Palmehus

Copenhagen

　　Forget Thailand: to escape the Nordic cold, simply slip inside the Botanic Garden's Palm House. A large, elegant glasshouse dating from the 19th century, its dense collection of plants from continents as far flung as Australia make for a quick, steamy escape. The main circular section features wrought-iron spiral staircases...

Reffen

Copenhagen

　　This harbourside street-food market is a veritable village of converted shipping containers, peddling sustainable bites from across the globe. Multiculti options include organic polenta and pasta, dosas, burgers, sushi, satay skewers and Filipino BBQ. You'll also find a number of bars (open until 10pm or later Friday and Saturday). These...

Nikolaj Kunsthal

Copenhagen

　　Built in the 13th century, the church of Sankt Nikolaj is now home to the Copenhagen Contemporary Art Centre, which hosts around half-a-dozen exhibitions annually. Exhibitions tend to focus on modern-day cultural, political and social issues, explored in mediums as diverse as photography and performance art. The centre also houses...

Jens Olsen's World Clock

Copenhagen

　　The most famous resident at Copenhagen's Rådhus (City Hall) is the curious Jens Olsen's World Clock, designed by astromechanic Jens Olsen (1872–1945) and built at a cost of one million kroner. Not only does it display local time, but also solar time, sidereal time, sunrises and sunsets, firmament and celestial...

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Copenhagen

　　Fin de siècle architecture meets with an eclectic mix of art at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. The collection is divided into two parts: Northern Europe's largest booty of antiquities, and an elegant collection of 19th-century Danish and French art. The latter includes the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France...

Vor Frue Kirke

Copenhagen

　　Founded in 1191 and rebuilt three times after devastating fires, Copenhagen's neoclassical cathedral dates from 1829. Designed by CF Hansen, its lofty, vaulted interior houses Bertel Thorvaldsen's statues of Christ and the apostles, completed in 1839 and considered his most acclaimed works. In fact, the sculptor's depiction of Christ, with...

Botanisk Have

Copenhagen

　　Restorative and romantic, Copenhagen's Botanic Garden lays claim to around 13,000 species of plant life – the largest collection in Denmark. You can amble along tranquil trails, escape to warmer climes in the 19th-century Palmehus glasshouse and even pick up honey made using the garden's own bees at the gorgeous...

Christiansborg Slotskirke

Copenhagen

　　Tragedy struck CF Hansen’s austere, 19th-century neoclassical church on the day of the 1992 Copenhagen Carnival. A stray firework hit the scaffolding that had surrounded the church during a lengthy restoration and set the roof ablaze, destroying the dome. With no surviving architectural plans of the dome and roof construction...

Coffee Collective

Copenhagen

　　Copenhagen's most prolific microroastery, Coffee Collective has helped revolutionise the city's coffee culture. Head in for rich, complex cups of caffeinated magic. The baristas are passionate about their single-origin beans and the venue itself sits at one end of creative Jægersborggade in Nørrebro. There are several other outlets, including at...

Gråbrødretorv

Copenhagen

　　Found just off bustling Strøget pedestrian shopping street, this colourful square is named for the friary that stood here back in the 13th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1728, bombarded by the British in 1807 and twice rebuilt. Once the site of a market hall and later a...

Christiansborg Slot Tower

Copenhagen

　　The palace tower opened to the public for the first time in 2014. It’s the city’s tallest tower, delivering a sweeping view over the Danish capital. The tower is also home to Tårnet, a restaurant owned by prolific restaurateur Rasmus Bo Bojesen. Lunch features contemporary smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and Danish...

Coffee Collective

Copenhagen

　　Save your caffeine fix for Copenhagen's most respected micro-roastery. The beans here are sourced ethically and directly from farmers. These guys usually offer two espresso blends, one more full-bodied and traditional, the other more acidic in flavour. If espresso is just too passé, order a hand-brewed cup from the Kalita...

Assistens Kirkegård

Copenhagen

　　You'll find some of Denmark's most celebrated citizens at this famous cemetery, including philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, physicist Niels Bohr, author Hans Christian Andersen and artists Jens Juel, Christen Købke and CW Eckersberg. It's a wonderfully atmospheric place to wander around – as much a park and garden as it is...

La Banchina

Copenhagen

　　This tiny spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked beautifully and served with little fanfare. The real magic is the setting, a small harbour cove with picnic tables and a wooden pier where summertime diners dip their feet while sipping vino, tucking into grub like tender barbecued salmon, and watching...

Mikkeller & Friends

Copenhagen

　　Looking suitably cool with its turquoise floors and pale ribbed wood, Mikkeller & Friends is a joint venture of the Mikkeller and To Øl breweries. Beer geeks go gaga over the 40 artisan draft beers and circa 200 bottled varieties, which might include a chipotle porter or an imperial stout...

Designmuseum Danmark

Copenhagen

　　The 18th-century Frederiks Hospital is now the outstanding Denmark Design Museum. A must for fans of the applied arts and industrial design, its fairly extensive collection includes Danish textiles and fashion, as well as the iconic design pieces of modern innovators like Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen and Arne Jacobsen. The...

Kastellet

Copenhagen

　　The star-shaped fortress of Kastellet was originally commissioned by Frederik III in 1662. Today, it is one of the most historically evocative sites in the city, its grassy ramparts and moat surrounding some beautiful 18th-century barracks, as well as a chapel occasionally used for concerts. On the ramparts is a...

Det Kongelige Bibliotek

Copenhagen

　　Scandinavia's largest library consists of two very distinct parts: the original 19th-century red-brick building and the head-turning 'Black Diamond' extension, the latter a leaning parallelogram of sleek black granite and smoke-coloured glass. From the soaring, harbour-fronting atrium, an escalator leads up to a 210 sq metre ceiling mural by celebrated...

Gefion Fountain

Copenhagen

　　At the southeastern edge of Kastellet is Anders Bundgaard's monumental Gefion Fountain, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion steering some rather stoic oxen. The fountain was donated to the city by the Carlsberg Foundation to celebrate the brewery's 50th anniversary in 1897. ...

Marmorkirken

Copenhagen

　　Consecrated in 1894, the neo-baroque Marble Church (officially Frederikskirken) is one of Copenhagen's most imposing architectural assets. Its grandiose dome – inspired by St Peter's in Rome and the largest church dome in Scandinavia – offers an impressive view over the city. The church was ordered by Frederik V and...

Torvehallerne KBH

Copenhagen

　　Food market Torvehallerne KBH is an essential stop on the Copenhagen foodie trail. A delicious ode to the fresh, the tasty and the artisanal, the market's beautiful stalls peddle everything from seasonal herbs and berries to smoked meats, seafood and cheeses, smørrebrød, fresh pasta and hand-brewed coffee. You could easily...

Sankt Peders Bageri

Copenhagen

　　Sankt Peders Bageri is the oldest bakery in the city, dating back to 1652. Famed for its cinnamon rolls, its mouthwatering selection also includes delicious tarts, turnovers, croissants and muffins, as well as a range of breads and sandwiches. The small, cosy interior is decorated with old photos on the...

Kongens Have

Copenhagen

　　The oldest park in Copenhagen was laid out in the early 17th century by Christian IV, who used it as his vegetable patch. These days it has a little more to offer, including wonderfully romantic paths, a fragrant rose garden, some of the longest mixed borders in northern Europe and...

Stilleben

Copenhagen

　　Owned by Danish Design School graduates Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Schou Nordentoft, Stilleben stocks a bewitching range of contemporary ceramic, glassware, jewellery and textiles from mostly emerging Danish and foreign designers. Head up the wooden stairs for posters and prints, including works by celebrated contemporary Danish artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen....

Dansk Arkitektur Center

Copenhagen

　　This gallery hosts changing exhibitions on Danish and international architecture and features an excellent book- and design-shop. On weekends from late May to September, DAC also runs 90-minute walking tours of the city's contemporary architecture (125kr). From May 2018, you will find the Danish Architecture Centre inside the new, harbourside...

Restaurant Kronborg

Copenhagen

　　Behind its hulking, centuries-old walls, cosy, wood-beamed Kronborg serves up classic Danish fare. Head here for the impressive choice of lunchtime smørrebrød, appropriately served on Royal Copenhagen china. Favourites include the sweet, succulent Brantevik herring, marinated in sugar, vinegar and allspice and topped with fresh herbs. Toast to tradition with...

Illums Bolighus

Copenhagen

　　Design fans hyperventilate over this sprawling department store, its four floors packed with all things Nordic and beautiful. You'll find everything from ceramics, glassware, jewellery and fashion to throws, lamps, furniture and more. It's also a handy spot to pick up some X-factor souvenirs, from posters, postcards and notebooks adorned...

Hay House

Copenhagen

　　Rolf Hay’s fabulous interior-design store sells its own coveted line of furniture, textiles and design objects, as well as those of other fresh, innovative Danish designers. Easy-to-pack gifts include anything from notebooks and ceramic cups, to building blocks for style-savvy kids. ...

Aamanns 1921

Copenhagen

　　Led by chef Adam Aamann who is known for his creative take on smørrebrød, Aamanns 1921 modernises the traditional open-faced sandwich and other Danish dishes by using locally sourced ingredients. Located on a historic cobbled street, the stylish restaurant features high ceilings, chandeliers and Scandi-chic wooden chairs. 　　Recent international recognition...

Amalienborg Slot

Copenhagen

　　Home of the current queen, Margrethe II, Amalienborg Slot consists of four austere 18th-century palaces around a large cobbled square. The changing of the guard takes place here daily at noon, the new guard having marched through the city centre from the barracks on Gothersgade at 11.30am. 　　One of the...

Georg Jensen

Copenhagen

　　This is the world-famous silversmith's flagship store, selling everything from rings, brooches and watches, to attention-commanding vases and tableware. Popular gifts for less than 300kr include moneyclips and business-card holders, as well as Georg Jensen's iconic elephant bottle opener. Head upstairs for vintage jewellery and design, as well as an...

Little Mermaid

Copenhagen

　　New York has its Lady Liberty and Sydney its (Danish-designed) Opera House. When the world thinks of Copenhagen, the chances are they're thinking of the Little Mermaid. Love her or loathe her (watch Copenhageners cringe at the very mention of her), this small, underwhelming statue is arguably the most photographed...

Royal Copenhagen

Copenhagen

　　This is the main showroom for the historic Royal Copenhagen porcelain, one of the city's best-loved souvenir choices. Its 'blue fluted' pattern is famous around the world, as is the painfully expensive Flora Danica dinner service, its botanical illustrations the work of 18th-century painter Johann Christoph Bayer. ...

Operaen

Copenhagen

　　Denmark's behemothic Opera House sits on Copenhagen Harbour, directly across from the Amalienborg Slot. Completed in 2005 and embellished with limestone, marble and gold leaf, the Henning Larsen–designed building spans 4100 sq metres and includes 1000 rooms. It's also one of the most expensive opera houses ever built, costing a...

Oysters & Grill

Copenhagen

　　Finger-licking surf and turf is what you get at this rocking, unpretentious neighbourhood favourite, complete with kitsch vinyl tablecloths and a fun, casual vibe. The shellfish is fantastically fresh and, unlike most places, ordered by weight, which means you don't need to pick at measly servings. Meat lovers won't to...

Frederiksberg Have

Copenhagen

　　This is Copenhagen’s most romantic park, with lakes, woodlands and lovely picnic lawns. Guarding the main entrance is 19th-century royal Frederik VI, who would thrill his loyal subjects by taking boat rides along Frederiksberg Have's canals. The park's imposing baroque palace, Frederiksborg Slot, was the royal family's summer residence until...

Nationalmuseet

Copenhagen

　　For a crash course in Danish history and culture, spend an afternoon at Denmark's National Museum. It has first claim on virtually every antiquity uncovered on Danish soil, including Stone Age tools, Viking weaponry, rune stones and medieval jewellery. Among the many highlights is a finely crafted 3500-year-old Sun Chariot,...

Christiansborg Slot

Copenhagen

　　Christiansborg Slot is home to Folketinget (the Danish parliament), the Prime Minister's office and the Supreme Court. Visitor highlights include the glorious royal reception rooms, 11th-century ruins and royal kitchen, all of which can be visited separately or by joint ticket. Admission to the palace grounds, public galleries (during parliamentary...

Nyhavn

Copenhagen

　　There are few nicer places to be on a sunny day than sitting at an outdoor table at a cafe on the quayside of the Nyhavn canal. The canal was built to connect Kongens Nytorv to the harbour and was long a haunt for sailors and writers, including Hans Christian...

Statens Museum for Kunst

Copenhagen

　　Denmark's National Gallery straddles two contrasting, interconnected buildings: a late-19th-century 'palazzo' and a sharply minimalist extension. The museum houses medieval and Renaissance works and impressive collections of Dutch and Flemish artists, including Rubens, Breughel and Rembrandt. It claims the world's finest collection of 19th-century Danish 'Golden Age' artists, among them...

Rosenborg Slot

Copenhagen

　　A 'once upon a time' combo of turrets, gables and moat, the early-17th-century Rosenborg Slot was built in Dutch Renaissance style between 1606 and 1633 by King Christian IV to serve as his summer home. Today the castle's 24 upper rooms are chronologically arranged, housing the furnishings and portraits of...

Christiania

Copenhagen

　　Escape the capitalist crunch and head to Freetown Christiania, a hash-scented commune straddling the eastern side of Christianshavn. Since its establishment by squatters in 1971, the area has drawn nonconformists from across the globe, attracted by the concept of collective business, workshops and communal living. Explore beyond the settlement's infamous...

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen

　　Dating from 1843, tasteful Tivoli wins fans with its dreamy whirl of amusement rides, twinkling pavilions, carnival games and open-air stage shows. Visitors can ride the renovated, century-old roller coaster, enjoy the famous Saturday evening fireworks display or just soak up the story-book atmosphere. A good tip is to go...