Shopping
The main international chains and designer boutiques are located around Strøget, interspersed with cafés and restaurants. Magasin du Nord, the largest department store in Scandinavia, is situated on Kongens Nytorv. Intriguing second-hand and antique shops are thick on the ground in the Sankt Hans Torv area, while flea markets abound at Israel Plads and Gammel Strand every Saturday.
Shopping hours are normally Monday-Friday 0930/1000 until 1730/1900 and Saturday 0900-1600. Danish shopping hours have now been extended to allow shops to stay open daily 0600-2000 and smaller outlets at weekends. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Outside normal shopping hours, various kiosks around town are open for the sale of tobacco, newspapers and sweets. Bakeries, florists and confectionery shops remain open most of the time. The Central Station Supermarket is open until late in the evening, as well as all day Sunday. The sale of alcohol is forbidden after 2000.
Typical gifts include Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Scandinavian crystal and amber jewellery. Silver jewellery by designers such as Georg Jensen is also a good option. Contemporary Danish design can be found at Illums Bolighus, Amagertorv 10, Paustian, Kalkerbrænderilobskaj 2, and Interstudio Shop, Dampfærgevej 10. Families should remember that plastic classics Lego and Duplo are Danish creations.
VAT (MOMS) of 25% is charged on most goods including hotel and restaurant bills. Nationals of countries outside the EU and Scandinavia can claim back VAT at the airport on individual items worth over Dkk300 from shops displaying Global Refund Denmark (tel: (32) 525 566; website: www.globalrefund.com/denmark) or Tax Free International (tel: (44) 892 100) emblems. Items must be declared and stamped by customs authorities on departure from the EU.
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