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Copenhagen: a delight for your senses
Look for the Little Mermaid!
Did you know that the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's most famous statue, is a reproduction of the sculptor's wife's body with the face of a model? This anecdote is one of many you'll discover in Denmark's biggest city, the kind of place where you could literally bump into a member of the royal family doing their daily errands. It's also recognised as one of the cities with the highest quality of life on the planet, due in part perhaps to the abundance of green spaces and proximity to the coast. If you visit, don't just enjoy the great outdoors, though: make sure to delve into Danish culture and especially design: local porcelain, clothing and furniture make the very finest souvenirs.
Jorcks Passage
This place is a must for collectors and the curious, don't miss it.
A beautiful, historic passage.
If you collect postcards from around the world, or if you want to start your collection in Copenhagen, the place to do this, as well as taking a photograph of a charming historical place, Jorcks Passage is like a magical passageway between two dimensions or two periods of time. In reality, what unites this commercial passageway are the Strøget street and Vor Frue square shopping areas, continuations of the main street. You will recognise it by the window displays that combine sophistication, tradition and design, where you'll find well-known brands as well as small souvenir stalls. In Jorcks Passage, you will see a daring arch-shaped piece of architectur:.the headquarters of the Danish telephone company built at the end of the nineteenth century. Over time, this legendary historical tunnel-shaped building has come to house various shops that complete the shopping tour of the area.
Torvehallerne Market
A market with natural products to taste or take home as a souvenir.
Traditional high quality products.
One of the busiest and most visited markets is to be found from Monday to Sunday in an enclosed glazed building near Nørreport station: Torvehallerne market. Locals and tourists flock here to fill their baskets with quality products such as meat, fish and fresh vegetables, as well as endless Danish deli foods. As well as the market stalls, you'll also find stalls where you can choose between smoothies, coffees, teas, sandwiches and the traditional 'marzipan with pig figures' or the Danish 'smørrebrød': slices of rye bread with butter, accompanied by cold ingredients such as sausages, eggs, meat and cheese. In the area around Torvehallerne Markket there are various terraces and cafes where you can rest after a morning of shopping.
Strøget Street
Stroll along this street and make your last purchases or have a drink on one of its terraces.
The longest pedestrian street in Europe.
Strøget street, the main artery of Copenhagen and believed to be the longest pedestrian street in Europe at one kilometre long, was provisionally closed to vehicular traffic in the sixties, but this became permanent when the bustling pedestrian shopping proved to be successful. Its cobbles lead from the area of the Royal theatre in Kongens Nytorv to the Town Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens. In Strøget you'll find everything from large shopping centres and luxury brands to small gift and craft shops, among which there is no shortage of Little Mermaid miniatures, the symbol of the city. The terraces sprinkle this lively stream of street performers and is crossed by several shopping streets, so if your wish is to spend a day shopping, the best starting point would be Strøget street.
Carlsberg Visitor centre
Enjoy the pleasure of drinking good beer.
A paradise for beer lovers.
Beer lovers and fans of the Carlsberg brand will find an empire of 'souvenirs' in the Carlsberg Visitors centre and the Jacobsen brewery; both were renovated and opened to the public in 2005. Here, as well as buying all sorts of Carlsberg brand objects, from shirts to mugs, serviettes, bottle openers and even bags and golf balls, you can gain an in-depth understanding of the beer brewing process. The founder J. C. Jacobsen started this factory in 1847 and since then, the bottles that pronounce themselves 'probably the best beer in the world' are collectors pieces. The Carlsberg Museum offers a detailed tour of the brewing process, from fermentation and storage cellars bottling to be sold to the general public. The tour includes drinks and a visit to the company's brewery horses and stables that were originally used for transport.
Legoland - Billund
Who wouldn't want to visit Lego world? This is your opportunity.
A country for children and adults.
'Leg' and 'godt', Danish for 'playing nice', is the origin of one of the world's leading toys: the mythical Lego blocks, which were first made in Denmark in 1932 with the aim of combining fun and learning. They were created by Kirk Christiasen in the town of Billund, at the heart of the Jutland peninsula. Only three hours from Copenhagen by train, the original Lego factory and theme park is still there, perfect for a trip with children. "Legoland" was built in the 1960s with thousands of plastic blocks used to create models of typical Danish scenes, such as rows of colourful houses. This toy has been used as the 'leitmotiv' of the attractions. The largest lego gift shop is also to be found in Legoland, including its editions of Star Wars, Superman, Hobbits and even 'the Lone Ranger'.
Magasin du Nord
This is the ideal place to spend a day shopping in the city.
Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here.
The Magasin du Nord, the largest shopping centre in Scandinavia is in Copenhagen. It is instantly recognizable in Kongens Nytorv: a large Victorian building with all imaginable shops and cafes where you can relax in a setting that is more than 100 years old. The Magasin du Nord is to Denmark what Harrods is to London or Bloomingdales to New York. So if you want to do some quick last minute shopping all under one roof, take a stroll to the city's new harbour area, opposite the Royal Theatre. The emblematic six-floor building of the Magasin du Nord houses the best fashion, Danish design, perfume, jewellery and sports brands. As the capital of design, you'll also find the best Danish shops specialising in decoration and homeware in this large shopping centre.
Royal Copenhagen Porcelain
If there is anything traditional, it is porcelain and here, as well as buying a souvenir, you can see how it was made.
Danish porcelain.
Danish porcelain is one of the most traditional gifts in Copenhagen, so if you want a souvenir of the city or even to start an exquisite porcelain collection, don't miss the Copenhagen Royal Porcelain Factory in Frederiksberg. The factory is in a 1616 renaissance palace and as well as shopping for the fine objects that are made here, you can also watch the craftsmen at work on a guided tour. This tradition dates back to 1775, when a pharmacist began to research the production and firing of porcelain, and for one century it was owned by the royal family, who used their profits. Its production continues today as one of the most sought-after examples of Nordic crafts. Among its tableware and decorative objects, the star products have the little Mermaid painted on them.
Bredgade
Whether you want to treat yourself, or just do a little window-shopping, this street is a must.
Full-on shopping.
Bredgade is not only Copenhagen's ultimate shopping street but also a tourist trail that includes some of the city's monuments, such as the Amalienborg Palace and the Alexander Nevsky orthodox church. If you like antiques and objects with Nordic-influenced designs, luxury or avant-garde clothing brands, Bredgade brings together the best shops that are easy on the wallet, for little treats to the most exclusive gifts. Among the names that you'll find along the way are the window displays of Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl. You will recognise the unmistakeable chairs of designer and interior designer Finn Juhl, father of 1940s' 'Danish design', with their retro-modernist style, organic forms and luxury materials. Arne Jacobsen's lamps, coffee makers and psychedelic cutlery are another 'must' for your day of shopping in Copenhagen.
Museum of Music
This museum takes a journey through the history of not only the country's music, but the music of the whole world, .
The world history of music.
Although the Museum of Music (Musikmuseet) was opened in 1898, its museum's treasures date from 1500 BC to the present day, with donations of instruments that are still used today and that allow the tracking of centuries of musical evolution from Europe to Africa and Asia. The Museum of Music is divided into two museum spaces. One of them is the collection of documents which consists of a record of organs built in Denmark, an extensive library and photo and audio-graphic collection which can be seen in the former museum building at 32 Aabenraa street. The other space, the main exhibition with objects and musical instruments from all over the world is moving to a larger space at 22 Rosenørns Alle, which will probably open its doors to the public in early 2014.
Victorian Home Museum
Another way to learn about the country's customs and history is to see how its people used to live and learn about their culture.
Travel back in time in a Victorian house.
If you find yourself near the National Museum of Copenhagen and you'd like to know what 19th century Danish society was like, don't miss the Victorian Home Museum next to the Frederiksholms canal. As soon as you go through the doors you will sense the atmosphere of luxury and privacy in equal parts; here it is easy to imagine the life of its owners, the family of the Danish businessman Rudolph Christensen, who used to walk from home to the shop that he ran in Østergade. Interestingly, the family and heirs lived here from 1886 until the beginning of the 1960s, and the mansion's original layout and furniture have been kept virtually intact from day one. Preserving the memory of the Christensens, there are luxurious sofas, cabinets and chandeliers, with curtain fabrics in the lounge that are estimated to be more than 100 years old.
Museum of the Danish Resistance
It is well worth visiting this recently renovated museum, which stands as proof of the strength of an entire country.
A country's resistance.
Like the Phoenix that emerged from the ashes, the Museum of the Danish Resistance honoured its name by re-opening after a terrible fire in the spring of 2013. If you get the chance, it is worth visiting during your trip to Copenhagen; it was only closed temporarily and their goal is to continue narrating the Danish resistance during Nazi occupation. After the laborious task of restoring objects affected by the fire, the Museum of the Resistance contains more than 60,000 photos, secret communications, parts and reports of guerrilla movements, geographical distribution of the resistance around the country and civilian support. This is a tribute to the brave Danes who tried to boycott the Nazi invasion and the many who lost their lives in the attempt.
Frøslev Camp Museum
A close-up view of the darker side of history.
Memories of dark times.
One of Europe's biggest and best-preserved prisoner of war camps is the Frøslev Camp in Denmark, built during the Nazi occupation to detain political prisoners, members of the Danish resistance and communists. The occupied Danish government managed to negotiate and convince the Nazis that it would be more useful to create a camp in Denmark and so that they would not have to transport the prisoners. This meant that they were kept alive and relatively close to home at the Frøslev Camp. It is thought that about 12,000 prisoners passed through this camp's barbed wire and barracks, now converted into a museum as a reminder of the atrocious years of occupation. The Frøslev concentration camp is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed in winter) and can be found in the small town of Padborg, on the border with Germany.
Ordrupgaard Museum
An interesting museum where as well as learning, you can stroll through the garden.
The museum among the trees.
The Ordrupgaard Museum is a must-see for lovers of good architecture: in 2005 its initial 1920s' structure was combined with the sinuous and fluctuating forms that reveal the signature of Zaha Hadid. As if an animal had appeared crouching in the grass, framed by the surrounding garden, the Ordrupgaard Museum arose thanks to the initiative of collector Wilhelm Hansen, who, in 1918, opened his country house to the public twice weekly so that the Danes could see his collection of French and impressionist painting. Gauguin, Cézanne, Manet, Delacroix, Renoir and Degas are some of the famous inhabitants of the museum, which is part of a romantic park that hosted exclusive parties in the 20th century and is now a family and tourist picnic spot.
Thorvaldsens Museum
All of the sculptor's work displayed in an original and different format.
Interactive classical sculpture.
One of Copenhagen's oldest yet most avant-garde museums, Thorvaldsens Museum, in Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads, is dedicated to the life and work of Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen's. The building that houses this collection opened in 1848 with the goal of bringing together the neoclassical work of the sculptor, who was trained in Rome and specialized in classical mythology. The pure lines of his sculptures contrast with his colourful paintings, also exhibited. The most innovative aspect of Thorvaldsens is the interactive element that accompanies the sculptures, where you'll see projections of messages, bubbles, close-ups and details of the works of art that would have gone unnoticed if they weren't displayed on the audiovisual screens. Without doubt, this is an amazing museum, different to any other classical sculpture exhibition you've ever seen.
Post and Telegraph Museum
An unusual museum that will show you the influence of the postal service in Denmark.
Letters and their role in the history of the country.
The Denmark Post & Tele Museum is a tribute to the country's postal and telegraph service, from its beginnings to the present. The first communications system in Scandinavia, the Royal Postal Service, was started by King Christian IV in 1624 and continued his work even after the fall of absolutism. Old postmen's uniforms from this era are preserved here, along with their machetes and guns, which were used to defend themselves against attack, and horns to announce their arrival. One of the most curious objects in the exhibition is the horse-drawn spherical mail coach: a Danish invention resembling a metal pumpkin where letters were carried and protected against the weather. The museum also reveals espionage organized by the king, who ordered the confiscation of the letters between the Queen Caroline Matilda and her lover, Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee.
Viking Ship Museum
Ancient ships and more in this small town.
The history of the Vikings.
The small town of Roskilde was the capital city of Denmark until the fifteenth century, when Copenhagen, 30 kilometres away was appointed as the capital. In Roksilde you will find one of the first Gothic brick cathedrals from the 12th century as well as the picturesque Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet). Apparently, the vessels that are on display in this centre were sunk in the fjord in 11th century by the Danes in order to protect themselves from enemy invasions by sea, and these underwater treasures remained preserved for centuries . The museum looks after the skeletons of five impressive ships that were removed from the sea at the end of the 20th century and recreated in the outer part of the museum, following the same construction techniques as their ancestors. The museum also houses a multimedia exhibition on Viking society and their advanced knowledge of navigation.
Danish Jewish Museum
Even the outside of the building will give you an idea of what you can find inside.
A look at Jewish history.
The word 'Mitzvah' refers to God's commandments to the Jews and it is also translated as 'duty, commitment and good work'. This slogan is used for the avant-garde design Danish Jewish Museum, that like Russian Matrioska dolls is like a series of museums, one inside another, starting with the old building built in the eighteenth century under the reign of Christian IV. After being a prison and royal library, the Jewish Museum is now a historical attraction paying homage to the 7,000 Danish Jews evacuated to Sweden and the 500 deported to Germany during the Holocaust. A story about the triumph of life over death displayed among wooden spaces designed by Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind and opened in 2004. The exhibition also includes examples of Danish Jewish art from the 17th century to the present.
The National Museum
This an essential place to visit if you want to learn more about the country and its culture, .
Danish Culture at a glance.
One way to understand Denmark quickly at a glance is to visit the National Museum, which can be found in the Prince's Palace, next to the Frederiksholm canal and was the royal residence in the 18th century. This is a ethnographic collection that was founded using funds from the Danish monarchy: antiques, weapons, jewellery, charms, mummies and objects that date back 14,000 years. Among the most interesting objects are the remains of a Bronze Age teenager buried in a wooden coffin, known as Egtvedpigen, with the skeletal remains of a child next to the body, suggesting the possibility of human sacrifices. The National Museum of Copenhagen covers Danish history and also displays treasures from other cultures, such as Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Oriental.
Tisvildeleje Beach
Bonfires are held to bid farewell to the winter and welcome in the summer in the Nordic countries.
A midsummer bonfire party with a difference.
If your trip to Danish shores coincides with midsummer, don't miss out on one of the oldest traditions in the region, which harks back to its Viking and Pagan times: the Nordic midsummer's night celebrations. In Denmark it is known as 'Sankt Aften Hans' and one of the places where you can celebrate it with the locals is Tisvildeleje Beach, just 60 kilometres from Copenhagen. It is a picturesque coastal town with white sandy beaches, fresh winds and meadows that almost reach the sea. For the celebrations, the locals gather on the shore and sing 'Vi Elsker vort land' around bonfires, bidding farewell to the cold and welcoming in the summer. Remember that we are talking about a Danish summer: the temperatures are not warm enough to make you want to go for a dip.
Island of Fyn (Funen)
Natural landscapes and children's stories for a different day.
A fairytale castle
The beautiful island-garden of Fyn, also known as Funen, is located between the Jutland peninsula and the island of Sealand, which is why you'll need to take a ferry if you want to enjoy this tour in the open air, or you can cross one of its bridges over the sea. If you are travelling with children, you can turn this adventure into a trip to a fantasy universe, because the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen lived here when he wasn't touring the world, and the Museum on Fyn is dedicated to his life and work. For nature lovers, the South Fyn archipelago offers miles of protected natural spaces, with sanctuaries for native birds, species that are protected and in danger of extinction, so you have to contact the environmental authorities in advance to request authorisation for your visit.
Mariager Fjord
A unique tour where you can learn about another area and navigate a fjord.
Navigate the fjords.
If you have chance to take a trip to the province of Jutland, in the peninsular part of Denmark, it is well worth visiting one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes: Mariager Fjord. This is the longest Fjord in the country at 35 kilometres, and can be explored in organized excursions during which you can observe the native fauna that nests and breeds here. Your tour will also take you to one of the most picturesque villages, Mariager, known as the "city of roses" because of the abundance of rose bushes on the balconies and in the gardens of the brightly coloured houses with their gabled roofs. Mariager is home to Ibsen's Collection of Contemporary Art, the Mariager Museum is in a merchant's cottage with Stone Age tools, and a 15th century church.
Kronborg Fortress
A fairytale castle close to the city: an unmissable visit.
To be, or not be, that is the question!
Did you know that Elsinore Castle, where a large part of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' takes place, is actually the Danish Fortress of Kronborg? An epic cloudscape above its battlements, which have not seen tragedies like those imagined by the famous English writer, but rather served as toll castle built in the year 1420 to charge ships entering the Baltic Sea. You'll find Kronborg in the town of Elsinore, just 40 kilometres from Copenhagen. In the 15th century, King Frederick II, who was a great theatre lover, converted the fortress into a small luxurious renaissance palace where performances were held before the court. Today you can visit some of the royal quarters and the castle houses the Maritime Museum. The fortress also offers extraordinary views over the sea.
Kastellet
This green area has its own story that you will discover while strolling around it.
A fortress open to the public.
According to Nordic legends, the Goddess Gefion separated Sweden from Selandia, Denmark's largest island. A spring dedicated to this goddess guards the bridge and the south gate of the fortified citadel or Kastellet, which is completely surrounded by a moat. King Christian IV ordered the building of the fortress in 1626, as defence against attacks from the sea, and his initial plan was to include a castle in its interior, but there were not enough funds to do so. The military elements have been maintained over time, and military barracks even remain in some areas, though most of the Kastellet is open to the public as an outdoor recreation area. Interestingly, in the enclosure you will find a picturesque windmill that allowed the soldiers to be self-sufficient.
Frederiksberg Have
A royal park with interesting trees for a day of relaxation.
The green lungs of the city.
Frederiksberg Have park is the great green lung in the heart of the city. It could be considered a Danish king's whim, specifically King Frederick IV, who, in 1690, commissioned a French and Italian garden, similar to the European courts that he had seen when travelling during his youth. The Italian-French design included the Frederiksberg Palace, as a summer residence with gondola rides on its lakes, which soon became the seat of the court and nobility. Iterestingly, two centuries later, fashion changed in favour of English landscaping, as you will find today, with mansions inspired by Switzerland and China, exotic temples, artificial waterfalls, mountains in the shape of animals, caves, trails and even a curious 'Dummy Tree', where children traditionally hang their dummies in its branches.
Jægersborg Dyrehave
If you like animals, you will spend hours and hours here enjoying nature in its purest state.
A day in the countryside.
To get to the Jagersborg Dyrehave forest park in the Danish Deer Park, all you have to do is to go to Klampenborg station, where you will find one of the entrances. An 11 square kilometre park opens out before you, dotted with fallow deer, red deer, squirrels, birds, beeches and oaks. Since the times of King Valdemar the Conqueror, in the 13th century, this area has been used by the royal family for hunting and recreation, including the "Eremitageslottet", or Hermitage Palace, where they would hold banquets after the hunts. King Christian V spent time at the French court and while he was there, he took a liking to hunting with dogs, so the park was designed with this type of hunting in mind. Today, the Jagersborg Dyrehave park has restaurants and walks where you can lose all sense of time.
Botanical Garden
With more than 400 years of history, a stroll around this garden offers you one of the most relaxing experiences ever.
A green oasis in the city.
The origins of the extraordinary Botanical Garden collection take us back to the year 1600, when the royal family made donations to the University of Copenhagen zoological museum for the creation of its 'Hortus Medicus', the first herb garden to cultivate medicinal plants. But it was not until 1769 when the foundations were laid that would allow its definitive creation a century later, in its current Gothersgade location. The Botanical Garden contains the largest collection of live plants and in-vitro cultivation of genes for research and conservation, as part of the Natural History Museum studies. In addition, the Garden has become the green lungs of the city where locals and tourists can go to enjoy a day outdoors, both in summer with its explosion of colours, and in winter with its mantle of snow.
Tivoli Park
Its appearance has been preserved as it was years ago and its attractions will bring fun to your afternoon.
Travel to the past on a Ferris wheel.
Tivoli Park and Gardens date back to the year 1843, when an entrepreneur - Georg Carstensen - persuaded King Christian VIII that an amusement park would be useful to provide the Danish people with some fun, distracting them from thinking about politics. So that they would not discuss absolutism. So, the entrepreneurial Carstensen took the land that he rented from the king and created the country's second oldest fun park. As you stand in front of the main entrance, it is as if you have taken a journey back through time: it has been preserved so that it looks exactly the same as it did on the first day. The Tivoli ferris wheel offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city and its many attractions are related to Nordic traditions, authors and mythology. Also, if your trip is in summer, you can enjoy the the Tivoli's summer concert season.
Geist
If you want to taste Michelin Star-worthy local dishes at affordable prices, this is the place for you.
Quality at a good price.
It is described as a 'restaurant where you can relax, let your hair down and enjoy the moment', but they could add that Geist of Copenhagen is also a place where you can enjoy avant-garde cuisine with Michelin star recipes at relatively affordable prices. Chef Bo Bech left European haute-cuisine where he won fame and the critical acclaim of food critics to open this restaurant, with its intimate and dark décor, terrace and open kitchen. His intention was to bring his customers excellent dishes at a price that doesn't involve maxing out your credit card. On Kongens Nytorv, Geist opts for quality products and among their delicious offerings are ' grilled beef sirloin medallions with fine herbs', 'salmon with soya, ginger, lemon and sesame' or 'crunchy artichokes with suckling pig and truffle'.
Evita Peron
A steak house with good flavour you will never forget, good décor and evening entertainment too.
For true carnivores.
If after trying the Scandinavian food you yearn for a Latino atmosphere and grilled meat, there is also a corner for the nostalgic in Copenhagen: the charismatic Evita Peron restaurant on Studiestraede. Its 1920s 'Belle Epoque' décor makes you feel as if you'd taken a trip into the past with cinematic undertones and tango scenes on the walls. On Fridays and Saturdays, jazz takes centre stage with live sessions that make dining here an unforgettable experience. The speciality is Argentinian meat, accompanied by excellent wine, although you can also allow yourself to be amazed by its excellent seafood and vegetable dishes. It is best to save some room for the dessert menu: crème brûlée with dulce de leche (a thick caramelised milk desert), cheeseboard with jam, home-made apple sauce with vanilla soup and even biscuits.
Bento Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
An authentic Japanese restaurant that will delight anyone who visits.
Quality traditional sushi.
Hidden in the cobbled Helgolandsgade, near Copenhagen central station, you will recognise the Bento restaurant by the Japanese flag that tells you that you've arrived at the city's sushi temple. It is run by a Japanese family who guarantee you the tradition and quality that you probably wouldn't find in a franchise. They don't accept credit cards, so take cash if you don't want to be disappointed. With affordable prices and generous portions, Bento will serve you their boxes to eat in or take away with oriental delicacies like 'tofu with salmon tartare and seaweed salad', 'toasted yakitori with miso soup' or 'soybeans with sea salt and grilled eel'. Vegetarian customers will also find an ample menu to choose from, always accompanied by authentic Japanese beer.
Schønnemann
Tucked away on a side street, this restaurant remembers past times while maintaining the quality of its dishes.
Traditional food in a place with character.
Known as one of the greatest exponents of Danish cuisine, the Schønnemann mixes tradition and modernity in this restaurant that has been on Hauser Plads since 1877. If the creaky wooden floor with its sandy surface surprises you, you'll need to know that it is not dirty, the sand is a feature that is kept there and even renewed. It is a souvenir of the times when the coal miners and peasants used to flock to the bar in their dusty boots from Gribskov and after going to the market. From then until now has become a restaurant renowned for its caramelized herrings, smoked eels, salmon sandwiches, patés and rye bread baked in the restaurant itself. It is very popular with the locals, so booking is advisable. Don't forget to try their local schnapps, a local product made by fermenting cereal or fruit.
Toldboden
For brunch, tapas or an evening drink, this is the place for you.
Nordic food with views of the Little Mermaid.
In recent years, the Toldboden has become the place to be for the Danes' brunch and after work drinks; on a 700 square metre terrace with views over the sea, it is perfect for enjoying the summer and is only five minutes from the Little Mermaid statue. Saturday and Sunday mornings and lunchtimes would not be the same without this excellent viewpoint over the harbour, where you can only stay for an hour and a half because of high demand. Although you're not going to enjoy your table or coffee for hours, it's worthwhile tasting its Nordic tapas and pinchos specialities, hand-made by chef Jesper Moeller, especially those made with seafood. In the evening, the Toldboden becomes a nightclub where the beautiful people of Copenhagen get together to enjoy the best cocktails, good music, concerts and festivals.
Andersen Bakery
Sweet or savoury, anything that you try here will be the best you've ever eaten.
It will make your mouth water just looking at the shop front.
The delicious smell escaping from the Andersen Bakery, on Bernstorffsgade will draw you to it, whether you like it or not and you won't be able to help yourself once you're in there. You'll probably fall prey to temptation, even if you aren't hungry. Their pastries and croissants, baked directly in front of the customers, add to a wide range of sandwiches and hot dogs, with a reputation for being among the best in Copenhagen. Their affordable prices offer a quick high quality lunch with extraordinary flavour, making it a great choice for a rest during a day exploring the city's old quarter. Vanilla, nuts, cheese: all the delicious ingredients that you could imagine are mixed with dough to make exquisite butter pastries. Among its curiosities, which you can buy as a souvenir, are the 'marzipan-men' caricatures.
Maven
Enjoy Italian and French cuisine in an incomparable setting.
The 'stomach' of Copenhagen.
One of the most picturesque and charismatic corners to eat in Copenhagen, the Maven Restaurant & Wine Bar can be found in the Nikolaj Plads, with the ancient building of Sankt Nikolaj Kirke as its backdrop, now the Contemporary Art centre. Its open-air terrace is one of the busiest in the city, so you should arrive in good time and enjoy the Nordic sun on summer days. The Maven, literally 'stomach', is in a 19th century building which used to house the old butchers of Copenhagen, and has now been converted into an avant-garde style restaurant. The specialities here are French and Italian cuisine, with some Danish influences. Remember that in Denmark, meals are only served from noon to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.
Oliver & The Black Circus
Whether you are out for a walk or looking for a place for dinner and a relaxed drink, this might be the just the place.
An original place for your dinner and drinks.
Passing through the doors of the Oliver & The Black Circus restaurant-pub is like stepping into a mysterious, almost dream-like dimension; with its fun atmosphere and defiant décor, it is unquestionably different from anything else you'll find in Copenhagen. Their late night music sessions have become a major attraction for night owls looking for a somewhere to have a drink and enjoy performances by alternative DJs from the Danish scene. And if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy a cocktail in the hammocks on their bohemian patio, which have made it one of the city's fashionable places to be. Reasonable priced - taking into account the high prices of meals in Denmark-, you will find a delicious taster menu of three Scandinavian dishes that will leave you with enough room for the elaborate desserts. Don't miss the licorice ice cream with white chocolate and raspberry sauce.
Cafe Klimt
A quicker and more economic option is a visit to this iconic café.
A quality lunch at a good price.
If you are travelling on a tight budget, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised by the prices in the traditional restaurants. So the Klimt Café is an economical and high quality option on Frederiksborggade, which becomes a lively hotbed of customers at breakfast and lunchtime, with generous servings of fresh lemonade. It is one of the city's bohemian corners where you can eat and relax at affordable prices. Brunch begins with croissants, bread, butter and jam, and an extensive juice menu, while meals are remarkable with their Greek-influenced hamburgers and good meat, accompanied by home-cooked potatoes, scrambled eggs with ham, bacon and international garnishes such as tzatziki salad or nachos. If you're hungry and don't have much money, Café Klimt is the place to go.
Nørrebro Brewery
A gastronomic experience focused on Danish culture and its cuisine accompanied by excellent beers.
Artisan beer accompaniments.
Gourmands accustomed to Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by good wine, will doubtless be surprised by its northern equivalent: Danish cuisine accompanied by an extensive menu of artisan beers. And the greatest exponent of this tradition is the Nørrebro brewery, founded in 2003 on the Ryesgade road, where eight different specialities are brewed with fermented barley. Here beer is central to their menus, (with more than five different types on the table), seasoning, marinade and even to accompany dessert, prepared with exquisite Danish cheeses. The bottles designed exclusively for this production have won design awards and have become a tourist attraction and souvenir of Copenhagen, so if you enjoyed the brewery experience, don't hesitate to check out their limited editions.
Kokkeriet
A blend of flavours and textures of this class of restaurant will not disappoint.
A restaurant to experience.
One of the city's most exclusive eating places, which boasts a Michelin star, is Kokkeriet, a state-of-the-art restaurant on a corner between two streets in the vicinity of Kronprinsessegade, with exquisite décor and an intimate atmosphere. As with all restaurants of this kind, it must be assumed that luxury has its price and the dishes their sizes and quantities. But there is no question that it is worthwhile to enjoy the explosion of flavours in each dish, summarized in the Taster Menu, accompanied by an excellent wine list. Kokkeriet offers six course meals - so you won't leave hungry- and the combination of products is as intriguing as it is tasty. The regulars rave about the quality of their artisan breads and dressings, as well as the Juice Menu that takes gastronomic limits to another dimension.
Krebsegaarden
With an intimate atmosphere and exceptional dishes, you will find this small restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
A small family restaurant.
If you want to celebrate a special night in Copenhagen, with candles and flowers on the table, for example, you should visit the intimate and cozy Krebsegaarden, on Studiestraede. It is also perfect for a bohemian night out accompanied by live jazz bands. As a family restaurant attended by the owners themselves, there is not much space, so it is almost impossible to have lunch or dinner hnere without reserving a table. But if you get a table, the experience will be worth the effort and also the prices are affordable, which is unusual in Copenhagen. Interestingly, the menu is inspired by artistic ideas from the art gallery just behind the restaurant, the Galleri Krebsen, so Krebsegaarden will doubly amaze you with related exhibitions and menus. The best option is to choose the taster menu of three dishes and a cheeseboard.
Charlottenlund Aquarium
A journey through all the world's marine species and their different habitats without leaving the city.
The marine world before your very eyes.
In the Charlottenlund neighbourhood, in the northern part of Copenhagen's metropolitan region, you will find one of the best leisure activities for children and adults: the Aquarium of Denmark or Blue Planet. Considered the largest and most spectacular Aquarium in North Europe, this centre is also used for marine study and educating the general public, with guided tours and information about the aquatic inhabitants who live on the other side of its windows. In Charlottenlund Aquarium you'll find more than 20,000 animals of 450 species in 53 aquariums that recreate the habitats of different places around the world. This is an extraordinary journey through the native species of the Amazon, reptiles from African lakes, coral reefs, Californian sea lions and species from the cold depths.
Naturama
This museum is an enjoyable choice of activity, especially if you're travelling with children.
A modern museum where you can learn about natural history.
One of Denmark's recently opened leisure centres, with an educational and fun background is Naturama, a modern interactive museum of natural history on the island of Fyn, also known as Funen. Opened in 2005, it has become a tourist attraction thanks to its high-tech nature-oriented multimedia, combined with traditional taxidermy (stuffed animals). If you are travelling with children, they are sure to be impressed by the huge whales, marine and land mammals as well as more than 500 reproductions of birds. Naturama has a spiral-shaped structure with three levels through which you take a tour of the fauna in the elements of 'air, earth and water', with audiovisual demonstrations and announcements that will make you feel like you are deep in a European forest, even though it is a replica and the animals are not real.
Bakken Amusement Park
What started off as a leisure area, is now a huge amusement park for the whole family's enjoyment.
A day amid rides.
Near the 'Deer Park' or Jagersborg Dyrehave you will find one of the most charming and traditional places in Copenhagen only 15 minutes from away the city: the Bakken Amusement Park, which is thought to be the oldest amusement park in Europe. Dating back to 1583, when it was discovered that the waters from the springs might have healing properties, this became a place of pilgrimage and recreation for the Danes. What began as a family leisure activity centre, with vendors and a royal rococo house built in 1736, is now a veteran park with more than 30 rides, roller coasters, ferris wheels, carousels and roundabouts. You can choose between taking sandwiches with you and enjoying a day of leisure in the countryside, or you can enjoy the park's restaurants.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
From Roman times to the painting of our time, this museum houses an important collection.
Blend of cultures and arts.
Did you know that the word 'glyptograph' comes from the Greek word meaning 'collection of culture'? And did you know that in Copenhagen you will find a 'glyptograph' founded by the son of the creator of the Carlsberg brewery? If you fancy an entertaining evening with a private collection on the independent art circuit, don't miss the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in the Dantes Plads area. The collection began in 1882, when the entrepreneur began to collect Sumerian, Persian and Assyrian bas-reliefs, alongside Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan sculptures, that you can now see in this museum. After undergoing renovation over the past few years, the display is organized chronologically from Mediterranean art in 6000 BC to the 4th century Roman Empire, as well as Danish and French painting and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries
Absolut Ice Bar
Have a drink at 5 degrees below zero in an ice glass and enjoy!
Do you want to get a bit cold?
The closest thing to an Eskimo get-together, sitting on blocks of ice with their coats and thermal gloves, would be the Absolut Ice Bar in Copenhagen. Like other similar places around the world, it gives you the opportunity to spend time wearing special thermal clothing and drinking frozen drinks in a place where the temperature is below zero for as long as your body can endure. The maximum time permitted is 50 minutes, just long enough to talk in vapour mist with frost on your eyelashes, to take a few photos of frozen poses and have fun with good music. The walls, the bars, the décor: everything is made of ice. The bar is closed for maintenance from time to time so it is important that you make sure that it is open for fun below zero during your stay in Copenhagen.
The David Collection
The fruit of the labour of one of the city's significant collectors, this unusual museum is well worth a visit.
An interesting collection of Islamic art.
One of the largest collections of Islamic art in the whole of northern Europe is to be found in Copenhagen, and can be a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon. The amazing David collection is a small museum founded by lawyer and art collector Christian Ludvig David at the beginning of the twentieth century. The building, on the Kronprinsessegade road, houses objects, miniatures, textiles, medieval ceramics and scrolls relating to Islamic art from the 8th to the 19th century. These were collected by the lawyer collected during his lifetime and then donated to the Danish state. It is organized in chronological and geographical orders, the objects are organized by material and context. The David collection is divided into three permanent exhibitions: Islamic Art, from Spain to India, the eighteenth century European collection and the First Danish Modernism Collection.
Nyhavn
After a bit of sightseeing, come and see the colourful houses on the harbour and relax with a coffee.
A stroll around the harbour.
Whether you see it on foot or by sea on a boat tour, Nyhavn harbour is an unmissable Danish location. It's a good way to enjoy a quiet evening, and then you can enjoy a coffee on the area's many terraces and restaurants, or take a look at the exhibition-boats of the National Museum of Denmark. The vividly coloured façades on the water can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when King Christian V used Swedish prisoners of war to build the canal bordering Nyhavn. It was also home to author Hans Christian Andersen for almost 20 years. The houses are brick and wood-based, with coloured plaster, and it is believed that the oldest is number 9, which dates back to 1661.
Det Ny Teater
Remember to go and watch a musical as well as to contemplate its interesting architecture.
A revolutionary theatre of its time.
If you like the theatre and you would like to go to a show, don't miss out on the opportunity to do so at the Det Ny Teater. Its doors opened for the first time in 1908 and the setting is remarkable; similar to the Opéra de Paris. One of its more unusual aspects is the architecture, which consists of two façades: one facing the Vesterbrogade and another facing the Gammel Kongevej. The whole body of the theatre is suspended in the air with a passage crossing it underneath. It was the first theatre in Denmark to have a revolving stage and a balcony as well as a revolutionary fire safety system that produced artificial rain indoors. It is also the second largest theatre in the country at 12,000 square metres. After economic difficulties and neglect forcing it to close, in recent years it has been renovated and has now become home to musicals that pass through Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Zoo
A fun choice is to visit one of the oldest zoos in Europe and learn how its inhabitants lived.
An activity for all the family
If anything characterises Denmark, it is the good preservation of its history and old buildings, where the bourgeoisie and the nobility were entertained. An example of this is one of the oldest zoos in Europe: Copenhagen zoo, which is a great choice of activity whether you are travelling with children or by yourself. It opened its doors in 1859, in the Frederiksberg park, and stretches out over 11 hectares, including the famous 'House of the Elephants', with its distinguishing glass domes designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. Among the activities at the zoo you can watch how the zoo keepers feed the sea lions and chimpanzees, as well as other animals. Another of its greatest attractions is the acrylic tunnel that runs 360 degrees around the polar bears' enclosure.
Kongelige Teater
This beautiful building has seen the birth of country's most important artistic aspects.
A reflection of the country's commitment to art.
The name of Kongelige Teater actually conceals the Copenhagen Royal Theatre, the cradle of the classical arts: ballet, opera, theatre and classical music. You will find the theatre in the Kongens Nytorv central square. It opened 1748 and its predecessors were small theatres of limited success and audiences, especially in absolutist and religious times when having fun was frowned upon. With King Frederick V the situation changed as he was a great theatre lover, and soon the Danish royalty supported entrepreneurs who were trying to push forward their ideas for theatrical entertainment. Since then, this theatre has undergone several restorations both in its architecture and its interior arrangement, to finally become an international cultural point of reference. It is still the headquarters of the Royal Danish Ballet, while the Opera House in Copenhagen left the Kongelige Teater to move into its own headquarters in 2005.
Canal Tours Copenhagen
A walk along its canals will give you an idea of Copenhagen's beauty.
Get to know the city from its waters.
One way to relax after a day of sightseeing on foot is a trip along the canals of Copenhagen, not to be missed during your stay in the city. The Canal Tours Copenhagen tour departs from the port near the Little Mermaid statue and has explanations in English and Danish. During the hour-long tour, you can admire the city's main historical monuments from the water, so it serves as a brief introduction to the most interesting sites, which you can then visit by foot at your own leisure. If you don't know anything about Copenhagen, this is a good introduction. There are tickets that can also be used on the tourist buses, which you can get on and off as many times as you want. Another option is to enjoy an evening of jazz or dinner and good wine aboard the boat.
Grundtvig Church
A tourist magnet thanks to its original façade and impressive interior.
You've never seen a church like this one.
Have you ever visited a church built in an expressionist architectural style? Or whose façade looks like a gigantic body of stone? All this and much more this can be found at the unusual Grundtvig church, which opened in 1927. One of the most visited in the city thanks to its original design, it is bound to surprise you and will be different from anything you've seen so far. Its expressionist architecture is inspired by traditional Danish churches, with stepped gables at the top of the façade, combined with an impressive verticality that draws the gaze towards the clouds. The interior of this unusual church is almost as big as Copenhagen Cathedral and, reputedly, six thousand million bricks were used in its construction, with imitation gothic features, including high ceilings and vaults above the naves.
Christiansborg Palace
The most emblematic buildings in Danish politics have been built over existing ruins .
The political life of the country.
One of Denmark's historical and political hubs is on the islet of Slotsholmen, where you will discover the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's office and the Supreme Court, all together in the Christiansborg Palace. This building, also royal residence and stables, rises above the stones of palaces and castles that towered above the same field since the 12th century. Interestingly, the remains of Copenhagen and Absalon's previous castles can be seen in the ruins that were discovered and preserved at the beginning of the 20th century The site of the Royal Stables houses the historic carriages and magnificent horses that are used for all the royal parades and special occasions. If you want to delve into the history of Christiansborg you can request a guided tour around the Queen's tapestries, the Palace Chapel and the Great Hall.
Radhuspladsen
Take a while to watch the world go by and admire the decoration on the town hall door.
The living heart of the city.
The epicentre of the city of Copenhagen is Radhuspladsen or Town Hall Square, where tourists and residents can stroll and enjoy a coffee on the nearby terraces. Unlike any town hall in Mediterranean lands, the façade of the Danish municipal building stands out because it looks like a book sculpted in brick and stone, narrating Nordic legends with the snakes and dragons of its sculptures. At more than 100 metres high, a visit to the Town Hall tower will give you one of the best panoramic views of the city. And near the Radhuspladsen, on the corner of Vesterbrogade and H. C. Andersen avenue you'll find the 'Girl in the Time of Copenhagen', a 30 year-old revolving barometer with two sculptures: a woman on a bike and another with an umbrella, which used to move and alternate according to the weather.
Church of Our Saviour
Can you imagine climbing the tower of a church? As well as good views, you will learn why this church was important.
Ancient symbol of power.
Denmark has a long tradition of religious architecture and the Church of Our Saviour dates back to the Baroque era when the country lived under the domination of a young absolutist monarchy who wanted to imitate and strengthen the old European royal houses. This was done by allying themselves with the Church and holding the power, hence the construction of the baroque church of Our Saviour, which was consecrated in 1696 during the reign of Christian V. It is instantly recognizable by its spiral church tower which you can climb and contemplate the extraordinary view from the top. Inside, there are curiosities such as the initials of the king carved by the nave and the Roman goddess of Justice without blindfold because the absolutist king Christian V considered her capable of exercising justice.
Jelling's Stones
An important legacy of the Vikings, this is now a World Heritage Site.
A declaration of love.
It could be said that the mythical Jelling stones, moved and carved by Vikings, are a physical representation of Denmark's evolution from Paganism to Christianity. They are to be found in the village of Jelling on the Jutland Peninsula and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the 1990s. Their runic inscriptions speak of the love of the Viking King Gorm the Old for his wife Thyra Danebod, and then of the tribute of their son Harald I of Denmark to his parents in the year 965 A.D. The young Viking King was the conqueror of the Danish and Norwegian lands and the conversion of their subjects to Christianity, as depicted on the Jelling stones with pagan symbols combined with a crude figure of Christ. Today the stones are located far from their original site at the tombs of Gorm and Thyra, and are protected by glass cases.
Round Tower (Rundetårn)
An ancient astronomical observatory suitable for those who don't suffer from vertigo.
A good place to view the city from the sky.
The Rundetårn, or Round Tower, was built in the 17th century with the three-fold goal of training Danish scholars and academics in astronomy, the sciences and theology, by order of King Christian IV. Inside, there is an ancient Astronomical Observatory, the oldest still in operation in Europe, a chapel for the students and a library, which in former times hosted the largest university collection, and today serves as a cultural centre with temporary exhibitions and concerts. The Round Tower, at almost 35 metres above the ground, has a viewing platform from which you can enjoy the best views of Copenhagen's Latin quarter. To do this, you will have to conquer the seven and a half turns of the helical ramp/corridor that ascends through the inside of the tower to the top.
Rosenborg Castle
In addition to its beauty and its gardens, it has an interesting museum to visit.
A former royal residence.
If anything characterised the Danish King Christian IV, it was his passion for architecture, which led him to sponsor the construction of several of the city's landmark buildings. One of these monuments is the Rosenborg Castle. Its construction began in 1606, imitating Dutch Renaissance architecture, and intended to be the summer palace where the the monarch and his family would stay, surrounded by the gardens that have become one of the lungs of the city today. This castle was the Danish royal residence until the building was nationalized and opened to the public in 1838. In the Rosenborg Castle museum you can visit the Royal Danish art collection with exhibits from the 15th to the 19th century, and exquisite crown jewels, as well as those that belonged to nobility and the country's aristocracy.
The Little Mermaid
At over one hundred years old, this is a visit not to be missed while you're in the city.
The city's symbol
Did you know that Denmark's most international sculpture, The Little Mermaid, celebrated its 100th birthday in 2013? This figure has been a controversial subject since its creation. To start with, the sculptor Edvuard Eriksen, was very disappointed when the dancer Danish ballerina Ellen Price turned down his invitation to pose naked for him for sculpting this little mermaid. He had to ask his wife, who was not very happy about being second choice and even less so when he used the ballerina's face for the sculpture. Also, The Little Mermaid has been attacked several times, with things ranging from paint to dynamite, and until 2012 no one thought of making a male version. This bronze figure, inspired by the tales of Hans Christian Andersen has been nostalgically contemplating the Baltic Sea from the Bay of Copenhagen and Langelinie Park since 1913.
Oresund Bridge
More than 7 kilometres long, it joins two countries physically and symbolically.
Where Sweden and Denmark join, with a Spanish element.
The connection between Sweden and Denmark by land was historically contentious until the year 2000, with the opening of the extraordinary feat of engineering that is the great Oresund Bridge, the largest road and rail bridge in Europe. It connects Copenhagen with the Swedish city of Malmö and was opened by the royal families of both countries as a symbol of the connection between the two areas, which until then were historically and geographically unconnected. From a strategic point of view, this monument is even more important than the Channel Tunnel between England and France. The Oresund Bridge is more than 7,800 metres long and connects with six road lanes and two shuttle trains crossing this distance in just 25 minutes. And it is most interesting that this great architectural work was manufactured in Puerto Real, Cadiz.
Amalienborg Palace
Begin your visit to the city with a walk among palaces and royal guards.
The Danish royal palace.
Amalienborg Palace is the home of the Danish royal family; it is their winter residence and consists of four sub-palaces for the royal quarters and a museum that is open to the public. It is interesting to watch the changing of the Danish royal guard, which takes place daily at midday with all its ritual and tradition, but only in the winter and only when the queen is in the palace. With its 18th century Rococo style, the Amalienborg Palace is flanked by the baroque Lutherian-influenced Marble Church, which was founded in 1749, although construction had to stop because of a lack of funds until 1894, when it was completed. This church, known as 'Marmorkiken', has an impressive vault - which you can visit- and the architecture is reminiscent of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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