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Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and the largest city in Scandinavia, is one of the most charming cities in Europe. The well-preserved architecture spanning centuries is a photographer’s delight. The city is best explored on foot as it is fairly compact and most of the major sites are within walking distance of one another. The following sites are some of the top attractions:
The Little Mermaid
Located on Langelinje, on the edge of the harbor, it is a good starting point for exploring the city. This small bronze statue represents H.C. Andersen's fairy tale character and is a symbol of Denmark. The size of the statue is, however, not commensurate to its popularity. A nice walk from here towards Nyhavn, the place which has the postcard view of the harbor with plenty of yachts in the narrow canal, takes about 25 minutes. On the way to Nyhavn, along the canal you can get a good view of the Opera House. Head southwards and stay on Amaliegade, which will end up at Amalienborg - The Royal Palace. This 15-minute pleasant walk also gives the option to rest for a while in the Amalie gardens. A nice family owned restaurant on Amaliegade 10, known by the same name as the address, offers traditional food at reasonable prices. However, if time is an issue then head straight to the palace and then head north towards Frederiksgade which leads to the impressive Frederiks Church - just a five- minute walk from the palace. This church, locally known as Marmorkirken, is inspired by St. Peters church in Rome. After marveling at the church, get on Bredgade to check out the famous Danish Silver shop. This interesting street ends up at Kongens Nytorv, a square which is surrounded by other not-to-miss sites. For instance, the Royal Theatre and the world’s longest walking street, Stroeget, on the left and Nyhavn to the right.
Nyhavn
A favorite hangout for the locals, with plenty of restaurants and bars in the backdrop of old colorful toyland buildings, it has something to suit every budget and palate. Cap Horn and Nyhavn 17 amongst others, offer good food and service. After taking in the magnificent view of the harbor, a 10-minute walk on Gothersgade, leads to Rosenborg Castle. This castle is surrounded by manicured lawns which are swamped with locals with picnic baskets in the summer. It is also a favorite for outdoor concerts, theatre and cultural activities. The castle houses the crown jewels and a few other interesting artifacts. Also inside is a popular organic restaurant called Geranium, for the health conscious. A stroll in the Botanical Gardens, just across the road, can also be very pleasant. After the gardens, getting on the stone-cobbled walking street and walking towards the Round Tower, can be an adventurous experience, given the many lanes that can lead to this landmark. Otherwise play it safe and get back on Gothersgade and turn right on Landemaerket Street, that will lead directly to the tower.
The Round Tower
On a clear day, one can get a great view of the city from the top. Besides great views, this tower hosts exhibitions and concerts from time to time. It is worth checking up the events calendar before planning a visit. About 50 meters from the tower on Koebemagersgade, on the left, is the famous childrens bookstore, Boernenes Boghandel. Further down the same street, on the right, one can find Café Hovedtelegrafen, which is located on the top floor of the Post and Telegraph Museum and offers traditional Danish food. Continuing on the same street, one ends up at the intimate Amager Torv Square, which is famous for its shopping options and cafes. In addition to Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen Crystal shops on the square, there is also a famous tea shop, called A C Perch's Thehandel , located at Kronprinsensgade, a side street in the vicinity. This exclusive tea shop is around 170 years old and still the finest in the business. From Amager Torv the imposing structure of the parliament house, Christiansborg and the famous intertwined four dragon spiral dome of the stock exchange building are visible. A seven minute walk gets you to the parliament house from the square.
Christiansborg
The imposing building functions as a good backdrop for fantastic photos. However, do venture inside to have a look at the original handwritten constitution or perhaps grab something to eat at the café and rub shoulders with the members of parliament. From Christiansborg, walk along the canal to the architecturally outstanding Royal Library, also known as the “Black Diamond.” This library is also home to an exclusive Danish-French fusion restaurant called Soeren K, a great stop for lunch or dinner. After that, a scenic 8-minute walk on Christians Brygge towards Frederiksholms canal will lead to the National Museum. Tivoli-Hallen, located nearby, at Vester Voldgade 91, would be a good place for the peckish to relish some Danish food, especially some salted cod. Those who still have an appetite for another museum can head towards Glyptoteket, a 3 minute walk from the National Museum. For those who are ready for some fun can go across the road from Glyptoteket and enter Tivoli, the world famous amusement park and gardens.
Tivoli
Tivoli is an absolute highlight of Copenhagen and is at its best by night when the lights illuminate the park and surrounding areas. It is popular not just for the spectacular gardens and rides but also for good restaurants, such as Den Roede Pimpernel, ice cream parlors and concerts. A stone throw away from Tivoli, lies the city hall square or Raadhuspladsen. It is impossible to miss this point of convergence for public transport, cinema halls, pubs, bars and restaurants. This is the other end of the walking street which begins at Kongens Nytorv. For those craving a snack, a five minute walk down the walking street leads to La Glace, one of the oldest and the most popular places for hot chocolate and cakes. Comic book lovers and science fiction buffs should head straight to Fantask, just around the corner from the city square, at Sankt Peders Straede, an amazing books and games shop specializing in this genre. Those less enthused by Fantask can head straight to the quirky Danish Art and Christmas Shop, located at Studiestraede, just off the city square.
Guided Tours
Walking Tours
Copenhagen Walking Tours (+45 40 81 12 17/ http://www.copenhagen-walkingtours.dk/)
Copenhagen Tours (+45 35 43 01 22 / http://www.copenhagen-tours.dk/)
Jazz Guides (+45 26 27 27 49/ http://www.jazzguides.dk/)
Bus Tours
Paaske Bus ( +45 32 66 00 00/ http://www.sightseeing.dk/)
Viator (+ 1 702 648 5873/ http://www.viator.com/)
Bike Tours
City Safari (+45 33 23 94 90 / http://www.citysafari.dk/)
Copenhagen Tours (+45 35 43 01 22 / http://www.copenhagen-tours.dk/
Canal Tours
Kajakole (+ 31 45 40 50 40 06 / http://kajakole.com/kajakture)
DFDS Canal Tours (+45 32 96 30 00 / http://www.canaltours.com/)
Netto Boats (+45 32 54 41 02 / http://www.netto-baadene.dk/
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