Danish Constitution Day 2022 TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022
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Best places to visit in the magical city Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is by far the largest city in the country. Here, you’ll find a multitude of tourist attractions to please even the pickiest of travelers. For instance, the Parliament (Folketing) at Christiansborg, familiar to many through the Danish smash-hit TV series Borgen, and the residence of the Royal Family at Amalienborg are unmissable. Arguably Scandinavia’s most relaxed capital city, Copenhagen has a distinctly European feel, a friendly street-life, and unique café culture that will make you want to return time and time again. The city is perfect for wandering through at your leisure, or alternatively, make like a local and hop on a bike, the preferred mode of transport for many. Throughout the city, there’s a nautical vibe reflected in the colorful shore-side homes of Nyhavn and tall ships docked along the quays. Remember, too, that this is where many would claim the much-vaunted Nordic food revolution began. As a consequence, Copenhagen is home to a great number of cutting-edge restaurants including world-renowned Noma, where tables must be booked months, if not years, in advance. For ideas on the best places to visit in this magical city, read our list of the top attractions in Copenhagen.
On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should top any visitor’s agenda. Christiansborg boasts more than 800 years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. In addition, several parts are still used by the Royal House, although thankfully, much is open to the public. Occupying the site where Bishop Absalon built the earliest fortifications of the city in 1167, the ruins of the bishop’s castle and the medieval fortress were discovered when the present palace was under construction. They can now be seen by visitors. 3. National Museum of Denmark
1. Tivoli Gardens
Walking from Town Hall Square and crossing H.C. Andersens Boulevard brings you to the inspiration behind the Disney theme parks: the famous Tivoli amusement park and pleasure gardens dating from 1843. It’s impossible to miss the grand entrance at Vesterbrogade. Here, visitors are welcomed through a dramatic archway flanked by columns. No matter what time of year you visit, Tivoli feels festive. Inside the gardens, you’ll wind your way through a village complete with cute shops and a lake adorned by well lit trees that are mirrored serenely in the water. That’s likely the only serenity you’ll find in this miniature theme park, which brings out the kid in every visitor. Here, you’ll also find more than 20 attractions, including a roller coaster; roundabouts; halls of mirrors; pantomime, puppet, and openair theaters; a wealth of restaurants and cafés; flower gardens; and a Moorish-styled concert hall, which is particularly pleasing when lit up at night. The park is famous worldwide and appears in many movies. Indeed, some might say it’s the most famous attraction in Copenhagen. At Christmas, Tivoli becomes an extravagantly decorated wonderland.
An easy 10-minute walk from Tivoli along Vestergade brings you to the National Museum (Nationalmuseet), a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in Danish history and culture. Some impressive runic stones are on display here, and the Danish history collection includes a sun chariot (cult object in the form of a cart) that is more than 2,000 years old, Romanesque and Gothic church fittings, Danish porcelain and silver, and collections of antiquities and coins. The ethnographical collection, including items from Greenland, gives an excellent impression of life among the Eskimos. Inside, you’ll also find collections from other interesting areas including, Asia, Africa and Oceania, as well as the culture of the Indians. That’s not all! Here, you’ll also find the Prince’s Palace (1744), a Rococo building influenced by the French style of the period. Around fiveminutes’ stroll from the National Museum, Thorvaldsen’s Museum is also worth a visit to view spectacular works from this famous Danish sculptor. 4. Nyhavn Harbor
2. Christiansborg Palace
To the rear of Amalienborg lies Nyhavn (New Harbor), which is flanked by a street of the same name. This enchanting area is a hub of activity, especially during summer. Brightly painted gabled buildings line the canal, adding a splash of color to dreary days and enticing visitors to stop in for a peek at the wares for sale in the shops and a tasty bite in the restaurants and cafés that call this place home. At the end of the harbor, an anchor serves as a memorial to Danish