The waterside city of Copenhagen is packed with old-world fairytale charm alongside some of the world's most avante garde architecture. It is a vibrant, modern city with a long and fascinating history, having been the capital of Denmark for close on 600 years and home to the oldest resident monarchy in the world.

The biggest city in Scandinavia, Copenhagen occupies a pleasant and strategic spot on the Baltic east coast of Denmark's largest island, Zealand, its harbour overlooked by the world-famous statue of the 'Little Mermaid'.

One of the first impressions that strike visitors to this busy, dynamic capital is the cleanliness and orderliness that prevails in its narrow medieval cobbled central city streets and along the picturesque canals in Christianshavn. Most of the myriad attractions for visitors are situated within about one square mile (3 sq km) of flat terrain in the centre, making it easy to explore on foot (or bicycle, which is the vehicle of choice for locals).

Five streets in the heart of the city have been merged to provide the world's longest pedestrian mall, running between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, which are packed with historic gabled buildings, dynamic department stores, stunning shops, restaurants, pavement cafes, theatres, and world-class museums and galleries.

Despite the condensed city centre, Copenhagen is not short on green lungs: parks such as the ever-popular Tivoli Gardens abound in this city, which prides itself on its strict anti-pollution laws and lack of glass and chrome skyscrapers.

The family-friendly city that spawned Hans Christian Andersen is, indeed, a modern fairy-tale: one of Europe's finest capitals that retains a provincial charm and sense of history along with its cutting-edge efficiency, offering its justifiably proud citizens an extremely high standard of living.

Tivoli Gardens

Address: Vesterbrogade 3 Copenhagen

Admission: General Admission: kr 85 (adults); kr 45 (children 3-11 years), multi-ride tickets are kr 200 (adults), kr 160 (children). Season passes and concessions available Open daily at 11am; closing times vary according to season, but usually between 11pm and 12am. See website for details

Telephone: 3315 1001

Copenhagen's world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom, and the other the theme park with game arcades and thrill rides. Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens of concerts, pantomimes and circus shows, many of them free, are offered during the season.

Historical Museums

Address: The Copenhagen City Museum, Vesterbrogade 59. The National Museum, Ny Vestergade 10. Open Air Museum, Kongevejen 100 Copenhagen

Admission: Copenhagen City Museum: kr 20 (adults), children under 18 free; Fridays free for all. National Museum: Free. Open Air Museum: kr 25 Copenhagen City Museum: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10am to 4pm, until 9pm on Wednesdays. National Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Open Air Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (3 April and 30 September). Rest of the year Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (until 9pm on Thursdays throughout July)

Telephone: Open Air Museum and National Museum: 33 134 411. Copenhagen City Museum: 33 210 772

The rich history of Denmark, from Viking days through to the Second World War resistance movement, is encapsulated in fascinating collections of artefacts housed in a series of museums in and around Copenhagen. The Prince's Palace in the city centre houses the National Museum covering Danish history in general and a collection of international antiquities. The open air museum a few miles north of the city makes for a fascinating excursion with its 100 or so buildings, most relocated from elsewhere in the country, set out to illustrate what life was like in rural Denmark in days of yore. Visitors can get up to date on the history of the city itself in the Copenhagen City Museum, housed in the Royal Shooting Society's palace dating from 1787.

Art Galleries

Address: Museum of Decorative Arts: Bredgade 68. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Gl. Strandvej 13, Humlebæk. National Gallery: Sølvgade 48-50. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Dantes Plads 7 Copenhagen

Admission: Museum of Decorative Arts: kr 50 (adults). Louisiana Museum of Modern art: kr 80 (adults), under 18s free. National Gallery: Free admission, charge for special exhibits. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: kr 50 (adults), under 18s free. Concessions available Museum of Decorative Arts: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Daily 10am to 5pm, until 10pm on Wednesdays. National Gallery: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, until 8pm on Wednesdays. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Telephone: Museum of Decorative Arts: Tel: 3318 5656; Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: 4919 0719; National Gallery: 3374 8494; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: 3341 8141

Copenhagen is a city with a proud heritage of art and design, well showcased in numerous museums and galleries as well as architecture. Among the most renowned collections are those housed in the popular Museum of Decorative Arts (traces the history of Danish design), the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (featuring world famous artists), the National Gallery (more than 8,000 works dating from the 13th century to modern times) and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (antiquities, French impressionists and contemporary Danish art).

Nyhavn Canal

Address: Copenhagen

The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is today colloquially known as the 'longest bar in Scandinavia'. This is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full of action and entertainment 24 hours a day. The canal itself is crammed with old wooden sailing ships, adding to the atmosphere. Tourists enjoy not only the hospitality establishments along the canal but also visit the house at No.20 Nyhavn, home of famous fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote his first stories here between 1834 and 1838. Andersen later occupied two other houses in Nyhavn.

Rosenborg Castle

Address: Øster Voldgade 4 Copenhagen

Admission: Entry to the gardens is free. The castle: kr 70 (adults); children under 17 free Open daily from 10am to 4pm/5pm during summer, and from 11am to 3pm during winter. Closed 17-26 December. Times can vary month to month so consult website for details

Telephone: 3315 3286

The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark's royal family as well as acting as repository for the Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle cellars and can be viewed by the public. The magnificent castle gardens are a welcome retreat from the city hustle and bustle.

Freetown Christiania

Address: Christianshavn Copenhagen

Freetown Christiania is a partially self-governing neighbourhood in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen, dominated largely by a freethinking 'hippy' culture. Local rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests and hard drugs. Aside from its cannabis smoking affinity, Christiana is also well known for its inhabitants' love of meditation and yoga, and abroad it is celebrated as a showcase of the progressive and liberated Danish lifestyle. Christiania is considered a 'Losers' Paradise' for the creative and recreational values widely practised in the area. However, visitors can enjoy the neighbourhood's peaceful green environment and its magical combination of village and metropolitan life.

The Little Mermaid

Address: Langelinie Harbour Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid, basking on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour, is one of Denmark's biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was put up in 1913, and over a million people visit the mermaid every year. At only about 4 feet (1.25m) high, she is very small, with naked breasts and a fish tail; she seems to be in her true element when the waves crash against her rock. The sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, modelled the mermaid's head after ballerina Ellen Price. When the ballerina wouldn't model in the nude for the body, the sculptor's wife posed for him. There are some similarities between the Little Mermaid and the 'Pania of the Reef' statue on the Napier beachfront in New Zealand, and with Vancouver's 'Girl in a Wetsuit' sculpture.

Christiansborg Palace

Address: Slotsholmen Copenhagen

Admission: Royal Reception Rooms, adults DKK70 and children DKK35; the Ruins, adults DKK40 and children DKK20. Open daily (except Mondays form October to April), 10am to 4pm.

When sightseeing in Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace is an architecture or history lover's dream, and a winter snowfall adds to its romantically royal appearance. This is further enhanced by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it existed as Absalon's Castle. The complex consists of several different buildings, centred by a neo-baroque core, and is home to important institutions; the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court. The royal family uses the palace church, the Royal Reception Rooms and the Riding Ground Complex. From the front steps of the main castle, there are also some stunning churches within easy viewing distance. This attraction embodies the essence of Danish history, architecture and royalty.

Legoland Billund

Address: Billund Copenhagen

Admission: Seasonal, open April to October.

Telephone: +45 7533 1333

Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park, is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it plays host to numerous visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory. The features are divided into 'Worlds', including Denmark's iconic Miniland as well as Duplo Land, Imagination Zone, Legoredo Town, Adventure Land, Pirate Land, Lego City and the Knights' Kingdom. With a legendary selection of rides, shops and eateries, Legoland Billund has something to offer to everyone in the family, kids and folks alike!

Bakken Amusement Park

Address: Dyrehavevej 62 Copenhagen

Admission: Free. Wristbands allowing access to a minimum of 10 rides start at DKK 199 Open 1 March to 31 August from 9.30am – 5pm (Fridays 9.30am – 4.30pm); 1 September to 28 February from 10am – 4pm (Fridays 9am – 3pm). Closed weekends.

Telephone: 3963 3544

The oldest amusement park in the world and one of Denmark's favourites, Bakken Amusement Park has delighted countless visitors since it first opened in 1583. Featuring 34 thrilling rides and roller coasters, a love tunnel, merry-go-round and even dancing, Bakken also has open-air eateries where exhausted families can relax and refuel.

Denmark Aquarium

Address: Kavalergården 1 Copenhagen

Admission: DKK 100 (Adults); DKK 55 (Children) Open November to January from 10am – 4pm; February to May and September to October from 10am – 5pm (Wednesdays from 10am – 8pm); July and August from 10am – 6pm (Wednesdays from 10am – 8pm); Closed 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January.

Telephone: 3962 3283

Boasting more than 300 species of marine life form across the globe, the Denmark Aquarium features over 70 aquariums with the largest containing 85,000 litres of water. Other facilities include a café where visitors can take a break and grab a bite to eat, and there are feeding time shows and even touch pools for the little ones to enjoy.

The Mystic Exploratorie

Address: Østergade 16 Copenhagen

Admission: DKK 67 (Adults); DKK54 (children) Open daily from 10am – 6pm. Closed 1 January and 24, 25 and 31 December

Telephone: 33 323 131

The Mystic Exploratorie is a fantastic, yet slightly creepy and somewhat thrilling attraction for kids of all ages to enjoy. Swap heads with the person next to you, try the ghost wheel or try the electric chair if you dare!

Copenhagen Zoo

Address: Roskildevej 38 Copenhagen

Admission: DKK 130 (adults); DKK70 (children) Open 365 days a year from 9am – 4pm on weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends. From 27 June – 16 August open until 9pm

Telephone: 72 200 200

Founded in 1859, the Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and features an amazing selection of animals from all over the world. Featuring an Elephant House, a favourite with children of all ages, the Copenhagen Zoo is the only zoo outside of Australia to feature Tasmanian Devils. Other notable animals include red pandas, hippos, yaks and camels.

Eskperimentarium

Address: Tuborg Havnevej 7 Copenhagen

Admission: DKK145 (adults); DKK95 (children) Open daily from 9.30am – 5pm. (Tuesdays 9.30am – 9pm)

Telephone: 39 273 333

Featuring almost 300 interactive exhibitions for children of all ages to enjoy, the Eskperimentarium is a hands on science museum that aims to encourage children to take an interest in science while learning and enjoying themselves at the same time. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, visitors can be sure that there is always something fun and exciting for children to enjoy.

Roskilde Festival

Where: 22 miles (35km) from Copenhagen,Copenhagen

When: 1 - 4 July 2010

The hot and happening Roskilde Festival is one of Europe's greatest rock music feasts, featuring top international and local artists in a packed and varied programme. Names like Fat Boy Slim and Avril Levigne top the bill in a series of concerts across six stages that are complemented with numerous allied events and activities.

Cultural Harbour Festival

Where: The main area for the Cultural Harbour festival is the Harbour Park at Islands Brygge; also Havneholmen and Kalvebod Brygge,Copenhagen

When: August 2010 TBA

Copenhagen's harbour comes alive with the annual cultural festival, four days crammed with dance, music, theatre, art and sports events both on the sea and ashore. Events include regattas, trampoline-diving, evening concerts by the water, workshops for children, a triathlon and much more.

Tivoli Christmas Market

Where: Main entrance to Tivoli is at 3 Vesterbrogade,Copenhagen

When: 20 November to 30 December 2009

Copenhagen's magical amusement park, Tivoli, is not just a summer fun venue. For the past decade the park has opened for the Christmas season in an extremely festive guise to provide an unforgettable yuletide experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors, young and old. Not only are many of the park's famous rides open for business during the Christmas fun run, but there are the added attractions of thousands of fragrant Christmas trees, miles of fir garlands, candles and electric lights, a skating rink, elves everywhere, Santa Claus of course, and four Christmas market 'villages' where shoppers can find an array of presents in Nordic Village, Alp Village, Forest Troll Town or Old England. Several musical and theatrical productions are offered in the Park's indoor entertainment venues and restaurants serve up traditional Christmas fare.

Ida Davidsen

Address: 70 Store Kongensgade Copenhagen

Food Type: Local

Denmark's undisputed gourmet speciality is the smørrebrød (known to non-Danes as 'smorgasbord'), a selection of open sandwiches served for lunch, usually made up of a variety of fish and seafood. The smorgasbord 'queen' in Copenhagen is Ida Davidsen, who is the fifth generation of her family to serve this unique cuisine and offers the longest smorgasbord menu in Denmark at six feet (2m) long! Try the 'Preben Elkjær' on rye bread with plaice fillets, asparagus and smoked salmon. Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 5pm. Reservations recommended.

Den Sorte Ravn

Address: 14 Nyhavn Copenhagen

Food Type: Local

Den Sorte Ravn (The Black Raven) serves fine Danish cuisine with some classic French touches. A speciality of the house in this comfortable establishment is fillet of turbot in puff pastry with lobster salmon mousse and parsley, served with cognac flavoured lobster sauce. The other items on the menu, particularly the fish dishes, are just as mouth-watering. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Café Sorgenfri

Address: 8 Brolæggerstræde Copenhagen

Food Type: Café

For a traditional meal and a good time, follow the local workers to their popular luncheon spot, Café Sorgenfri. The simple 19th century basement restaurant in the heart of the city's pedestrian precinct was originally a sailor's tavern and is still a very lively drinking hole after the kitchen closes. The décor reflects old Copenhagen with its gilt-framed pictures, wrought-iron chandeliers and leather-panelled walls. At lunch time, it is sought after for its excellent classic smørrebrøds (open sandwiches), washed down with a Carlsberg beer. Opens daily, 11am to 9pm. Reservations recommended.

Det Lille Apotek

Address: 15 Store Kannikestræde Copenhagen

Food Type: Local

This cosy, traditional restaurant is reputedly the oldest eatery in Copenhagen, dating back to 1720. In days of yore it was an artist's meeting place and now features menu items named for Danish celebrities who used to dine here, like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard. The food is traditional Danish and one of the signature dishes is 'Apoteker Stew' - tenderloin, bacon, cocktail sausages and pineapple in a creamy paprika sauce. Open for lunch and dinner daily, reservations recommended.

Ristorante Vesuvio

Address: 4 Radhuspladsen Copenhagen

Food Type: Italian

Italian cuisine has become the international favourite and Copenhagen's copious list of restaurants would not be complete without an Italian gem. The Ristorante Vesuvio fits the bill, serving up a heart-warming 'Chef's Pasta Parade' of tasty options, and a selection of pizzas. The menu also features numerous Italian gourmet meat and fish dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Promenaden in Tivoli

Address: Vesterbrogade 3, Tivoli Copenhagen

Food Type: Gastropubs

In Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens, the bustling Promenaden is a 'multi-food-house'. With a view to the Garden's open-air stage, an international menu and vibey atmosphere, the premises also include a bar and café, as well as live music at weekends. On offer are staples like barbecue spare ribs, steaks and pasta or, for a real budget snack, head for the back corridor where there is a sausage bar and beef sandwich deli. The restaurant functions during the summer season only when Tivoli itself is open from 12pm to midnight.

Gødt

Address: 38 Gothersgade Copenhagen

Food Type: International

Catering to a maximum of 20 guests at a time, Gødt is a classy restaurant offering a very personalised and intimate dining experience. This refined approach is extended to the menu which offers a selection of the finest veal, seafood and vegetables, all prepared with fresh local herbs. Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, reservations essential.

Noma

Address: 93 Strandgade Copenhagen

Food Type: Local

Set in an 18th century waterfront warehouse, Noma exudes Nordic charm in its functional simplicity. The décor combines oak, stone and leather with glass and metal in a light and spacious dining area. Using fresh ingredients from the North Atlantic, the menu offers Scandinavian cuisine such as pork with wild ramson leaves, or sautéed lobster with pickled hip rose. Open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Khun Juk Oriental

Address: 9 Store Kongensgade Copenhagen

Food Type: Thai

Set in Boltens Gård, Khun Juk is a stylish Thai restaurant celebrated for its authentic cuisine. Favourites from the menu include spicy Thai beef salad or steamed mussels with horapa (Thai sweet basil) and lemongrass. The dining room has classic décor and a warm atmosphere, while the outdoor area has lovely café umbrellas and potted plants. Open Monday to Saturday for dinner, reservations recommended.

Peder Oxe

Address: 11 Gråbrødretorv Copenhagen

Food Type: Local

Located in Gråbrødretorv, one of the oldest squares in Copenhagen, Restaurant Peder Oxe is set in an historic 19th century building with light-filled rooms and high ceilings. The menu varies with the changing of the season and includes everything from classic lamb and beef dishes to fresh seafood and game. The 'Market Buffet' also offers a great selection. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.