One day in CopenhagenPostcards, kings and dragons
Start early with "Copenhagen highlights: from Tivoli to the Little Mermaid": the Tivoli gate, Strøget, Nyhavn before the crowds and the royal setting of Amalienborg. After the Little Mermaid, head back down Bredgade for smørrebrød at Sankt Annæ, near Nyhavn. From Marmorkirken, the metro drops you at City Hall Square for "From Absalon to Christian IV": Gammeltorv, the Round Tower and Christiansborg, whose viewing tower is free. Grab a coffee, then at dusk follow "Traitors, dragons and spirals" from the Lur Blowers to Christiania. Finish with stegt flæsk at Christianshavns Færgecafé, right on the canal.
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Morning
Copenhagen highlights: from Tivoli to the Little Mermaid
- Tivoli GardensOne of the world’s oldest amusement parks, born on the old ramparts with a king’s blessing.
- Strøget and AmagertorvThe pedestrian street that changed European cities, and a fountain of storks that many swear are herons.
- NyhavnThe canal of colourful houses was once a harbour of sailors and taverns and, for years, Andersen’s home.
- Amalienborg PalaceFour twin palaces built for four noblemen that ended up as the royal family’s home after a fire.
- The Marble Church (Marmorkirken)A church that lay in ruins for almost a century and a half before a banker saw it finished.
- The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue)A small statue with a turbulent life: two beheadings, a stolen arm and a trip to China.
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Lunch
Try Smørrebrød at Restaurant Schønnemann. Hauser Plads 16
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Afternoon
From Absalon to Christian IV: the city that rose from its ashes
- City Hall Square and City HallA square born where the ramparts fell, and a city hall that looks to Siena and shows off a golden founder.
- Gammeltorv and NytorvCopenhagen’s oldest square, a fountain from Christian IV and a courthouse proclaiming that the land is built on law.
- Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke)A cathedral lost twice over, reborn as a Greek temple filled with Thorvaldsen’s apostles.
- Rundetårn, the Round TowerChristian IV’s observatory, with a spiral ramp instead of stairs and a royal rebus on its façade.
- Højbro Plads and the statue of AbsalonThe warrior bishop who founded the city rides towards the castle he built in 1167.
- Christiansborg PalaceThe only building in the world housing all three branches of government, raised on eight centuries of castles.
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Early evening
Traitors, dragons and spirals: hidden Copenhagen
- The Lur Blowers (Lurblæserne)Two Bronze Age musicians atop a column, and a cheeky legend every Copenhagener knows.
- Gråbrødretorv and the Pillar of ShameA charming square where a traitor’s mansion once stood, torn down so that no one would forget his name.
- Christiansborg and the Blue TowerBeneath the palace of the three powers lie the foundations of the tower where a princess spent almost 22 years as a prisoner.
- Børsen, the Dragon Stock ExchangeFour entwined dragons guarded the old Stock Exchange from fire for almost four centuries, until one April morning in 2024.
- Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)A golden staircase coiling around the outside of the spire, and an architect who, legend says, leapt to his death.
- Christiania, the FreetownA former barracks occupied in 1971 that became Scandinavia’s most famous social experiment.
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Dinner
Try Stegt flæsk med persillesovs at Christianshavns Færgecafé. Strandgade 50