With Denmark’s capital welcoming a record number of cruise ship visits last winter, explore some options for a day ashore in the Scandi city
1. Amalienborg Palace
See how the Danes do the changing of the guard, before taking a peek behind the scenes at Denmark’s royal residence. Clients can learn more about Danish royalty in the Amalienborg Museum, which covers the new King Frederik X and the 19th-century ‘in-laws of Europe’, Christian IX and Queen Louise, whose children married into monarchies across the continent.
2. Snack on smørrebrød
The city’s culinary scene – which prides itself on local, seasonal produce – spans fancy restaurants such as Noma, street-food markets and laid-back cafes. And be sure to try smørrebrød, an open sandwich that’s been elevated to new heights.
3. Tivoli Gardens
No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without visiting the fairytale pagodas, whirling merry-go-rounds and carnival atmosphere of the historic Tivoli Gardens. The 181-year-old amusement park in the city centre is said to have inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland Resort and these days it’s home to everything from an old-style wooden rollercoaster to the modern 60mph Vertigo and 12-room haunted house, Villa Vendetta.
4. The Opera Park
Copenhagen’s newest green space is Opera Park, on the city’s buzzy waterfront next to the Royal Danish Opera House (pictured). It features distinct gardens, including the English Garden, White Nordic Forest and a Cherry Grove. There’s also a lush and leafy greenhouse café with views over the water.
5. Home of Carlsberg
The recently revamped Home of Carlsberg offers a look at how beer is made via a new digital exhibition, as well as a tour of the old cellars and, of course, plenty of opportunities for tasting along the way. Clients can also meet the brewing horses – descendants of the horses that transported beer around the city until the 1950s – at the on-site stable.
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Maridav, Gimas, Suratwadee Rattanajarupak, badahos