Copenhagen - city by the sea
Copenhagen is a lively modern capital with an old city centre. Founded more than 800 years ago by Bishop Absalon, the city has grown substantially with its suburbs to the north, west and south of the city, bringing the population today up to 1.3 million. The old city centre, however, has kept its cosy atmosphere with narrow streets, cafés and shops, churches and museums, and the three palaces: Christiansborg, Rosenborg and Amalienborg. 
The enchanting old city centre is easily navigated on foot. Strøget, the longest pedestrian street in Europe, winds it way through the town, providing a good starting point to explore the cosy atmosphere of the narrow side streets with their cafés and shops.
In 2010, the city was named as Europe's Leading Cruise Destination for the fifth time since 2004. We also have a very high rating as a conference destination city. Exciting galleries, art collections, museums, the performing arts and a world class opera house make the city worth a visit. It was the home of such famous Danes as H.C. Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard (2013 is the bicentennial year of Kierkegaard's birth) and the physicist Niels Bohr.
A typical city tour would take you past Tivoli, the Town Hall Square and the entrance to Strøget. You pass by Christiansborg Palace, which houses Folketing, the Parliament, as well as the Queen's official reception rooms, the Prime Minister's office and the Supreme Court. A must-see is the Old Stock Exchange with its unusual tower with four dragons with their tails entwined. And of course, Nyhavn, the former sailors' area, where today you have a whole street of colourful old houses turned into restaurants and serving the well-known Danish lunch called smørrebrød. Another must is an outside visit to the Queen's winter residence, Amalienborg Palace, and finally, a photostop at the Little Mermaid.
updated : December 2012
