This formal compound of four identical palaces has been the home of the Danish royal family since 1794. The residencies, each occupied by a different generation of the monarchy, face each other across the octagonal courtyard (Amalienborg Slotsplads), where the changing of the guard takes place each day at noon. A museum, offering you a unique insight into the monarchy’s history over the last 150 years, is open to the public.
Things to see in Copenhagen
Tourist offices
Address: Vesterbrogade 4A, Vesterbro, Copenhagen, 1620, Denmark
Tel: +45 7022 2442
Opening Hours:
Varies, so check the website.
www.visitcopenhagen.comCopenhagen Card (https://copenhagencard.com/) gives you unlimited travel in the entire Capital Region (including to/from Copenhagen Airport). In addition, you get free admission to attractions and museums, as well as discounts on restaurants and sightseeing activities. You can purchase this online and pick it up at the airport upon arrival.
On the eastern edge of Christianshavn, situated on the derelict site of a former military barracks, Freetown Christiania is a working experiment in alternative lifestyles and communal living. First occupied in 1971, it is now home to about 1,000 people. Once away from the eco-cafés, the area is seductively rural, with picturesque farmhouses and wooden cabins overlooking the calm waterways of the Stadsgraven. There are guided afternoon tours most days, led by a resident of the commune. Photography within the commune is prohibited.
Opened in 1843, Tivoli is the second oldest amusement park in the world (after Dyrehavsbakken or Bakken for short, which is also in Denmark) and it still remains a wonderful attraction for visitors of all ages. Every ride is designed to match the park’s architecture and gardens, and the century-old Rutschebanen roller coaster (dates from 1914) still draws large crowds. Music is also high on the agenda with the park hosting a live music event almost every day.
Northern Europe’s largest aquarium is conveniently situated just one stop from the airport on the Metro, though you can also get there by hopping on its dedicated shuttle bus from the Central Station. The aquarium is divided into eight sections and features around 50 aquariums and installations, thousands of animals and seven million liters of water.
This bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen's famous aquatic heroine, The Little Mermaid, may be small but it attracts thousands of visitors to its home at Langelinje Pier. The little mermaid has several times been the victim of vandalism – losing her head twice, having her arm sawn off once and been sprayed with paint several times – but every time she is lovingly rescued and restored.
Denmark's largest museum is just a short walk from Tivoli Gardens. Permanent collections tell the history of the country from the Stone Age to modern Danish History, showing off treasures including the 3,0000 years old Sun Chariot, the Bronze Age Egtved Girl, and an amazing collection of archaeological finds from the Viking Age.
The Open Air Museum allows guests to visit all of Denmark without ever leaving Copenhagen. This unique outdoor park is heavy on the country’s rural history, with a charming collection of houses, mills and farmhouses dating from the 17th century to recent times. The different styles of architecture that distinguish the Danish provinces can be seen in a stroll through its 86 acres and a visit is a welcome escape from the intensity of the city crowds.
Just 220m (722ft) east from Copenhagen University is the Rundetårn, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. Commissioned by Christian IV, Danes have been gazing over the night skies here since 1642. An impressive 209m-long (686ft) spiral ramp leads to the top of the tower, some 36m (118ft) above the street, from where there are good views over the city.
Located just off of Copenhagen's Nørreport station, SMK - The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) is Denmark's largest art museum, featuring outstanding collections of Danish and international art from the past seven centuries.
Playful science for everyone, Experimentarium is Denmark's only hands-on science centre where visitors of all ages can interact with entertaining and informative exhibits. Spanning three floors with 18 interactive exhibitions about science and technology, an interactive rooftop, science shows, a restaurant - the Experimentarium is huge and, not surprisingly, the place is especially popular with families.
The only Guinness World Records museum in Europe, this is where you come to see some of the most peculiar world records through interactive challenges and displays, from the tallest man to the oldest elephant. Perhaps the most entertaining sight, though, is the spectacle of more than a million dominoes toppling over.
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