It would be hard to find a city more diverse than Copenhagen. Visitors to the city can enjoy beaches, museums, restaurants and nightlife all within walking or cycling distance of one another. The wealth of opportunities for diversion makes this a destination suitable for everybody, whether they holiday abroad to experience culture, try out new sports and activities or revel in designer shopping, fine dining and a vibrant night life. With so many different things to do in Copenhagen, it’s little wonder that so many visitors make repeat journeys to enjoy the best which the city has to offer.
Flights to Copenhagen are available from most major UK airports, with flights to Copenhagen from London taking less than two hours. This makes a few days in Denmark a comfortable option. Visitors may also choose to reach the city by train and ferry, although obviously this takes considerably longer. Once there, the city has superb public transport, including cycle hire for a small deposit. Accommodation is varied, with hotels, hostels, apartments and campsites all readily available. Many of the staff and residents speak excellent English, meaning UK tourists normally encounter little difficulty.
Copenhagen is generally believed to have originated from a Viking village, gradually growing in size and importance as a centre for maritime activity and commerce. Much of its older architecture dates from the Renaissance period onwards. Of particular historical interest is the Round Tower observatory, the oldest in Europe, Rosenborg Castle and the Church of Our Saviour. Some of the city’s finest art and intriguing articles from its past are showcased in the NY Carlsberg Glyptotek and the David Collection, although Erikson’s Little Mermaid statue is probably the best known artistic feature.
The city has stunning open spaces; Frederiksberg Have, Dyrehaven and Tivoli Gardens offer incredible vistas and unforgettable experiences. More adventurous travellers may take a stroll through the Christiania area of the city, home of the city’s counter-culture and a major tourist attraction. Everyone will enjoy a wonder through the scenic waterside area of Nyhavn. On warmer days, visitors may choose to take advantage of the harbour baths (outdoor recreational pools) which are located at various points along the waterside.
For an amazing selection of shops and boutiques, the best area to visit is Stroget. In addition to being the world’s longest street, it is also home to a vast assortment of stores, from budget chains through to exclusive designer outlets. A great range of restaurants and cafes are located nearby, providing much needed refreshment after some retail therapy. The Norrebo district is worth a visit if you favour artisan items or are looking for ethnic eating options.
As well as all these activities, there are theme parks, theatres, an opera house, sports facilities, a zoo and numerous other opportunities for fantastic days out suitable for all. No matter how long you spend in Copenhagen, it’s never long enough to take in all the sights and experiences of this amazingly dynamic city.
