2 Best Places to Shop in Copenhagen, Denmark

A showcase for world-famous Danish design and craftsmanship, Copenhagen seems to have been set up with shoppers in mind. In fact, the city’s name means the "merchant's harbor." The best buys are crystal, porcelain, and silver. Throughout summer and into autumn, there are six major markets every weekend, many of which sell antiques and secondhand porcelain, silver, and glassware. Bargaining is expected. Check with the tourist office or the Copenhagen City Guide(www.ctw.dk) for street markets.

Look for offers and sales (tilbud or udsalg in Danish) and check antiques and secondhand shops for classics at cut-rate prices. Although prices are inflated by a hefty 25% Value-Added Tax (Danes call it moms), non–European Union citizens can receive about an 18% refund if they are willing to do the paperwork. For more details and a list of all tax-free shops, ask at the tourist office for a copy of the Tax-Free Shopping Guide, or visit the website Global Blue (www.global-blue.com).