The best place to start is the pedestrian street Strøget (if you start at the town hall - well the shops become better and better the closer you come to Kongens Nytorv...), which is lined with shops selling everything from porcelain and crystal to silverwork and Viking jewelry to goose-down comforters and spectacular furniture. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor cafes and benches in case you need a break. Bookstores and antique shops are found in two nearby walking areas, Gråbrødretorv and Fiolstræde. Prices are pretty high in Bredgade, the antiques district, and more antiques can be found on Læderstræde.

Most stores are open from about 10 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays, about 2 p.m. (bigger shops to 5 p.m.) on Saturdays, and closed up tight on most Sundays, but there are special occasions (like the 4 Sundays before Christmas) when many shops are open on Sundays. Best to contact the tourist info board! Be aware that Denmark imposes a 25% “value-added tax,” known locally as MOMS - but the tax is included in the prices shown. Tax-free exports are possible, and many stores will mail purchases to your home so you can avoid the tax, so keep an eye out for shops displaying Danish tax-free shopping notices. For more details, go to the tourist office for a copy of the Tax-Free Shopping Guide.