This North Jutland city abounds in specialty stores. For the best collection of gold and silver jewelry, patronize Aalborg Guld & Solvhus, Gravensgade 8 (tel. 98-16-57-11). The most sophisticated handicrafts -- many quite amusing -- are sold at Lange Handicrafts, Hjelmerstald 15 (tel. 98-13-82-68). To watch a glass blower in action, and perhaps make some purchases, go to Glaspusteriet, Nørregade 6 (tel. 98-13-01-20).
The largest shopping center in North Jutland lies about 6.5km (4 miles) south of Aalborg's center. The Aalborg Storcenter, Hobrovej 452 (tel. 98-18-23-10; bus: 11, 14, or 16), contains at least 50 specialty shops and kiosks, as well as the all-inclusive Bilka Department Store (tel. 98-79-70-00).
Aalborg also has some other department stores that bring a vast array of Danish merchandise together under one roof, including Salling, Nytorv 8 (tel. 98-16-00-00; bus: 1, 11, or 14), with 30 specialty shops. It has the city's largest selection of fashion, plus lots of other good stuff, including books and toys. A major competitor is Magasin, Nytorv 24 (tel. 98-13-30-00; bus: 1, 11, or 14). Gavlhuset, Algade 9 (tel. 98-12-18-22; bus: 16 or 18), has a little bit of everything -- Indian silver, "dancing beans," old Kilim carpets, masks from around the globe, knitted goods, "gods" in bronze, exotic spices, wooden toys in bright colors, and even African woodcarvings. To look at and perhaps purchase some of the city's best contemporary art, head for Galerie Wolfsen, Tiendeladen 6 (tel. 98-13-75-66).
