Today

Copenhagen, in Denmark, is the most popular capital city in Scandinavia.

It is the vibrant, young and confident atmosphere in a setting of fantastic architecture from both past and present that makes a visit to this city an unforgettable experience.

Sumptuous palaces, a new Opera House and the famous Tivoli Gardens blend in well with trendy bars, cool designs, fashion, Michelin starred restaurants and modern art. The result is a unique buzz unlike any other city in Europe.

Getting there has just become even easier with the addition of new flights from London City Airport with Scandinavian Airlines, adding to the airline's existing routes from Dublin, Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen.

For a taste of the past visitors should make sure they take in the Amalienborg Palace, the National Gallery, National Museum, Little Mermaid Statue and the Round Tower. A visit to the fairytale amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, in the heart of the city is still a must, but for something alternative to the classic sights, try the Carlsberg Brewery or a mini-cruise to Copenhagen's sea forts. You can even borrow a free bike and explore the city.

Contrast this with a visit to Arken, the museum of modern art featuring 20th century paintings, architecture, sculptures and collages, or Louisana, Denmark's most visited museum, which houses an extensive collection of modern art from 1945 onwards. On the design front the city boasts a new 5-story Danish Design Centre in an impressive glass-fronted building on HC Andersens Boulevard. The centre hosts regularly changing exhibitions on a diverse range of design-related themes.

Meanwhile, Kunstindustrimuseet (The Danish Museum of Decorative Art) charts the progress of Danish and international decorative design over the centuries.

If you love food be prepared to leave Copenhagen feeling a few pounds heavier. In the last few years a breathtaking array of inventive, modern and stylish new restaurants have opened in the city, many of them with French, fusion or modern Italian influence, transforming Copenhagen into a major gourmet destination. The city boasts no less than ten Michelin starred restaurants, but you can also enjoy cosy cafes along the side streets and waterfronts. From marinated reindeer to freshly caught lobster, from red hot Thai curries to traditional 'frikadeller' (Danish meat balls), from sushi to smorrebrod to Copenhagen's famous hot-dog stands - it's all here.

Copenhageners know how to enjoy themselves and the city hosts an astonishing selection of large and small music venues and night clubs. Discos and clubs tend to come alive after midnight, so many clubbers choose to spend time in the city's super-hip pre-club bars. The city is also becoming a top destination for gay travellers. The Copenhagen jazz scene has an enviable international reputation, and there are also several excellent blues and rock clubs in the city.

Shopping in the city's main pedestrian street, Stroget is a must, but so too is browsing the small neighbourhood shops located in beautiful old buildings and medieval streets. The best thing about shopping in Copenhagen is that most shops are within walking distance, whether you are looking for traditional department stores, haute couture, bric-a-brac or antiques.