Copenhagen is a wonderfully compact city with an efficient public transport system. This is why even if time is short, you can quite easily get a feel of the place and see most of the city and its many sights and attractions. You’ll want to see as much as you can, so get your soft shoes on so you’re comfortable and get ready to have an exciting time going around the city of Copenhagen. The city is a blend of historic and modern architecture and you can find many very unusual attractions. You can pick from some fantastic things to see and do. Find out why they call it "wonderful Copenhagen" with a city sightseeing tour of Denmark's vibrant and graceful capital, and get a bird's eye view of Copenhagen's swirling towers and turrets, not forgetting the Little Mermaid by trying out the Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Copenhagen. Make the most of your time in Denmark's capital and take advantage of free and discounted transport and admission as you explore the numerous museums and attractions the city has to offer by taking the Copenhagen Card. Be sure to see the Kastelett and the Tivoli when you’re in the city of Copenhagen. You’ll have your choices of so many wonderful things to do. Go and gaze at the Amalienborg, the Royal Castle, right near the centre of the city – it is actually four castles formed around a parade square and the residence of the Queen and the royal family. 
Every day at 12 noon you can enjoy the Changing of the Guard. Copenhagen landmarks are conveniently clustered in an area that is easily accessible by foot, train or bus. Around 900 years ago, a footpath was formed down what is now the heart of the city: the pedestrians-only street, Stroget, with its centuries-old architecture, fountains and busy shops.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle was built in the years 1606-34 as the country residence of Christian IV outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace. He often stayed at Rosenborg when residing in Copenhagen, and died there in 1648. Throughout the 18th century, considerable treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle. The collection increased among other things from the estates of deceased royalty and after the fire of Christiansborg in 1794. Soon the idea of a museum arose. It was realised in 1833, which is the official year of the foundation of The Chronological Collection of the Danish Kings. In 1838, the palace was opened to the general public. A tour of Rosenborg presented the history of the Royal House from the age of Christian IV to the visitor’s own time. When the palace was opened, a room had been arranged with souvenirs of Frederik VI, even though the King did not die until the following year. The chronological review and the furnished interiors, which even today remain the characteristics of Rosenborg, were introduced here for the first time in European museum history. The collection continued to grow, and in the 1960s the initiative was taken to set up a section at Amalienborg Palace for the more recent part of the Royal House. This was realised in 1977, and since 1994 with rooms at Christian VIII’s Palace.
Amalienborg Museum
The Amalienborg Museum, like Rosenborg Castle, is part of The Chronological Collection of the Danish Kings. It is the Royal House’s own museum presenting royal culture and background to the general public. It presents culture that concerns us all. Not merely because the history of Denmark is being told, but throughout history the Royal Household has served as a model with respect to taste and customs that the population, with varying time lags, has imitated and adopted. The Museum presents a number of private interiors. They reflect the personalities of various members of the Royal House as well as the changing styles of interior design from the Victorian age to our time. In “Guldburet” (the Golden Cage), which is the treasury of the Museum, jewellery and precious objects of art are on view. Among other things, there are several works of Fabergé, the famous Russian crown jeweller, who prior to the Russian Revolution provided the Imperial Court with presents. In addition, the Museum holds a major collection of costumes, some of which are often placed on view. There are, furthermore, special exhibitions on an on-going basis. They present subjects of historical as well as present interest against the background of the royal environment.
Christian VII’s Palace
Christian VII’s Palace is the Queen’s palace for guests and official functions. The Royal Residence in Copenhagen consists of this palace and the three other Amalienborg palaces, which together are commonly referred to as Amalienborg Castle. Amalienborg is one of the finest specimens of Danish rococo architecture, and indeed of Danish architecture generally. The octagonal space formed by the palaces around the equestrian statue of Frederik V was the culmination of the new part of the city, Frederiksstaden, which was established in 1749 as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Royal Family of Oldenborg.
Tivoli Gardens
When a man named Georg Carstensen opened an area of the old Copenhagen fortifications at the edge of Copenhagen as an amusement park in 1843, he probably had no idea what kind of an entertainment success he was creating. Since then, more than 280 million people have visited the Tivoli Gardens. Today, Tivoli is centrally located right between the Central Station and the Town Hall Square at the edge of downtown Copenhagen, and is visited by virtually every tourist visiting Copenhagen when it's open. Tivoli generally follows an oriental / Asian theme, although a few recent additions like the Valhalla restaurant have broken with that tradition. It is a garden full of beautiful flowers that bloom here by the hundred thousands, and most of the trees have been in residence since the opening of the Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli is a place of lights and illumination, which makes Tivoli a very special place to visit once it gets dark. You have to go to Tivoli twice (or for a while) to experience both Tivoli atmospheres: In the daytime the abundance of flowers and the beautiful buildings, in the night time the many lights and an atmosphere that could be taken directly from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is part of the original Copenhagen Harbour all the way back to the founding of Haven, as Copenhagen was then called, in the 12th century. Today, old sailing vessels and the Harbour Canal Tour boats are the only boats observed, contributing to the unique atmosphere in Nyhavn. When in Nyhavn, the Danes really get into the typical Danish term "Hygge" - they relax and forget all about the worries of life. Now it's time to have a good time in the company of friends. That's all that matters. Relaxation is the key concept here. Having a bottle of beer within reach is not too bad an idea, either. In Denmark, contrary to other Nordic countries, it's not only allowed to sit and drink in the street, it's a common practice by all, regardless of social standing or age. It is considered part of the concept of "Hygge" - have fun, relax, enjoy the weather, get into a good mood.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue was a present from brewer Carl Jacobsen (The Carlsberg Breweries) to the city of Copenhagen, made by a then little known sculptor called Edvard Erichsen. The Little Mermaid was unveiled at Langelinje in 1913, as part of a general trend in Copenhagen in those days, selecting classical and historical figures to be used as decorations in the city's parks and public areas. In 1909, brewer Carl Jacobsen saw solo dancer Ellen Price dance in Fini Henriques' ballet "The Little Mermaid" at the Royal Theatre. He was so taken with her that he asked her if she would pose for a statue. She agreed in principle, but was not very interested in posing without any clothes on, when she found out just how public the statue would be. Instead sculptor Edvard Erichsen's wife stepped in and modelled for the body. On September 14, 1912, the Little Mermaid statue was first placed at a test location, and on August 23, 1913, at its current and permanent site. The statue's birthday is celebrated in various ways every year on August 23. Throughout the year, 75% of all tourists visiting Copenhagen go to see The Little Mermaid. The Little Mermaid symbolizes the fairy tale by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, the story of a young mermaid who fell in love with a prince who lived on land, and often came up to the edge of the water to look for her love.
Rundetaarn or Round Tower
Rundetaarn, Rundetårn or Round Tower was built in 1642 as part of a 3-in-1 facility for Copenhagen University: Observatory (Round Tower), church for the students (Trinitatis Church) and university library on the upper level above the church. The text on the front of Rundetaarn is a rebus by the king who built it, King Chriatian IV, and says: "Lead God, the right teaching and justice into the heart of the crowned King Christian IV, 1642". The cupola at the top of Rundetaarn contains what is Europe's oldest functioning observatory, available to students at Copenhagen University and others who may have an interest in using it, usually in the dark winter months. The view from Rundetaarn is spectacular.
Kastellet – Copenhagen Fortress
Copenhagen has not always been such a peaceful place to live. In 1801 and again in 1807, the English fleet came calling and these visits resulted in bombardments and sieges of Copenhagen, and the abduction of the Danish fleet. The walls and grassy areas around Kastellet not only provide protection from invading forces, they also participate in ensuring a large degree of self sufficiency, or in other words, durability in case of a siege. Thus the cannon and the windmill were both necessary parts of Kastellet. The windmill is the third one on that spot, and was built in 1847, after the previous one was blown down. The mill is still fully functional, and is tested every year on October 28th. There are only two roads into Kastellet, the gates facing North and South. Today, Kastellet houses both Army and Home Guard functions, but still have a contingent of soldiers guarding the fortress, and parading around it every evening before the flag is lowered. Today Kastellet is a peaceful place to visit. Grass everywhere, and a number of water birds.
Langelinje – The Cruise Harbour
The Northeastern quay of Copenhagen Harbor is called Langelinje, or the older Langelinie, which means long line. This refers to its long, straight design. Langelinje is the most visited cruise harbour in Europe. The Copenhagen Harbour has a unique location for cruises into the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia, and Copenhagen Airport is among the Worlds' best, with excellent connections between airport and Langelinje. At Langelinje you'll find several restaurants, a tourist information, pay and card phones and shops dealing in rather upscale Danish goods.
North of Frederiksstad
Moving North from The Royal Castle, Amalienborg towards Langelinje and The Little Mermaid, you come to Copenhagen's largest monument - the Gefion Fountain. It is not only a great sight, but also commonly used as a wishing well, as the many coins at the bottom of the basin indicate. Next to the Gefion Fountain you find the English church in Copenhagen, called Saint Alban's Church, built in 1885-87. Make sure you take the time to admire the glass windows. To the Southwest of the English church is the Danish Freedom Museum, which primarily deals with World War 2 and what took place in Denmark from 1939 to 1945. One of the largest exhibits is the probably newest Danish-produced armoured car, which was put together covertly during the last days of the German occupation, and helped persuade the last German troops to surrender.
Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street, is a lively street with an endless selection of fantastic boutiques and with many of the city’s main sights and attractions nearby. When walking through strøget you will pass Copenhagen Court House and Gammel Torv (Old Square) with the Caritas fountain, that sprays golden apples on royal birthdays and on Constitution Day. On Amagertorv and in Østergade near strøget there are many exclusive shops and boutiques selling both Danish and international labels. The city’s big department stores, Illum and Magasin du Nord, are also situated in this part of Strøget. South of Strøget you will find the atmospheric old lanes Læderstræde and Kompagnistræde. Cafés lie side by side with smart boutiques, antique dealers and small galleries. North of Strøget is Købmagergade with Rundetårn (The Round Tower) where in nearby small side streets like Kronprinsensgade, Pilestræde, Grønnegade and Ny Østergade you will find many of the most trendy fashion boutiques and hottest cafés in Copenhagen.
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