Copenhagen: Tivoli, Hans Christian Andersen, Museums, Castles, Churches, Architecture… The Capital of Denmark is Copenhagen.
Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s linked to Malmo in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Indre By, the city’s historic center, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens and home to the crown jewels.
The city’s many parks include the famed Tivoli amusement park, dating to 1843, and waterfront Langelinie, home to Edvard Eriksen’s sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” The pedestrianized Strøget is a hub for shopping, while the colorful old port Nyhavn is a dining destination. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum houses classical sculptures alongside Danish and French Impressionist art. The 17th-century Rundetårn (Round Tower) is an observatory providing panoramic views. To the north, Frilandsmuseet is an open-air museum re-creating Danish dwellings from the 1600s up through the 1900s.
COPENHAGEN’S “MUST SEE” SITES…
#1 Tivoli Gardens
19th-century amusement park, open Apr-Sep, with antique roller coaster & live entertainment program.
#2 Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbor front just south of the Royal Playhouse.
#3 The Little Mermaid
Iconic bronze mermaid sculpture, by Edvard Eriksen, of a character from H.C. Andersen’s fairytale. Langelinie: Quayside promenade, home to the famous Little Mermaid statue, as well as shops & cafes.
#4 Amalienborg
18th-century rococo complex of palaces, with a museum & marches/displays by royal guards.
#5 Rosenborg Castle
Dutch Renaissance palace & gardens, including a museum housing the crown jewels, with guided tours. Rosenborg Castle Gardens: Parkland & gardens, established in the 17th century, with lime-tree-lined paths & pavilions.
#6 National Gallery of Denmark (Art Museum)
Danish national gallery, with international collections, temporary exhibitions & kids’ activities.
#7 Danish Museum of Art & Design
Museum in 18th-century rococo building tracing the history of Danish & international industrial design.
#8 Charlottenborg Palace
1672 palace, now a contemporary art museum, with a program of exhibitions, performances & concerts.
#9 Arken Museum of Modern Art
Contemporary art museum with exhibitions & a permanent collection of painting, sculpture & photos.
#10 Thorvaldsen Museum (Art by a single artist)
Canalside museum built around the neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s burial place.
#11 Royal Danish Playhouse
Striking purpose-built waterside theater for plays, plus classy dining with harbor & city views.
#12 Strøget
Strøget is a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in Copenhagen, Denmark. This popular tourist attraction in the center of town is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe at 1.1 km.
#13 Rundetaarn
17th-century tower with an observatory, planetarium, event hall & spiral ramp instead of stairs.
#14 Christianshavn
Christianshavn, an area of small islands, is known for its hip cafe culture and canals lined with colorful houseboats. Hotspots include Copenhagen Street Food, for international dining, and Freetown Christiania, an alternative community of ramshackle houses, galleries and music venues. The Copenhagen Opera House offers music, dance and theater performances, plus tours of its unique glass, metal and wood building.
#15 Kastellet, Copenhagen
Star-shaped 17th-century fortress with ramparts & a museum, regular host to free events & concerts.
#16 National Museum of Denmark
18th-century mansion with collections and exhibitions on Denmark’s history, people, and culture.
#17 City Hall Square, Copenhagen
Large open space outside city hall used for concerts, cultural performances & celebrations.
#18 Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen
Baroque, 17th-century place of worship with a carillon & steps around the outside of the spire.
#19 Kongens Nytorv
Landmark cobble-stoned square dating to 1907, containing a royal equestrian statue of Christian V.
#20 Gefion Fountain
Bronze fountain completed in 1908, depicting Norse goddess Gefion plowing the sea with 4 oxen.
#21 Frederiksberg Palace (built for Danish Kings)
Early 18th-century palace in an Italian Baroque style with guided tours of former royal apartments.
#22 Frilandsmuseet
Open-air Danish heritage museum with buildings from 1650-1940, old breeds of livestock, gardens & costumed actors.
(Source: Google’s Travel Guide to Copenhagen. BYW: “Ja” means YES in Danish.])
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