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.

Surviving Poland

If traveling to Poland, leave your sweats at home. Dress is a little more formal in Poland than what you might be used to. T-shirts, shorts, sneakers, and sweat suits are almost always considered inappropriate. The general rule of thumb in terms of attire in Poland is to dress smartly and conservatively. From dress to table manners to business customs, it's important to learn about Poland's etiquette while visiting their country. Poland is a country full of interesting history and culture, so remember to be respectful of that. Below is a list of etiquette for your trip to Poland. Although Poland might seem more formal that you may be used to, you will find that Poles are very friendly people. Most importantly, be friendly back to them, be polite, and act and dress conservatively. Enjoy your trip to Poland! 

A Taste of Poland

Poland is a haven for food buffs. Polish cuisine ranges from the simple to the exotic, with a dish to suit the most eclectic and eccentric of taste buds. In Poland, you have staple foods, seasonal foods as well as territorial foods. The mainstays of the Polish diet are meat, bread, and potatoes. For many Poles, dinner is not dinner without meat, primarily pork. Bread is consumed and treated with reverence. Polish food is usually very wholesome and people consume large portions. The cuisine had definite leanings towards meat, although Poles do consume diary products and vegetables and especially root vegetables. Polish food goes down well with vodka. In any Polish dish, you will be sure to find a smattering of any of beetroot, cucumber, sour cream, egg, kohlrabi, mushroom or sausage. A meal owes it taste to the herbs and spices used; such as marjoram, dill, caraway seeds, parsley, or pepper. The most popular desserts are cakes and pastries. Popular beverages include coffee, tea, milk, buttermilk, and fruit syrup and water. However, vodka distilled from rye is known as the national drink.

Shopping in Warsaw

As Poland's capital, Warsaw has attracted all the big international names in shopping, keen to take part in the country's economic resurgence. As a business hub, Warsaw is also an oasis for travellers looking for smart clothes at reasonable prices. Still, the city continues to retain its old world charm, and there are plenty of smaller stores tucked on the back streets with treasures waiting to be discovered. Warsaw has a long way to go before it’s regarded as a shopping mecca, but nevertheless the city now touts an array of shops that make further investigation not just recommended, but required. Whether it’s western style malls, designer boutiques, dusty family stores or antique markets a day spent shopping can result in both bargains and treasures. In Poland it is even possible to go shopping on Sunday. The best places to shop are the shopping malls that have been built in last 10 years, they usually contain a hypermarket, so you will be able to do all the shopping in one location. Most often the malls are equipped with cinemas and even fitness centres. Warsaw really is a great place to go shopping. Shopping hours are usually from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, but shopping malls are open until 8 or even 10 pm. There are no fixed dates for sell-outs and sales in Poland, so that the stores have to decide when to do their final sales. The summer sale begins at the end of June and the winter sale starts at the beginning of January. The sales last for around 6 weeks.

Art in Poland

The Art Culture of Poland is closely connected with its intricate 1000 year history. The culture of Poland has a lot to do with everything in Poland. Its unique character developed at the crossroads of the Latinate and Byzantine worlds, in continual dialog with the many ethnic groups living in Poland. The people of Poland have always been hospitable to artists from abroad and eager to follow cultural and artistic trends popular in other countries. In the 19th and 20th centuries the Polish focus on cultural advancement often took precedence over political and economic activity. These factors have contributed to the versatile nature of Polish art, with all its complex nuances. Nowadays music festivals, concerts, theatre performances and other cultural events make essential part of any trip.  Moreover they are becoming one of the main motives to visit other countries or cities.  And cities play here the major role in organizing events and festival and  creating the right atmosphere for enjoying and experiencing culture. Each Polish city has a calendar filled with local and international events that offer the highest quality, still at the moderate price.

Culture in Poland

Warsaw has no location that could get away from the culture’s embrace. Poland's national culture emerged as a synthesis of Latin and Byzantine influences and was further engendered by the numerous European occupations, throughout its history. Customs, traditions and mores display a diverse mix of the East and the West - a colourful cohabitation of the vibrant Eastern ornamental style and the sombre Islamic influence. Every day and every night, all over Warsaw, something impressive is going on. The agenda is packed with abundant amount of events of different calibre, which define the cultural map of the city. For the centuries Warsaw always represented a proverbial melting-pot comprised of different multicultural customs and traditions. Today such description would be entirely appropriate – a pure cultural Mecca frequently visited by the artists, inventors and creators which directly contribute to the longest, in this part of Europe, list of events and attractions taking place in this amazing city. Poland is pretty much ethnically homogeneous. Ukrainian, Belorussian, Slovakian, and Lithuanian minorities reside along the borders. A German minority is concentrated near the southwest city of Opole. The capital and other cities are experiencing some inward migration from foreigners.