Copenhagen, Denmark: A Destination Guide to Attractions and Pleasures A warm, sunny morning in Copenhagen draws visitors and residents into enticingly
aromatic coffee houses and famous boutiques nestled together in the pedestrian area of
Strøget. With its splendid, classic Danish architecture, this bustling epicenter is the city's
main shopping thoroughfare (the longest in Europe). And, a perfect place to begin
exploring Denmark's exciting capital.
Getting Around the CityCopenhagen is relatively flat, with a small, dense central core that is easy to traverse by foot and by bicycle. In fact, the City Bicycle Rentals are located in 130 different locations throughout the downtown area, with a small deposit. Upon your bicycle return, your coin is refunded and the rental is free. This is a safe and great way to sightsee within the urban core without cost. For longer jaunts or cooler weather, Copenhagen's public transport includes easily accessible and cost effective buses, local trains and the new metro. Driving is also much easier in Denmark than other European countries, and outside of the city, very akin to U.S. highways and freeways. For free travel on public transportation and admission to everything from museums to attractions, consider purchasing the CPHCARD. It is a hassle-free way to get about town and sightsee without keeping a ready supply of Kroner in your pocket.The StrøgetTo begin a stroll through Strøget, start at Østergade Street by Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square), located on the east side of the city. Upscale department stores, such as Illum and designer boutiques Prada, Versace, Bruuns Bazaar (fabulous local Scandinavian designer) and Gucci line this famed avenue. Retailers Bang & Olufsen, J. A. Henckles and a variety of specialty stores make this striking historical Danish architectural and pedestrian promenade a delightful experience to peruse. In addition, two stores that are absolutely a must-visit are Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen.
The Royal Copenhagen store extends a full block and is a tremendous purveyor of the finest Danish porcelain. The original porcelain factory began in 1775 under Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, and set a high standard of beauty and exacting quality. Today, the company continues its superior legacy and offers exquisite porcelain designs on multiple levels of it flagship store. Make sure to check the store's basement for second's bargains and the small, adjacent teashop for a lovely cup of the finest Earl Grey in a lovely setting. Visit Royal Copenhagen's fascinating museum, located on the store's top floor. It's free to visit and features a small theater with a video history of the porcelain and how each piece is handcrafted and painted. The museum's superb collection of pieces, from the 18th century to present, includes the Royal Flora Danica designs and traditional Blue Fluted pattern in lighted, glass display cases. The collection continues highlighting numerous breathtaking pieces of the rarest beauty and imagination.
Tivoli GardensTivoli Gardens is a wonderful amusement park replete with rides, entertainment, picturesque gardens, shops, concerts, cafes and excellent, top rated restaurants (The Paul). Its multi-national design theme layout and lighting schema is exceptional, with a small cove harboring a regal, three-masted, Tall ship. The best time to visit is at night and Christmas time. Vast displays of stunning, twinkling lights create an awesome fantasy realm. Visitors won't want to miss Tivoli, especially if your children accompany you. Admission prices are standard.Tour the CanalsCanal Tours are inexpensive and a good way to see the city's historical architecture and prominent buildings, such as storybook churches, a castle, the stock exchange and, of course, the famous Little Mermaid Statue that resides in the harbor. The tour companies are located a few blocks South of Kongens Nytorv on Nyhavn. Offered in many languages, the interesting tours last about an hour and the guides provide a good deal of Copenhagen's history, war and adventure stories. If the weather is drizzling or rainy, take the covered boat tours; they leave every 30 minutes. Even in summer, the harbor can become quite cold in inclement weather.Read next page -- Botanical Garden, Rosenborg Palace, and Food and Lodging 
Patrice Raplee is an experienced travel photojournalist and editor of Travel Excursion and Seattle Spotlight for Positively Entertainment magazine.
She is a member of North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the Recording Academy. Her photographs and articles have appeared in
numerous international publications, as well as NW newspapers such as the Seattle Times, the Stranger, Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian. As a freelance
photojournalist, she has also worked with acclaimed musical entertainers, such as Santana, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler. Patrice has written several
children’s short stories and is currently working on an adult fiction novel for publication.Photos courtesy of Patrice Raplee. Café image courtesy of Royal Copenhagen. © 2008 |
Danish silver, cutlery and jewelry are typified by renown luxury designer Georg Jensen.
Fashionistas and collectors of fine cutlery and jewelry, covet his sleek and minimalist
designs the world over. Although Jensen passed away in '35, the company retains his
unique vision, high quality and design prowess.
After a leisurely stroll through Strøget, the thoroughfare ends at City Hall Square. Cross
the boulevard and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens.
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