Holiday Guides - Copenhagen City Guide

A Guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a clean and friendly capital of the world's oldest kingdom and it bursts with life and culture.

In the heart of the city is Tivoli Gardens, with its funfair, lovely gardens and incredible fireworks displays.

With a population of 1.5 million people, Copenhagen is Scandinavia's largest and most vibrant city. Despite its size, it's relatively compact, pedestrian-friendly centre and low-rise skyline manage to give it the feel of a much smaller city.

With clean, safe streets, friendly people, handsome buildings, and lots of interesting visitor attractions, Copenhagen is a fantastic travel destination, whether your visit is for a short city break or part of a longer Danish or European holiday.

The city's rich history dates back to the 12th century when King Valdemar I gave this former small fishing village to the powerful Bishop Absalon, who built a fortress on the island of Slotsholmen, the present day site of Christianborg Palace.

Copenhagen became the royal capital in 1416, but it was not until the reign of King Christian IV during the 17th century that many of the city's fine buildings, such as the Rosenborg Palace, were erected and the city assumed much of its present-day grandeur.

The best way to experience the city is on foot. Enjoy the street performers along the Stroget, the world's longest pedestrian street.

Follow that by a stop at the King's New Square and the Nyhavn, the charming old sailor's quarters. After inspecting the royal rooms at the Amalienborg Palace and watching the changing of the guard, head over to Tivoli where you can indulge in a carnival or listen to world-class jazz. The Botanical Gardens and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts are equally impressive.

Whether you choose to spend your time admiring the fine boutiques and design houses along Stroget, sampling beer at the Calsberg Brewery, eating in some of the finest restaurants in Scandinavia, or just listening to the smooth sounds of Danish jazz, you're bound to form a favourable impression of this fine city and its hospitable inhabitants.

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