Copenhagen Activities

The city of Copenhagen is a popular destination for families of all ages. There is a wide variety of child friendly attractions and excursions available to keep even the most restless children entertained.

Bakken Amusement Park
Located on the northern edge of the city, Bakken Amusement Park was opened in 1583, making it the oldest park of its kind in the world. The park is set in large wooded grounds and contains many rides and attractions, traditional fairground rides such as the tunnel of love, a 1930s rollercoaster and a merry-go-round. The park also has countless other attractions such as a live cabaret and the largest casino in Denmark. The 2.6 million visitors a year have plenty of eateries to choose from as there are over 40 restaurants, cafés and bars. Website: www.bakken.dk 

Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo first opened its gates to the public in 1859 with a seal in a bathtub as the main attraction. Since those early days, the zoo has gradually grown in size and is now regarded as one of the best zoos in Europe. Many of the 3300 animals at the zoo are housed in large open paddocks that are organised into regional areas. There are nature walks around each area, allowing an excellent insight into the different species that can be found in different parts of the world. The zoo also has a children's petting zoo, a variety of food outlets and changing programme of daily events for all ages. Website: www.zoo.dk 

Hands-On Science Centre (Eskperimentarium)
Housed in the old water bottling plant of Tuborg Breweries just to the north of the city, the Hands-On Science Centre is a fascinating place where people of all ages are actively encourage to interact with the 300 exhibitions and demonstrations on show. These are divided into the three themes of 'man', 'nature' and 'the interaction between man and nature'. The centre has constantly changing exhibits designed to appeal to different age groups, with several attractions specifically designed to allow families to work together as a team. Website: www.experimentarium.dk

Louis Tussaud Wax Museum
Originally opened by the great grandson of Madame Tussaud, who found fame with her world renowned London wax museum, the Louis Tussaud Wax Museum is one of the city's leading attractions. The museum features over 200 wax figures from all walks of life, separated into eight distinct sections. The fairytale section and chamber of horrors always prove to be a hit with younger visitors. You will find the museum located within Tivoli Park in the centre of the city. Website: www.tussaud.dk

Copenhagen's long and rich history is plainly evident the moment you arrive in the city. The centuries old buildings, exquisite statues and historical monuments are in abundant supply, while the city's canals, complete with antique craft, give the city a slightly old-world atmosphere. The city is also home to a wide variety of museums and galleries which help to give the visitor an insight into the country's history and the people who have shaped it.

Christiansborg Palace
The palace is located on Slotsholmen Island in the heart of the city and houses some of the most important institutions in Denmark, including the country's parliament, Prime Minister's offices, the Supreme Court and the royal reception rooms. Visitors to the palace will be taken on a guided tour of the complex which incorporates the Throne Room, Banqueting Hall and the Queens Library, while separate tours of the parliament are also available. Phone: +45 3392 6492.

The Marble Church (Frederikskirken)
Located close to the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the Marble Church was designed and constructed between 1749 and 1892. With its enormous copper dome and beautiful decoration, it is one of Copenhagen's most popular religious buildings. In recent years, the exterior of the church has been restored it to its original glory. Climbing to the top of the tower affords wonderful views across the city. Phone: +45 3315 0144.

National Museum (Nationalmuseet)
The National Museum is a must see attraction for every visitor looking for an insight into Danish history and culture. The huge complex is separated into five sections covering every aspect of the country's long and diverse past. The first section focuses on Danish history from the Stone Age to the Renaissance, including a large collection of Viking artefacts and the museum's most famous exhibit, the exquisite piece of pagan art known as 'The Sun Chariot'. Other sections include the history of the royal palace, the royal coin and medal collection and Egyptian and classical antiquities, with the final section focusing on ethnic Eskimo culture. Website: www.natmus.dk

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Located behind Tivoli Park in the city centre, The Glyptotek is home to one of the most important art collections in northern Europe, with various sections containing works by some of the world's greatest artists including Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and former Copenhagen resident Paul Gauguin. The original collection was founded in the 19th century by the renowned art collector and founder of the Carlsberg Brewery, Carl Jacobsen, while in more recent years the collection has been expanded by the inclusion of many superb works such as a set of Rodin sculptures and a particularly fine selection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. Website: www.glyptoteket.dk 

Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle was built at the beginning of the 17th century by Christian IV and remained the summer residence of the Danish royal family until 1720. The castle was opened as a museum in 1833 and has since become home to the Danish crown jewels and other royal artefacts. The castle's lavishly decorated royal rooms and impressive King's garden are well worth the visit alone. Website: www.rosenborgslot.dk

The Round Tower (Rundetåtarn)
Built as a public observatory in the 17th century, The Round Tower is now one of Copenhagen's most recognisable landmarks. The tower was built as part of the Trinitatis Church in the old Latin quarter of the city and today attracts thousands of visitors who climb the 210 metre spiral walkway for the stunning panoramic views of the city. The grounds of the tower also play host to a wide variety of temporary exhibitions ranging from art and culture to history and science. Website: www.rundetaarn.dk

Visitors to Copenhagen who enjoy dining out are unlikely to be disappointed. There are over 2000 restaurants, cafés and snack bars spread across the city, catering to all tastes and budgets. The city's long list of eateries is further enhanced during the summer months when at the first sign of the sun, hundreds of establishments spill out onto the city's streets.

Although you will find good quality cafés and restaurants in almost every corner of the city, there are a few distinct areas which are well known for dining out. Tivoli Gardens offers the most numerous and varied choice of eating options, with dozens of venues serving everything from delicious Danish snacks to multi course international banquets. However, eating in one of Tivoli's restaurants does come at a premium - prices are roughly 30 per cent higher than in other areas of the city. Others parts of the city with a large concentration of restaurants include the area around the Town Hall Square, the Central Station area, and the Nyhavn district.

Danish cuisine has many well known and lesser known specialties for international visitors to sample, with the most famous being the simple yet delicious pastries known the world over as 'Danish'. Other must-try specialties include open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød, which are a firm favourite with the lunch time crowd, and the Danish version of fast food known as polser, similar to a traditional hot dog, is also extremely popular.

The city of Copenhagen has a shopping scene that rivals many of the major European capitals, with the heart of the city's shopping being found in the pedestrian-only area of Strøget. This is lined with shops selling every conceivable item from small souvenirs to exquisite glass and chinaware, while the nearby areas of Bredgade and Læderstræde are brimming with antiques.

Copenhagen has a wide range of traditional souvenirs on offer in its tourist areas, with stock items such as replica statues of 'The Little Mermaid' and Lego toys for the children in abundant supply. Denmark offers an impressive supply of glassware, china and jewellery although the country's most famous export is modern yet functional designer furniture.

The Danish people are great lovers of the outdoors, a fact that becomes clear when you witness the vast number of cyclists and joggers that take to the streets of the capital everyday. As a result, the city has developed an excellent network of sporting facilities to cater for all tastes.

Outdoor Ice Skating
Unlike many of its neighbours, Denmark's low and flat terrain means there is little winter sporting action in the country although a traditional favourite with Danes is ice skating. From the end of November onwards, both locals and visitors flock to open-air ice rinks located throughout the city, with the most popular being the ice rink at Kongens Nytorv Square close to the Nyhavn district. The majority of the rinks in the city are free providing you bring your own skates, although skates for visitors can be hired for a small charge. During the coldest times of the year, it is even possible to skate on the lakes that surround the city.

Water Sports
As the city of Copenhagen has a long association with all things nautical, you will find countless opportunities to get out and about on the water. Yachting is popular around the harbour as is kayaking on the lakes and cruising on the canals. If you prefer fishing, there is ample opportunity to catch a few fish. Whether your preference is for shore fishing, boat fishing, coarse fishing or fly fishing you're guaranteed to find a venue to suit your taste. Finally, windsurfing is another popular activity in the area, with several beaches close to the city offering excellent conditions.

Golf
The old tag of 'a golfer's paradise' has been so overused in recent years that it is now almost meaningless. In the case of Copenhagen, however, the phrase surely rings true as there are around 35 established courses in the greater city area and around 85 in the wider Copenhagen region, ensuring there is plenty of choice for every standard of golfer. There is also a lack of the elitism that seems to dominate the scene in many countries, with beginners of all ages made to feel welcome and comfortable even when their first drive heads for the rough. Visitors to Copenhagen who are interested in playing a round of golf should visit the Tourist Information Centre in the heart of the city for up-to-date information on green fees and bookings.