Copenhagen Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Copenhagen has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Viewpoint

For a truly unbeatable view of the city take a trip on the Golden Tower or Star Flyer rides at the Tivoli Gardens – although neither of these are for the faint-hearted. For something a bit more sedate, the Rundetaarn (Round Tower) on Kobmagergade is a former observatory with a 209-metre spiral ramp that leads to a view of the Old Town. Its library hall also hosts changing art exhibitions (www.rundetaarn.dk).

Arts and culture

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s design capitals. Pay a visit to the Danish Design Centre on HC Andersen Boulevard. It’s worth it for the strange ‘supermarket’ in the basement alone. The Charlottenborg on Nyhaven is dedicated to contemporary art and housed in a 17th-century baroque palace (www.charlottenborg-art.dk).

Something for nothing

The Little Mermaid is the symbol of the city although even the locals seem uncertain as to why such a diminutive statue commands so much attention. The mermaid is located near Kastellet fortress and it’s a pleasant waterfront walk to reach her. If you pass the royal palace in Amalienborg Plads at noon, you can see the changing of the Royal Guard.

Shopping

Fashion is big in Copenhagen, and it’s by exploring the independent boutiques that you’ll find the most individual pieces. The central shopping area is the pedestrianised Strøget where you’ll find the main brands and the Illum department store – Illums Bolighus is filled with Danish design classics. At the far end of Strøget, Gronnegade and Ny Adelgade are great areas for shoes, clothes and accessories. Day Birger et Mikkleson in Kongens Nytorv is one of Denmark’s leading fashion labels. Also, track down Acne Jeans on Gammel Mønt and Bruuns Bazaar on Kronprinsensgade for the very latest in Danish style. There are several outposts of Cykelmageren in the city; it's the best place to pick up gorgeous hand-made bikes.

Daytripper

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk is one of Denmark’s finest museums with an exceptional collection of art and sculpture by the likes of Kandinsky, Lichenstein and Henry Moore. Nearby Helsingør is the location of Kronborg Slot, the windswept Renaissance castle that Shakespeare set as Hamlet’s home (www.ses.dk).

Best beach

There are some lovely beaches just outside Copenhagen – ideal for a day out in summertime. Bellevue is less than ten miles north of the city and very popular on a sunny day. The Jacobsen seafood restaurant is just across the road and was designed by Danish design colossus Arne Jacobsen. Only three miles from the city, Amager Strand is also a good beach option (www.amager-strand.dk).

Activities

The city provides free bikes from May to December, so pop your DKK 20 in the slot, head off on your travels, and return the bike to any of the 125 city bike drop off/pick ups to be reunited with your coin. To rent a small motor boat and expore the harbour contact Brian at Copenhagen Boat Rent on +45 25 38 92 19/20. For something a little higher-octane, including ocean racing, try a spin in a speedboat (www.ribalex.dk).