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Copenhagen. |
Top Copenhagen Attractions
The first time you visit Copenhagen, or any new
destination, the question asked isn’t usually what attractions
should be scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect,
how to get there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided
tips, advice, and other information about the top tourist attractions
in Copenhagen to help with your itinerary planning.
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Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen’s landmark amusement park, Tivoli, is Denmark’s biggest
attraction. Tivoli Gardens opened its gates to the public in 1843.
Not surprising, Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks operating
today. The park is open from April through September and then again
during the Christmas season from November 18th until December 23rd.
The park opens daily at 11 am during this time.
The
twenty-one acre amusement park provides an assortment of entertainment
including children’s rides, shooting galleries, games of chance,
a hot air balloon ride, and one of the scariest wooden roller coasters
around. In addition, there are numerous free events including outdoor
concerts and theatre performances. Pickup a guidebook at the ticket
office. The guidebook includes a map of Tivoli along with a calendar
of events. There are plenty of dinning areas scattered throughout
the park ranging from gourmet restaurants to informal cafes perfect
for lunch, dinner, or taking a break from the rides. There is no
better place then Tivoli for sampling Danish cuisine.
Tivoli enchants its guest with palaces, a swan filled lake, and
thousands of colorful flowers. In the evening, the park is illuminated
with thousands of lights giving it a magical look. Every Saturday
just before midnight the park ignites the sky with a brilliant display
of fireworks.
Tivoli is a celebration of life. There is no place else that exudes
Danish culture like Tivoli. It’s no wonder why the park attracts
over 4 million visitors per year.
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The Little Mermaid
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Langelinie 2100 Copenhagen |
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The
statue of the Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s largest
attractions. The statue was inspired by H.C. Anderson’s fairy
tale. The statue was unveiled in 1913. The Little Mermaid is located
on top a boulder just off shore Copenhagen’s harbor. The Little
Mermaid sits amongst parks filled with rolling green hills. The
walk to the famous statue is most enjoyable. However, finding the
statue can be difficult. The Little Mermaid is just slightly larger
then life size. Locals tend to poke fun at the statue’s enduring
popularity. However, a visit to Copenhagen would not be complete
without seeing the Little Mermaid perched on her boulder along the
harbor. The statue is often the victim of vandals; so don’t
be surprised if you make the journey to the mermaid’s stoup
only to find that the statue is out for repairs. (On 9/11/2003 the
Little Mermaid was knocked off its boulder into the harbor. The
statue was cracked and had to be remolded. Disappointed tourists
made the best out of the situation. Many climbed on top of the boulder
posing as the Little Mermaid for photographs.)
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Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace became the official royal residence in 1794 after Christiansborg
Palace burned down. Amalienborg Palace consists of four elaborate
French-style mansions built around a large square. The changing
of the guard occurs daily at 11:45 am when Queen Margrethe II is
in residence. The royal family is typically home from December to
April. Queen Margrethe and her husband Prince Henrik usually spend
the summer months at Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand. The guards
are dressed lavishly with bearskins hats. The event draws a large
crowd and consists of a lot of marching followed by a parade. Much
of the palace remained closed off until 1994 when a number of chambers
opened up to visitors. Today, visitors can tour Christian IX’s
private study, Queen Louise’s drawling room, and Frederik
VIII’s study. The private rooms are royally decorated with
the monarchs’ actual belongings.
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Christiania Denmark
Contrary to what many folks would have you believe. Copenhagen is not like
its merry neighbor, Amsterdam, to the south. Meaning, marijuana
use and sale is not permitted. There is, however, a small self-governing
community affectionately called Christiania that was founded by
hippies in the 1970’s where such behavior is accepted. There
has been an ongoing battle between city officials regarding Christiania.
The debate between allowing Christiania to exist or to reclaim the
land has been ongoing. The area known as Christiania is quite small,
only 800 yards. Here you’ll find small vendors selling marijuana
and hash along side the community’s walkways. Pre-rolled joints
are also available for purchase. There are a number of establishments
where locals and tourist gather to smoke marijuana and enjoy a beverage.
Christiania does have a four star restaurant called Spiseloppen
that draws folks from all over Copenhagen.
More Information www.christiania.org
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Copenhagen Travel Guides
Frommer's Copenhagen
Lonely Planet Copenhagen
Let's Go Copenhagen
Fodors Copenhagen
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