Christiansborg Palace

On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should be top on 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.

Nyhavn Harbor

To the rear of Amalienborg lies Nyhavn (New Harbor), which is flanked by a street of the same name. At the end of the harbor, an anchor serves as a memorial to Danish sailors who lost their lives in World War II. Nyhavn was once a disreputable quarter of the city, but now, with its brightly painted gabled houses, many containing restaurants or cafés, it’s a particularly charming part of Copenhagen that features in countless images of the city. Idyllic museum ships lie at anchor, including a lightship (Fyrskib) dating from 1885. From Nyhavn, hydrofoil and catamaran services operate to Sweden, as well as sightseeing trips around the harbor and along the canal.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

On Købmagergade is the Round Tower (Rundetårn), a 36-meter-high structure built as an observatory in 1642. It now also houses a small collection connected with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. A particular treat is the platform, reached by a wide spiral ramp. From the top are magnificent panoramic views over the city. A new attraction is the glass floor hovering 25 meters above the ground where you can peer down into the castle’s core. Fans of Hans Christian Andersen will be interested to know that the tower features in his well-known story The Tinderbox – “eyes as big as the Round Tower.” After taking in the views and getting your breath back, why not continue on with a short walk around the Old Town? Wander by way of Skindergade and Kejsergade to Gråbrødretorv, one of Copenhagen’s most charming squares with its brightly colored old houses.

Amalienborg Castle

Less than one and a half kilometers from Rosenborg in the Frederiksstaden quarter, you’ll find Rosenborg’s sister palace, Amalienborg, along with its serene waterfront gardens. The four palaces facing onto the square were originally built as homes for the nobility, but were taken over by the Royal Family after a fire at Christiansborg in 1794. The palace takes its name from Queen Sophie Amalie who had a sumptuous summer retreat on the site, which also burned down in 1689. The area was designed to be a model society with the King as focal point and the aristocracy (the four palaces) surrounding him. Today, Queen Margrethe II and her family occupy the upper story of Christian IX Palace, and the Moltke Palace is used for official purposes. The soldiers of the Royal Guard with their bearskins and blue (on festive occasions red, white, and blue) uniforms are a unique symbol of the city.

Rosenborg Palace

Less than ten-minutes’ walk from the Round Tower and now home to some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, the castle was originally built by Christian IV as a pleasure palace. Inhabited by the royal family until 1720 and after that used as a summer retreat, the castle and contents became a museum in 1838. In the basement are the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia. Of particular interest are the Marble Room, a Baroque reception room, and the Knights’ Hall with the Coronation Throne (used between 1871 to 1940), as well as the famous Rosenborg Tapestries, which have adorned the walls since 1693. Exquisite porcelain is also on exhibit, including the famous Flora Danica service.

The Little Mermaid

Let’s face it: You can’t visit the Danish capital without seeing the Little Mermaid, so head along the waterfront from Nyhavn to Kastellet (less than two kilometers) and take in the iconic statue and surroundings. Kastellet is the former Citadel of Frederikshavn, the oldest parts of which date from 1625. The Citadel buildings are well maintained and well worth exploring. The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue), which you’ll see from the shore, is the official emblem of Copenhagen. The bronze sculpture, created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, is based on a theme from one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, which tells the tale of a mermaid who once came up out of the depths of the sea because she’d fallen in love with a prince. Sadly, as the prince didn’t reciprocate, she was forced to leave the human world and return once more to the sea.

Town Hall Square

Busy Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is dominated by Copenhagen Town Hall (built between 1892 and 1905), which is based on a mix of Italian Renaissance and medieval Danish architecture. For marvellous views, you can climb the tower; at 106 meters high, it is the tallest in the city. The building itself is richly adorned with sculptures and paintings. Above the main entrance is a figure of Bishop Absalon in gilded copper, and in the Great Hall are busts of Danish notables such as Martin Nyrop (1849-1921), the architect who designed the building, the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1840), Hans Christian Andersen (1805-76), and the physicist Niels Bohr (1885-1962). The World Clock at the main entrance was designed and constructed by Jens Olsen in 1955 and shows not only the time and date, but also various astronomical constellations.

Christiania

Starting out as a hippy settlement more than 40 years ago, this unique and controversial area was firstly designated as a social experiment and is now owned by the residents. Christiania is one of Denmark’s most loved tourist attractions, and each year, this “freetown” lures up to a million visitors. Admittedly, it may not be to everyone’s taste, however, it is a functioning alternative society, a place where many accepted norms simply don’t apply, and people live by their own rules. Cars are banned, bicycles are the main mode of transport, and horses roam free. Highlights are the handmade houses and buildings and the large lake where children splash around with each other on hot summer days. The small shops and cafés use a special Christiania currency.

Copenhagen Zoo

To the west of Copenhagen, a little more than three kilometers from the city center, lies the Zoological Garden (Zoologisk Have), founded in 1859 and one of the oldest and largest zoos in Europe. The enclosures imitate the animals’ natural surroundings as closely as possible. Here, you can watch polar bears, seals, lions, and other animals being fed. At the entrance, there’s an observation tower. Favorite exhibits are the bird lake with storks and pelicans, reptile house, monkey house, and lion’s den among others. Of particular interest is the Norman-Foster-designed elephant enclosure.