Visit Copenhagen

About Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the great urban success stories of the 21st century: a former working harbour transformed into a model of cycling, design, and liveability that other capitals now copy. Around 49% of all journeys to work or school in the city happen on a bike (the protected lanes, the 17 cycle-superhighways, and the harbour bridges for cyclists are why), and Copenhageners simply expect their city to be calm, well-designed, and quietly excellent. Start at Nyhavn, the 17th-century canal lined with brightly painted gabled houses, then walk to the Royal Palaces at Amalienborg (Queen Margrethe lived in the southeast wing until her recent abdication; King Frederik now resides there) and the imposing Rosenborg Castle with its crown jewels. The Little Mermaid is famous and small; Designmuseum Danmark and the Statens Museum for Kunst (the national gallery) reward longer visits. Don't miss Tivoli Gardens — the world's second-oldest amusement park, opened 1843 and an inspiration for Disneyland — the converted meatpacking district at Kødbyen, the food market Torvehallerne, and the legendary harbour pools where locals actually swim in summer.