COPENHAGEN

The centre of Copenhagen is almost car-free. This is of course perfect for tourists: While walking the old-fashioned alleys, you will experience a feeling of serenity typical for Copenhagians. Every quarter in Copenhagen has its own flair, and in every quarter there is a square with at least two cafes or bars. Whatever the temperature, the people of Copenhagen will go out into the street at the first bit of sun- you may as well do the same. Take a windcheater with you so you won't be freezing early in the year or in the autumn! You won't find a lot of cheap cafes, though: Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities of Europe. Since 2001, Copenhagen uses the world's most modern metro: Trains are driverless and the seats in the first row with tunnel view are much sought-after. You should really take the metro during off-peak hours as well, maybe you are lucky and get a seat in the front! Another must-see is the Tivoli, the oldest amusement park in the world with its colourful gambling halls and carousels, restaurants and concerts in the Tivoli concert hall and in the open air theatre Plaenen.

From the airport
The airport of Copenhagen is located about 8 km from the city centre. You can reach the city by train (every 30 minutes, DKK 26,60, travel time about 10 minutes) or by bus 250S from Terminal 2 and 3. A taxi to the centre costs between DKK 150,- and 200,-.

Public transport
Whether bus, train, metro or harbour bus: A ticket may be used for the whole city. The Copenhagen Metropolitan Area has different fare zones from which fares are calculated. If you are caught without a ticket, you have to pay a fine of DKK 500,-.

City Card
With the Copenhagen City Card you can use the public transport for free, also you get free access to more than 60 sights all over the city.
The card is available at various hotels, at the central station, at tourist information points as well as at the airport. Costs are DKK 199,- for a 24-hour-ticket and DKK 429,- for 72 hours.

City Bike
On Copenhagen's many bicycle lanes, you can move easily through the city. From spring until autumn, you can lend a city bike at about 100 stations for a deposit of 20 DKK. City bikes can only be used in the city centre- but there's a rumour that a Danish tourist once found one of the bikes in New York City.

Den Hirschsprungske Samling
Here you can marvel at Danish art collected by tobacco magnate Heinrich Hirschsprung (1836-1908), which he donated to the nation in 1902. The collection includes works by all important Danish painters of the 19th and early 20th centuries: C. W. Eckersberg, Christen Kǿbke, Anna and Michael Ancher.
Stockholmsgade 20, tel. 35 42 03 36, www.hirschsprung.dk

Vor Frelsers Kirke
In 1750, a tower with a winding staircase was built on the Our Saviour's Church. King Frederik V was the first to climb the 150 stairs up to the 90-m-high tower and to enjoy the view over the city. Inside the church, the altar with its columns of red marble and the two-storey-high organ supported by two stucco elephants are particularly worth seeing.
Sankt Annægade 29, tel. 32 57 27 98, The tower is only open from April to October, www.vorfrelserskirke.dk

Better not amusing oneself royally
Danes are proud of their Kingdom and are sensitive to criticism of the Royal Family. Even the opponents of the monarchy always have a great heart for Queen Margaret.

Municipal Beach
During summer, swimming and sunbathing is popular at Copenhagen's artificial beach by the harbour. On the 1st of June, pools and bars come to life at island Brygge and at the Fisketorvet/Kalvedbod Brygge right in the middle of the city centre.

A break in the park
Whether pushchair or laptop: As soon as there's sunshine, Copenhagians like taking a break in the park with sandwiches and coffee. Particularly loved is Rosenborg Have in the city centre: In the morning, you can listen for free when the Royal Life Guard is practising their march at the nearby barrack yard.

Concert without cash
Every summer weekend there's a free open air concert in Fælledparken where you can dance for example to blues, folk and rock. Those without picnic baskets can buy snacks and blankets at a pavilion.

Café Sommersko
Copenhagen's first continental-style cafe and bar has been copied many times. You can get a quick coffee at the bar or read newspapers while small dishes are served on tables at the gallery.
Kronprinsensgade 6, tel. 33 14 81 89, http://sommersko.dk

Ida Davidsen
In the most popular Frokost restaurant, one can find 150 different variations of smǿrrebrǿd. You will be spoilt for choice at the buffet. Ida knows a little bit of German, too.
Store Kongensgade 70, tel. 33 91 36 55, open Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm, the kitchen is closed from 3.30 pm to 4 pm www.idadavidsen.dk

Peder Oxe
One of the best addresses for country-typical and French food. The long wine list and the large salad bar are specially impressive. Outside you have an excellent view of the traffic-reduced Gråbrødretorv.
Gråbrødretorv 11, tel. 33 11 00 77, open daily from 11.30 am to 1 pm www.pederoxe.dk

Hotel D'Angleterre
The luxury hotel of Copenhagen where politicians and celebrities like Michael Jackson and Steven Spielberg have resided. This jewel is more than 250 years old, behind the facade lies much stucco, gold, heavy curtains and red carpets.
Kongens Nytorv 34, tel. 33 12 00 95, DR starting at 350 €, www.remmen.dk

71 Nyhavn Hotel
As the hotel is located in the city centre, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the harbour and the opposite Opera house. The hotel is built in an old warehouse whose historic charms still remain. There are 150 relatively small rooms comfortably furnished in a maritime manner.
Nyhavn 71, tel. 33 43 62 00, DR starting at 190 € www.71nyhavnhotel.dk

Cab Inn City
The three Cab Inn Hotels of Copenhagen are a cheap alternative to traditional hotels and dispose of simple and clean rooms. The furniture of the 350 rooms reminds of a sleeper cabin or a ship's cabin. Especially the newest building opened in 2004, situated near the central station, has an excellent price performance ratio.
Mitchellsgade 14, tel. 33 46 16 16, DR starting at 87 € www.cab-inn.dk

Operahus
The Opera house has been a gift of the shipowner Mærsk Mc-Kinney Mǿller and was inaugurated in early 2005 with Verdi's Aida. Besides the architecture designed by Henning Larsen, the acoustics is equally impressive. Ekvipagemestervej 10, www.operahus.dk

Copenhagen Jazz House
Many music legends have performed here. There's a mix between Samba and Rock Jazz, Latin and African music. From midnight to 5 am, the Jazz House turns into a discotheque.
Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10, www.jazzhouse.dk

Vega
A varied program all under one roof: International stars in the "Store Vega", small concerts with top disco in the "Lille Vega", with the allegedly best DJs of the world.
Enghavevej 40, tel. 33 25 70 11, www.vega.dk

Woodstock
Guests of all ages will be lured to the dancefloor with the sound of the 1960s-1980s oldies.
Vestergade 12, tel. 33 11 20 71, open Thu-Sat 10 pm-5 am www.woodstock.dk

Strǿget
Copenhagen's most popular shopping mile is called "Strich" (line) in German. It is Europe's first car-free promenade (since 1962) and also the longest (almost 2 km). The Strǿget stretches from the town hall square (Rådhuspladsen) to the Kongens Nytorv. Here and in the side streets you can find everything your heart desires. Near the city hall prevail Burger King, McDonald's, soft ice cream, souvenir shops and exchange offices. Continuing on to Kongens Nytorv, the stores get more exclusive and expensive. The end of the Strǿget, Østergade, has always been Copenhagen's finest address. As early as by the end of the 18th century, flagstones have been added so the fine ladies could promenade clean-footed.

Magasin du Nord
Scandinavia's oldest department store and also one of the best assorted. The different fashion departments offer a wide selection and the food department on the ground floor is an experience to be enjoyed by all senses.
Kongens Nytorv 13, tel. 33 11 44 33, www.magasin.dk

Royal Kopenhagen
The Royal China manufacture offers besides the blue painted china a large selection of home accessoires, silver works and glasses as well. There are also affordable gifts for small budgets.
Amagertorv 6, tel. 33 13 71 81, www.royalcopenhagen.com

Illums Bolighus
From spoon and paper knife to lamp and bed: The shop stretches over several storeys, on the ground floor you will certainly find a proper souvenir for your home.
Amagertorv 10, tel. 33 14 19 41, www.illumsbolighus.dk

House of Amber
Amber, the Gold of the North, in every size and price class: Chains, necklaces and rings in gold or silver. The little museum houses besides many precious stones with insect and botanical inclusions also the biggest amber ever to be found, with a weight of 8, 8 kilos.
Kongens Nytorv 2, tel. 39 55 08 00, www.houseofamber.com

Bodum Hus
Here you can find everything for your kitchen from the world known label Bodum as well as numerous souvenirs.
Østergade 10, tel. 33 36 40 80, www.bodum.dk