Danes do not mix the various dishes on their plates but have them in strict order. Given its geographical position, it is not surprising that shellfish also forms an important part of Danish cuisine. Apart from traditional dishes, French or international cuisine is the order of the day. In Copenhagen, superb gourmet restaurants can be found, whilst Ålborg is noted for its number of restaurants. Most towns have fast food outlets, and the sausage stalls on most street corners, selling hot sausages, hamburgers, soft drinks and beer, are popular. There are no licensing hours.
National specialities:
• Smørrebrød is a highly popular traditional Danish dish that is often eaten for lunch. It consists of a slice of dark bread with butter, topped with slices of meat, fish or cheese and generously garnished. It needs to be eaten sitting down with a knife and fork.
• Buffet-style lunch (the koldt bord) is also popular with a variety of fish, meats, hot dishes, cheese and sweets, usually on a self-service basis.
• A normal Danish breakfast, or morgen-complet , consists of an assortment of breads, rolls, jam and cheese, often also sliced meats, boiled eggs and warm Danish pastries.
National drinks:
• Danish coffee is delicious.
• Denmark also has many varieties of beer, famous breweries being Carlsberg and Tuborg. Most popular is pilsner (lager) but there are also darker beers.
• Akvavit, popularly known as snaps is meant to be drunk with cold food, preferably with a beer chaser. It is served ice cold.
Tipping: Hotels and restaurants quote fully inclusive prices and tipping is not necessary. Taxi fares include tips. Railway porters and washroom attendants expect to receive tips.

There is a wide selection of nightlife, particularly in Copenhagen, where the first morning restaurants open to coincide with closing time at 0500. Jazz and dance clubs in the capital city are top quality and world-famous performers appear regularly. There are numerous beer gardens.

Copenhagen has excellent shopping facilities. Special purchases include Bing & Grøndal and Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Holmegård glass, Bornholm ceramics, handmade woollens from the Faroe Islands and Lego toys. Visitors from outside the EU can often claim back some of the MOMS (VAT) on goods purchased that are sent straight to their home country from the shop in Denmark. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900/1000-1730/1800; Sat 0900-1700. Supermarkets are often open Mon-Fri 0900-2000. Opening hours vary from town to town. At some holiday resorts, bakers, florists and souvenir shops are open Sunday and public holidays.

The Danish Hotel and Restaurant Association displays signs indicating restaurants where the needs of diabetics are given special attention. It consists of the words ‘Diabetes mad – sund mad for alle’ (‘Food for Diabetics – healthy food for everyone’) encircling a chef’s head.