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Stockholm is Sweden's capital

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Shopping in Stockholm

Shopping in Stockholm is heavenly, thanks to the fact that the profits of Sweden's post-war prosperity have poured into the city's boutiques and stores for decades. The area around Biblioteksgatan has most major European fashion designers, while antique shops can be found around Odengatan.

Key areas: 

For a more bohemian selection of clothing than in downtown, as well as quirky design, vintage items and curios, head for Södermalm (particularly the SoFo district), Stockholm's new up-and-coming area, where you will find one-off shops and boutiques selling cool and creative items, as well as buzzing cafés, restaurants and hip galleries.
The pick of Swedish glass is on hand at Nordiska Kristall, Kungsgatan 9, established in 1918, or the arts and crafts emporium Konsthantverkarna, at Södermalms Torg 4. Norrgavel, Birger Jarlsgatan 27, has a great selection of cool home furnishings. Nordiska Galleriet, Nybrogatan 11, excels in furniture design, and Designtorget, Götgaten 31, in eclectic curiosities.

Markets: 

Open all day at Östermalmstorg, Östermalms Saluhall is arguably northern Europe's loveliest covered food market. Also of interest to gourmet travellers is, Glass Hus, Birkagatan 8, which sells some 50 different kinds of exceedingly good ice creams and sorbets, well worth a visit on a hot summer day. Marsipanbåt, moored along Nybrokajen in December, is the place to go if you're a marzipan fan.

Shopping centres: 

Stockholm's best, and oldest, department store is NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Hamngatan 18-20, which has over 100 departments, selling everything from crafts to health food. Gallerian, Hamngatan 37, and Åhléns City, Klarabergsgatan 50, also sell a bit of everything, from fashion to kitchen appliances, with lower price tags. For trendy fashion and innovative clothing and accessories, try PUB, Hötorget, where Greta Garbo once worked, or Sturegallerian on Stureplan, also home to Stockholm's most stunning spa.

Opening hours: 

Standard Swedish shopping hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1600 and Saturday 0900-1400. In Stockholm, however, many stores are open for longer and on Sunday.

Tax information: 

Visitors leaving the country may reclaim the standard VAT tariff of 25% within 30 days of purchase - only available at shops displaying the 'tax free shopping' sign and for purchases over SKr200. The receipt and unopened goods must be presented at the airport for a refund. Global Refund (tel: (04) 104 8450; www.globalrefund.com) can provide further information.

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