Copenhagen

Copenhagen is Denmark's capital, sitting on the eastern edge of the island of Zealand and connected to Sweden by the Oresund Bridge. It's a compact city, and most of what visitors come for is within walking or cycling distance of the centre. The old harbour, the royal palaces, the shopping streets around Stroget and the canal district all cluster close together, so you can cover a lot on foot in a single day. Bikes are woven into daily life here, and the city is built around them, with dedicated lanes on most major streets. Renting one for a day is one of the easier ways to get around, though the metro and buses are reliable if the weather turns.

The landmarks are a mix of the classic and the sober. Tivoli Gardens, near the central station, is one of the older amusement parks still running, and it draws crowds year-round but especially in summer and around Christmas. For something more reflective, the Museum of Danish Resistance covers the country's occupation during the Second World War and the underground movements that formed in response. Between those two extremes you'll find royal residences, harbourfront swimming spots in the warmer months, and a food scene that runs from open-faced smorrebrod sandwiches at lunch counters to the new-Nordic restaurants the city became known for. Many attractions charge separate admission, so it's worth checking what each place needs before you set out.

Weather is the thing most first-timers underestimate. Summers are mild and the days run long, which is when the city feels busiest and outdoor life is at its peak. Winters are dark and cold, but that's also when the Christmas markets and lights appear. Whenever you come, pack a layer and something waterproof. English is very widely spoken, card payment is accepted almost everywhere, and cash is rarely needed. If you're arriving from Turkiye, direct flights land at Copenhagen Airport, which connects to the city centre by metro and train in a short ride.