, business, media and science. Life science, information technology and shipping are important sectors, and research & development plays a major role in the city's economy. Its strategic location and excellent infrastructure, with the largest airport in Scandinavia. The city is one of Europe's oldest capitals with a royal touch - the monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in the world. Copenhagen is situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager. The town is big enough to be a metropolis with shopping, culture and nightlife par excellence, yet still small enough to be intimate, safe and easy to navigate. Overlooking the Øresund strait with Sweden just minutes away, it is a cultural and geographic link between mainland Europe and Scandinavia. This is where old fairy tales blend with flashy new architecture and world-class design; where warm jazz mixes with cold electronica from Copenhagen's basements. You'll feel you've seen it all in a day, but could keep on discovering more for months. Copenhagen has repeatedly been recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of life and is also considered one of the most environmentally friendly places on earth. The water in the inner harbour is clean and safe for swimming. 36% of all citizens commute to work by bicycle. It is in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world too, as per Forbes list of 2010. If you are looking for an earthy, hard-core travel experience look elsewhere. Copenhagen is clean, safe and ridiculously easy to get to know, the locals all speak superb English and the transport system is excellent. Please remember it's koh-pehn-HAY-gehn not koh-pehn-HAH-gehn.