Here is what The Traveling recommends for a short city break in Copenhagen.
Compact and easy to navigate, the Danish capital is replete with cultural attractions, fine architecture, and delicious food. If you have been following my blog posts, you know that The Traveling Professor is no stranger to the Danish capital. In fact, it is one of our favourite places for a city break. To give you more information and to help you plan your own rewarding excursion to the city, the Professor has come up with a few of the things you should do and see on your Danish adventure.
Copenhagen is a great city to enjoy by boat. Copenhagen is the only European capital not found on the country's mainland. The city actually traverses two islands, Zealand and Amager and is criss-crossed by a network of canals and waterways. This makes the city the idea place to see from the water. With a number of canal and ferry cruises available you can enjoy a relaxing tour of the city. Many even offer a pleasant lunch or dinner on board.
Not too many people know this, but Copenhagen is overburdened with world class museums and galleries to enjoy. Take a trip to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek to see works by masters such as Monet, Picasso, Renoir or Cézanne. Or you could take a trip to the National Museum Gallery of Denmark and learn about the long and varied history of the country.
When it comes to fine architecture the Danish capital is no slouch, and there are plenty of wonderful buildings in to see on a trip to the city. Some of the finest are also the main artistic centers of the country. The Royal Danish Opera House is worth visiting for the building itself which was designed by famous Danish architect Henning Larsen. The Royal Danish Playhouse is another striking building that houses a major cultural institution, as is the famed Black Diamond which is an extension of the Royal Library and a major architectural landmark in its own right.
The Danish capital may not come to mind when you first think of Europe's main culinary hot spots. But Copenhagen is in fact home to numerous world-class eateries and even boasts one of the world's best restaurant in the renowned Noma. With a reputation for innovative cuisine, the Danish capital is the best place to discover New Nordic food, which seeks to combine the traditional Scandinavian dishes with organic seasonal produce and modern techniques. Though don't worry if that sounds a little too adventurous, as there are lots of simpler hearty grub available too. Make sure and try a smørrebrod when in the city. This Danish open sandwich is a delicious staple and is available everywhere.
Images by John Anes, Roman Boed, & Nelson L used under Creative Commons license