Copenhagen City Add-On

Colourful and iconic Nyhavn is the perfect place for an al fresco smørrebrød lunch in the sunshine. The former port is particularly worth a visit at Christmas when the area is lit up, the cafes and restaurants serve traditional Danish Christmas delicacies and the annual Christmas market fills the streets with stalls.

In December, Tivoli Gardens hosts a magical Christmas market, just minutes away from the city centre. The historic amusement park and pleasure gardens is also open for a month in February. It's worth paying extra for an unlimited ride ticket otherwise you pay per ride on top of the entrance fee.

To soak up some culture. take a stroll through the many palaces, museums and towers throughout the city. Don’t miss Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces (watch the changing of the guard at 12 noon), Rosenborg Castle, and the Round Tower ("Rundetaarn" a unique spiral tower in the city centre with excellent views from the top).

If the weather's nice, The Little Mermaid - a century old sculpture based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale - is a pleasant 30-40 minute walk from the city centre. Nearby you'll also find The Citadel (Kastellet), a complex of buildings and gardens built in 1626.

Freetown Christiania is a green, car-free, hippy area which runs itself - a very alternative area for a capital city!

While walking through the city you'll often find yourself on Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets with a huge selection of shops, from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands.

Activities

There’s a cycle track called The Harbour Circle which winds its way around the main harbour, a loop of 13km. If the weather’s nice it’s a great way to see the waterfront.

Joining a walking tour is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short space of time. Copenhagen Free Walking Tours offer exactly that, every day of the year. Book in advance to ensure your place.

If you prefer to rest your legs, there are plenty of boat trips available - most last around an hour and cost roughly £10.

Food and Drink

Visit Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District for a quirky atmosphere, with former meat industry buildings repurposed into high-quality restaurants and trendy bars. Check out War Pigs for a huge craft beer selection.

Paper Island (former paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press) now plays host to art exhibitions and the awesome Copenhagen Street Food market, home to 39 food stalls and bars. It's a must visit this winter as the lease is set to expire in 2018.

The hipster area of Vesterbro has plenty of great restaurants and bars - it used to be Copenhagen’s Red Light District but has since cleaned up! We recommend Neighbourhood for organic pizzas and cocktails in a cool setting.

Cap Horn, on the Nyhavn water-front, comes recommended by locals and if you like nautical décor and quality, unpretentious food then check it out.

Day Trips

Malmo, just across the border in Sweden, is easily reached by train. The city made famous by “The Bridge” has the highest concentration of restaurants per capita in Sweden, so definitely a place for foodies!

If you like castles and Shakespeare, Elsinore - “home of Hamlet” - is only 40 minutes away.