Visiting Copenhagen, Denmark: Royal History in a Modern Capital

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, is a vibrant, beautiful destination for a vacation. The charming streets are packed with sites of historical interest, existing seamlessly alongside a thriving contemporary culinary and entertainment scene. There is a friendly, international atmosphere in this unforgettable city which has so much to offer for all tastes and interests.

The history of Copenhagen is inseparable from that of the Danish Monarchy. The current ruler, Queen Margrethe II, is the latest to reign in the world’s oldest monarchy. Her home is in the center of this charming and picturesque city, where her family have lived for many centuries.

Copenhagen was founded in 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a fortress here on Slotsholmen Island. The Danish Parliament still sits at the same site, in the historic Christiansborg Palace. By 1417, a vast area of Scandinavia, including not only Denmark but also parts of Norway and Sweden, was ruled from here.

Modern Copenhagen has much to offer in the way of dining out and entertainment, too. The continental feel of the Danish capital really comes to the fore where food and drink is concerned. Visitors can relax and enjoy the many different international cuisines available in the wide array of restaurants, or be adventurous and discover some local specialties. A cold beer in an authentic Danish “kro” is often accompanied by pølser (hot dogs), an open Danish sandwich, known as a smørrebrød , or perhaps frikadeller (meatballs). Good food and drink is a central part of Danish culture, and there are excellent cafes and restaurants, as well as trendy pubs and nightclubs throughout the city.

In Copenhagen, things don’t really get going until past midnight, when the nightclubs open and people move on from the many cozy, congenial bars and cafes where they have spent the earlier part of the evening enjoying what the Danish call “hygge”- time spent with good food and good company. The atmosphere in many nightclubs is relaxed and casual, but if you want to really dress up you can head to one of the fancier spots. There are a whole range of venues available, catering from the cozy to the trendy, from genuine Danish ambiance to all types of live music. You can party till dawn in this busy, thriving capital city.

A visit to Copenhagen would not be complete without experiencing the famous amusement park in the Tivoli Gardens. There is something to interest everyone in this scenic park, which houses restaurants, theaters, and rides such as enchanting merry-go-rounds, all within the idyllic setting of an unbelievably charming village, which seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. There are plenty of other places to discover around the city too, including the Bakken and the New Carlsberg Glyptotek. Animal lovers and children will enjoy Copenhagen Zoo and Denmark’s aquarium, while the National Museum is a must for a burst of culture.

Copenhagen, Denmark has something for all tastes, and with its relaxed, continental atmosphere and royal history, combined with the vibrancy and bustle of a modern capital city, it will make the perfect vacation destination.