World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
The heart of Copenhagen is ringed by a series of lakes to the northwest and by the inner harbour to the southeast. It is characterised by narrow and predominantly pedestrian streets lined with gabled houses, enticing shops and cafés. The huge Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) lies at the western end of the central area. From here, a series of pedestrianised streets (Strøget) extend as far as Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square). The castles of Rosenborg and Amalienborg and the seaman’s district of Nyboder are to be found in the area to the north and east of Kongens Nytorv. Slotsholmen Island, the site of Absalon’s original bastion, lies to the southwest. The inner harbour separates the main part of the city from Christianshavn. This island was first developed in the 17th century, when Christian IV offered tax incentives to encourage merchants, shipbuilders and tradesmen to settle there.

In the 20th century, Denmark has achieved international renown for its contemporary design. Arne Jakobsen’s furniture graces cool bars and cafés worldwide (not least in Copenhagen). In the city, the architectural heritage of Christian IV is supplemented by daring modern buildings, including the glittering waterfront extension to the Royal Library, known as the ‘Black Diamond’, and the brand new Opera House, which opened in January 2005.

Tourist Information
Wonderful Copenhagen Tourist Information – ‘ Copenhagen Right Now’
Bernstorffsgade 1 (at the entrance to Tivoli)
Tel: 7022 2442. Fax: 7022 2452.
E-mail: touristinfo@woco.dk
Website: www.visitcopenhagen.dk
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800 (May-Jun); Mon-Sat 0900-2000, Sun 1000-1800 (Jul-Aug); Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1400, Sun closed (Sep-April)

Use It (Youth Information Centre)
Rådhusstræde 13
Tel: 3373 0620. Fax: 3373 0620.
E-mail: useit@kff.kk.dk
Website: www.useit.dk
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 1100-1600, Thurs 1100-1800, Fri 1100-1400 (15 Sep-14 Jun); daily 0900-1900 (15 Jun-14 Sep).

This is a separate tourist information office for young, budget travellers, although a good deal of information useful to all ages and budgets is contained on their website.

Passes
The Copenhagen Card is valid for either 24 or 72 hours (Dkk 199 and Dkk429 respectively for adults, Dkk 129 and Dkk249 for children up to 15) and provides free admission to more than 60 attractions, as well as free travel on all buses and trains and a comprehensive guide that includes maps and detailed information on more than 100 museums, sights and other services. These cards are available from travel agencies, hotels, railway stations or at the main tourist information office.