Copenhagen

Copenhagen Travel Guide

Europeans love Copenhagen, and judging from the number of other international visitors, the Danish capital is on many must-see lists. And why not? Copenhagen is cool, literally and figuratively. Restaurants in all price ranges are plentiful; it's extremely safe and walkable; history blends effortlessly with modernity; and locals are naturally friendly, maybe because they're so happy to be residents of such a livable city.

This is Scandinavia's largest city (population 1.5 million), incorporating the easternmost reaches of Zealand and the northern part of adjacent Amager island. For almost 600 years Copenhagen has been the seat of the oldest kingdom in the world, and grandeur finds its expression in the city's royal residences. Glancing over the skyline, you'll see towers and turrets, domes and decks, all glinting in the northern sun.

If coziness is a Danish trait, then Copenhagen is most certainly Danish. Bicycles roll alongside cars in the narrow streets, and a handful of skyscrapers are tucked away amid cafés, canals, and quaint old homes. But don't let the low-slung skyline fool you: downtown Copenhagen is a sophisticated cultural hub with a wealth of attractions. Strøget, Copenhagen's main pedestrian shopping avenue, packs in the best in Danish design from furniture to flatware; street performers, sidewalk cafés, and pastry shops beckon outdoors. There are minor irritants: smoking is still allowed in every bar and virtually every restaurant (unless forbidden by the chef); taxis and liquor can be terribly expensive by North American standards; and place names will not sound the way that they are spelled.

This is a youthful city, where all ages seem to truly enjoy the best Copenhagen can offer. Certainly the best-known attraction is Tivoli Gardens, a bewitching blend of blooming gardens, funfair rides, pantomime theater, stylish restaurants, and concerts. There aren't too many capital cities that can lay claim to a similar venue in the heart of the metropolis.