Copenhagen

This iconic postcard-ready sight is somewhat of a sudden splash of colour and a definite must-visit when in town. The canal was built to connect Kongens Nytorv to the harbour and was long a haunt for sailors and writers, including Hans Christian Andersen. He wrote 'The Tinderbox', 'Little Claus and Big Claus' and 'The Princess and the Pea' while living at No 20, and also spent time living at Nos 18 and 67. Stroll along the harbour and sit down for an evening drink in one of the many enticing establishments, most of which offer heating and blankets to make for a cosy time even at low temperatures.

Home of the current king, Frederik X, Amalienborg Palace consists of four austere 18th-century palaces around a large cobbled square. Notably, Amalienborg is renowned for The Royal Life Guard, and visitors can witness the daily changing of the guards, marked by a ceremonial march from Rosenborg Castle through the streets to Amalienborg at noon.

Explore Copenhagen like a local and discover the city on two wheels on this 3-hour guided bike tour. Hop on a bike and discover the Danish capital's highlights, including The Little Mermaid statue, Rosenborg Castle, and Christiania – Copenhagen's most hippie neighbourhood. Taste traditional cuisine in Torvehallerne, a modern food hall, and learn about Danish culture as you cycle between different neighbourhoods and historic landmarks.

A sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to get to know a new city. And in a city surrounded by water like Copenhagen, this is the perfect introduction! Join this 1-hour cruise around Copenhagen's picturesque canals to discover the city's top attractions like the Amalienborg Palace–home to the Danish royal family–the Little Mermaid statue, and the stunning Copenhagen Opera House. Cruise through the canal quarter of Christianshavn past colourful townhouses, cobbled lanes and houseboats and learn about King Christian IV.

New York has its Lady Liberty and Sydney its Danish-designed Opera House. When the world thinks of Copenhagen, the chances are they're thinking of the Little Mermaid. Love her or loathe her (watch Copenhageners cringe at the very mention of her), this small, underwhelming statue is arguably the most photographed sight in the country, as well as the cause of countless 'Is that it?' shrugs from tourists who have trudged the kilometre or so along an often windswept harbourfront to see her. Whether locals like it or not, The Little Mermaid has become Copenhagen's most recognisable symbol, and visiting to snap a quick shot is, certainly, worth the detour from the city's core. This commemoration of Andersen's genius is conveniently located right next to the historic fortress of Kastellet, so make sure to walk through the green star-shaped area on your way back.

Dating from 1843, the stunning Tivoli wins fans with its dreamy whirl of amusement rides, twinkling pavilions, carnival games, and open-air stage shows. Visitors can ride the renovated, century-old roller coaster, enjoy the famous Saturday evening fireworks display or just soak up the story-book atmosphere. A good tip is to go on Friday during summer when the open-air Plænen stage hosts free rock concerts by Danish bands (and the occasional international superstar).

Explore two Scandinavian countries in one day on this enjoyable tour from Copenhagen. Travel by minibus to Helsingør, where you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kronborg Castle, immortalized in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. Then, hop on a ferry to Sweden to discover the highlights of the historical university city of Lund and the vibrant city of Malmö.

Christiansborg Palace is home to Folketinget (the Danish parliament), the Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court. Visitor highlights include the glorious royal reception rooms, 11th-century ruins and royal kitchen, all of which can be visited separately or by joint ticket. Admission to the palace grounds, public galleries (during parliamentary debates only), and the tower is free. The tower, by the way, offers sweeping views of the Danish capital.

Haul yourself to the top of the 34.8m-high red-brick 'Round Tower' and you will be following in the footsteps of such luminaries as King Christian IV, who built it in 1642 as an astronomical observatory as well as a tower for the new university church, Trinitatis. You will also be following in the hoofsteps of Tsar Peter the Great's horse and, according to legend, the track marks of a car that made its way up the tower's spiral ramp in 1902.

Designed by the late Henning Larsen, Copenhagen's state-of-the-art opera house has two stages: the Main Stage and the smaller, more experimental Takkeløftet. The repertoire runs the gamut from blockbuster classics to contemporary opera. While the occasional opera is sung in English, all supertitles are in Danish only. Tickets can be booked directly via the website.

Not many stock exchanges are topped by a 56m-tall spire formed from the entwined tails of four dragons. Børsen is one. Constructed in the bustling early 17th-century reign of Christian IV, the building is considered one of the finest examples of Dutch Renaissance architecture in Denmark, with richly embellished gables. Its still-functioning chamber of commerce is the oldest in Europe, though the building is not generally open to the public.