The Easy Streets of Copenhagen
I'll often end my Copenhagen day at the historic Tivoli Gardens, Europe's most famous amusement park, operating since 1843. It's a festival of entertainment -- 20 acres, 100,000 lanterns, and countless calories. It's a joy to get lost in this wonderland of rides, restaurants, music, and games. I find it worth the admission just to see Danes -- young and old -- at play. Tivoli, so comfortable with its identity, is happily Danish and wonderfully Copenhagen.
Copenhageners have a knack for enjoying everyday experiences. Sampling the Danish good life (including a gooey "Danish" pastry), you'll feel right at home here. Live it up in Scandinavia's cheapest and most fun-loving capital.
IF YOU VISIT ...
SLEEPING: 71 Nyhavn has 150 rustic but classy rooms in a pair of beautifully restored early-19th-century brick warehouses on the canal (splurge, www.71nyhavnhotel.dk). Half a block from the train station is Hotel Nebo, a secure-feeling refuge with a friendly welcome and comfy rooms (moderate, www.nebo.dk).
EATING: Restaurant Schonnemann, the pricey foodies' choice, is tops for open-faced sandwiches (Hauser Plads 16, tel. 33 12 07 85). Sorgenfri offers a local experience in a dark, woody spot just off the Stroeget (Brolaeggerstraede 8, tel. 33 11 58 80).
GETTING AROUND: Copenhagen's core is walkable. To get off of the main drag, it's easy to navigate by bike, bus, Metro or S-tog commuter train.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.visitcopenhagen.com.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2015 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
