It’s fun to explore the delightful Danish capital, not least as it stands on a collection of waterways and islands linked by bridges. Driving around the city via the bridges is all part of the adventure of visiting Copenhagen, a truly friend and charming city.
Take off at Tivoli
Across one of Copenhagen’s 18 bridges you’ll find the glorious Tivoli Gardens. This leafy city centre site houses one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, with a non-stop family-friendly mix of 19th-century period details and state-of-the-art white-knuckle rides.
Around the trees and water features you’ll find live shows, floating restaurants and colourfully illuminated gardens, making it as enthralling for relaxed strollers as it is for the thrill-seekers.
The ‘freetown’
Cross some more bridges and you’ll enter the ‘freetown’ of Christiania. This ‘independent neighbourhood’ of squatters and hippies was established in 1971 and continues to defy the authorities.
It has evolved to become a colourful and alternative attraction, with curious craft shops and cafés amid outrageous wall paintings, pretty gardens and a chance to spot some of the world’s funkiest hairstyles.
New harbour
Copenhagen’s oldest waterfront district is known as Nyhavn. Here you can enjoy browsing galleries, shops and restaurants, all housed in brightly painted 17th-century harbourside buildings.
The former home of famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, its pretty, cobbled quays are now the tourist heart of Copenhagen. Old wooden sailing ships are moored along the quayside and there are regular street markets, festivals and live music performances.
Royal Copenhagen
The Danish royals are a little different: you may spot them cycling around the city or shopping in a department store. Nevertheless, they do have a spectacular Royal palace for the rest of us to visit. Amalienborg is in the heart of the city next to the waterfront.
It comprises four identical 200-year-old mini-palaces around an octagonal piazza with a towering statue of King Frederik V on horseback at its centre. You can wander across this courtyard to take photos, while it forms a great backdrop to the impressive display seen during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at 11.30am each day.
Another waterfront…
Across yet more bridges you’ll reach Langelinie, a waterfront park with a deep-water pier for cruise ships, a yacht marina and canalside walks with impressive views.
On a rock just off the shore you’ll be able to spot one of Denmark’s best-known attractions. The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue depicting the character from a Hans Christian Andersen’s famous story. It has been one of the must-see sights of the city for more than a century.
With a wonderful city to explore and gorgeous Danish countryside beyond, car hire in Copenhagen is a great way to see this attractive and welcoming city and country.