An evening in 1909 Carl Jacobsen, founder of the Carlsberg Breweries, attended the Royal Theatre to see The Little Mermaid, a ballet based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Deeply moved by the performance, he subsequently commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue of this ravishing mermaid. Edvard Eriksen had his wife pose as a model, and The Little Mermaid was presented at Langelinie waterfront 23 August 1913 as a gift to the city. Every year her birthday is celebrated with balloons, music and mermaids.
The gates to the famous old Tivoli Gardens, an enchanted world of beautiful tree-lined pathways, theatres, open air stages, restaurants, cafés, and attractions ranging from monstrous rides, that will twirl and spin you around, to gentle children's rides. The gardens display a wealth of flowers, and at night thousands of lights sparkle from the trees. Open since 1843, Tivoli is one of the world's oldest amusement parks – and a must when you visit Copenhagen.
Copenhagen's largest shopping area is centered around Strøget in the heart of the city. Strøget is the world's longest pedestrian street with a wealth of shops, from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands. The stretch is 1.1 kilometers long and runs from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Strøget is a nickname from the 1800s and covers the streets Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet and Østergade.
Nyhavn, meaning New Haven, was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. The area teemed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs and alehouses. Over the years the beautiful old slanted houses were gradually renovated and classy restaurants started popping up. In summer Nyhavn is a popular hangout for dining and drinks. If you do not like the prices, do like the locals and buy a beer from a nearby store and rest your feet at the quayside.
The Old Carlsberg Brewery from 1847 has been converted into a modern visitor centre covering 10,000 square metres. Carlsberg is among the most popular attractions in Copenhagen. Here you have the opportunity to get closer to the roots of Carlsberg and probably the best lager in the world.
The Royal Danish Guard patrols the royal residence Amalienborg Palace and serves the royal Danish family. The guard marches every day at 11:30 from Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg Palace, where it executes the change of guards at noon. When the Queen is in residence, the guard is accompanied by the Royal Guard's music corps.
Rosenborg Castle was built by Danish King Christian IV in the 1600s as a royal pleasure retreat. It is said to have been his favourite castle, where he lived and died. The castle was used as a royal residence up until 1720, and each king left his mark on it. In 1838, however, Rosenborg Castle was turned into a museum with objects related to the Danish monarchs during the last 400 years.
The Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, and stars have been watched here since 1642. The observatory is encircled by an outdoor platform from which you have a magnificent view of the old part of Copenhagen. To get there you need to walk up the spiral walk close to the core of the building.
The awe inspiring Marble Church with the characteristic copper green dome has to be one of the most impressive churches in Copenhagen. The church is situated beautifully in line with Amalienborg Palace and The Opera in the middle of the area of Frederiksstaden. In fact the official name of the church is Frederik's Church. One of Copenhagen’s most magnificent views is obtained from the dome, which, however, has limited opening hours.
The Botanical Gardens of Copenhagen is a living museum and houses the largest collection of living plants in Denmark - rhododendrons, old rose varieties and 100-year-old trees. The museum also holds one of the largest herbaria of plants and fungi from all over the world. The Botanical Gardens consist of 25 acres of landscape garden, laid out in 1874, and a large Palm House with tropical and subtropical plants.