Chilly Copenhagen

The four palaces that form the Queen Marfrethe’s residence, the Amalienborg Palace, were built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the king Frederik V
The four palaces that form the Queen Marfrethe’s residence, the Amalienborg Palace, were built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the king Frederik V

Why go?

The city is one of Europe's oldest capitals with a royal touch - the monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in the world.

Copenhagen offers great shopping, a large number of hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, art galleries, musical entertainment and a lot more.

Would it be not enough, take a short ride and check how other Scandinavians are doing: With the Oresund Bridge, the motorway and railway link, it takes only 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen City Centre to the centre of Malmö, Sweden. Naturally, you must seize such a great opportunity to see more of Scandinavia.

What to do?

The museum of Fine Art, now with a top modern extension, is the main museum of art in Denmark. The museum was built when Christiansborgs Palace was ravaged by a fire and one needed a place to hang the royal collections of paintings from the Royal Art Chambers. The museum also features talked about and well renowned exhibitions.

In 1998 the museum was extended with a top modern building opening up to the surrounding park. You can see art, graphic and sculptures early Renaissance till modern times. 
The collection has well over 3,000 works of art.

The Tivoli Gardens right in the centre of Copenhagen, has something for everyone - whether you want pure fun and entertainment, an artistic event or a gourmet dinner, this is where you'll find it.

Climb to the top of the golden tower of The Church of our Saviour to get a bird’s eye view of the city. One of the city’s must-dos.

Amalienborg Palace is the residence of Queen Margrethe. The four palaces were built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the king Frederik V. The King needed a new royal palace but he didn't want to pay. The four families were given tax immunity for 40 years as token for their services to the crown.

Where to stay?

Hotel D’Angleterre (www.dangleterre.dk) at the heart of the city, at Kongens Nytorv, with its old-world atmosphere. The hotel is situated opposite The Royal Theatre which boasts one of the world's leading ballet companies.

If you’re on a budget, try the 5-star hostel Danhostel Copenhagen City, (www.danhostel.dk/copenhagencity) which is Europe's biggest city hostel with over 1,000 beds – charges €27 euro for a bed in a shared room. The interiors and furnishing here has been specially designed by Danish design firm GUBI.

Where to eat?

The restaurant Noma (www.noma.dk) was appointed best restaurant in the world in 2010 by the British “Restaurant Magazine”, where more than 800 restaurant critics, journalists and food experts voted for the 50 best restaurants around the world. Try the modern reinvented form of Nordic cuisine. Try the Icelandic skyr curd, halibut, Greenland musk ox, berries and water for a true taste of Scandinavia.

Grab a traditional breakfast of bread, cheese and jam at Dag H (www.dagh.dk). In the evening this cafe turns into a restaurant while keeping some of the cafe dishes on the menu – a tasty burger or 3 course meal, there is something for everyone.

How to get there?

Airmalta offer daily direct flights to Copenhagen airport. Flights booked on 21 December returning 28 December were priced at €579.42 inclusive of tax at the time of going to print.