Denmark

From the effortlessly cool capital of Copenhagen—known for its forward-thinking design and yes, ample supply of cardamom buns—to more relaxed and bucolic getaways outside this Nordic country’s city centers, Denmark is a destination sure to delight travelers of all walks of life.

Denmark ranked second in the 2023 World Happiness report.

Adrian Cuj/Unsplash

Overview

Practical Information

Denmark is a Nordic country bordering Germany and Sweden. Although Danish is the national language, English is spoken widely. Copenhagen is the capital and one of the most popular places to visit in Denmark, though it’s worth getting outside of the city and visiting other areas of the country—such as West Denmark—as well.

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The Best Hotels in Copenhagen
Any visit to Copenhagen will keep you busy and full—the Danish capital boasts 22 Michelin stars in 17 restaurants. Supplement feasting on Nordic cuisine with exploring the city’s modern architecture, like the Black Diamond, which has stunning views of the river. It’s an extension of the Royal Library and named for the black granite cladding and irregular angles. The Copenhagen Opera House is another landmark worth checking it: It’s one of the most modern (and expensive) opera houses in the world. The limestone structure is surrounded by canals, giving the impression that the building is situated on an island.
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Copenhagen is full of must-do experiences, including one of the longest and liveliest shopping streets in Europe, Tivoli Gardens (the second-oldest amusement park in the world), and Copenhagen’s must-see canals. The best part? These twelve highlights are all located in Copenhagen’s center and are a short stroll from each other.
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The perfect day in Copenhagen is easier to arrange than you may think. As a city famed for its work-life balance, an ideal day in Copenhagen mixes contemporary Danish lifestyle and historical city charm. Start by soaking in the sunshine of picture-perfect Nyhavn, visit Tivoli Gardens, hit the stylish boutiques to check out the famed Danish aesthetic, sip some famed Danish beer, then sample some unforgettable Copenhagen cuisine.
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Visit the city of Hans Christin Andersen’s Little Mermaid, where the historic and cutting edge live fabulously together. Tour an old castle or new museum celebrating contemporaty design, explore Tivoli (the world’s second-oldest amusement park), and – if you’re looking for something a little edgier – wander through a nearly-autonomous, half-century-old hippie commune.
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Beyond the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s amusements include BBQing on the beach near an old fortress, touring Carlsberg Brewery, and visiting a LEGO store on the city’s historic “walking street.”
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