The Danish capital, Copenhagen, would have to be the spunkiest of all the Scandinavian cities. Sorry Stockholm!
The mix of the old, the new and the daring makes for a pretty impressive sight. Century old palaces stand alongside avant-garde and futuristic looking buildings; the architecture alone here is a sensory overload. Innumerable canals weave their romantic magic throughout the city center and the main attractions are within easy reach from the main port.
Copenhagen is consistently rated as one of the ‘most liveable cities in the world’, and for good reason. Its public transport system is second to none, which means exploring this city in just one day is absolutely effortless. Should you be one of the lucky visitors dropping in for the day whilst traveling on Princess Cruises, here’s a quick guide to the city’s main attractions.
Explore Copenhagen’s Canals
Start your day in this glorious city by taking a ‘kanalrundfart’, a river cruise which will take you through the main attractions in the city. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings, and thanks to the detailed commentary you can also learn quite a lot about Danish history.
There are two main companies offering these services: Netto-Bådene which operates from Nyhavn or Holmens Church, and Canal Torus Copenhagen, whose tours start in Nyhavn or Gammel Strand.
Prices vary according to the route length, but we think a one-hour trip is just about perfect. The commentary may be enlightening, but it can get a tad loud and annoying after about an hour! Expect to pay between 50 and 70DKK.
Retreat to Tivoli Gardens
This almost 200 year old amusement park is rated as one of Copenhagen’s main attractions. We couldn’t agree more! Spending a few hours in Tivoli Gardens is pure fun. The wooden roller coaster is one of the oldest (operational) in the world, and there are plenty of adrenalin-filled rides to keep young and old thoroughly entertained for a few hours. While the entertainment on Princess Cruises is outstanding, there’s nothing like a super-fast rollercoaster ride to really get the pulse racing!
A visit here may not come cheap, as aside the entry fee of 95DKK, one must also pay separately for each ride; but we think a little splurge when visiting Copenhagen is well worth it.
Do also keep in mind that park rides are not all that is offered here. The gardens are glorious and perfect for a picnic lunch; complete with fountain features and dozens of beautiful native flower beds. There is always entertainment provided in the form of concerts in the Hall and plays in the Pantomime Theatre, and you can also visit the Tivoli Aquarium, which boasts a stunning 30mtr long tropical reef display. Tivoli Gardens are located right across the road from the Town Hall, and only a block west of the National Museum.
Drop in on the Queen at Amalienborg Palace
What better way to spend the afternoon than by sharing a cuppa with the Danish Queen? She may not be home when you visit however, as Amalienborg Palace is the winter residence of the Danish Royals, but we’re sure HRH won’t mind you snooping around a bit in her gardens.
This spectacular collection of four almost-identical mansions was constructed in the 1700s for a wealthy local family. When the Royal Castle (Christiansborg) burned down in 1794, the Royal family made an offer for this complex which the owners could (obviously) not refuse!
The gardens are open to the public, as is the Museum showcasing centuries of Royal collections. While the changing of the guards is an awesome sight when the Queen is home (if the flag is up in the main building she is!), it is a little less impressive when she is away. Apparently visitors do not deserve as much pompous ceremony as the Queen! The whole thing is done swiftly and without even a whisper of trumpet.
You may not have a castle of your own, but sailing into Copenhagen on Princess Cruises will certainly make you feel like royalty! Enjoy exploring this cosmopolitan city and have yourself a truly unforgettable trip.
