Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most visitor-friendly cities in Europe, with clean, reliable public transport, a compact, traffic-free centre that’s easy to explore on foot, landmark buildings, interesting museums and great food. It’s proud of its heritage but unafraid to embrace the present and look positively to the future.

Take a trip back in time to the 12th-century origins of the city through chronological displays in the City Museum, and trace the history of the warmongering Vikings who put Denmark firmly on the world map at the National Museum of Denmark. Visit Amalienborg Palace, present home of the Danish royal family, then admire the crown jewels and other royal memorabilia in their former residence, Rosenborg Castle, set in a beautiful royal park.

Climb the vertiginous corkscrew spire of the Church of Our Saviour to get your bearings from the topmost point you can see right across this well-laid-out city to the harbour and the ultramodern Copenhagen Opera House, built with no expense spared at the turn of the 21st century and set on its own island.

During the harsh winters, many outdoor attractions are closed or have restricted opening hours. In the summer months, however, the long, light nights and pleasant climate are perfect for open-air concerts, alfresco dining and picnics in the parks. The Tivoli Gardens have been welcoming pleasure-seekers since 1842 and have lost none of their historic charm in the intervening decades. Families will enjoy watching the animals being fed at Copenhagen Zoo or climbing the steps to the top of the palm house at the Botanical Gardens, which boasts the largest collection of plants in Denmark.

No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without taking a walk along the waterfront to see the Little Mermaid, who sits on a rock overlooking the harbour lamenting her lost prince. Inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this modest sculpture has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.