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.

Escape the capitalist crunch and head to Freetown Christiania, a hash-scented commune straddling the eastern side of Christianshavn. Since its establishment by squatters in 1971, the area has drawn nonconformists from across the globe, attracted by the concept of collective business, workshops, and communal living. Explore beyond the settlement's infamous 'Pusher Street' – lined with shady hash and marijuana dealers who do not appreciate photographs – and you'll stumble upon a semi-bucolic wonderland of whimsical DIY homes, cosy garden plots, eateries, beer gardens, and music venues.

A 'once upon a time' combo of turrets, gables and moat, the early-17th-century Rosenborg Slot was built in Dutch Renaissance style between 1606 and 1633 by King Christian IV to serve as his summer home. Today, the castle's 24 upper rooms are chronologically arranged, housing the furnishings and portraits of each monarch from Christian IV to Frederik VII. The pièce de résistance is the basement Treasury, home to the dazzling crown jewels, among them Christian IV's glorious crown and Christian III's jewel-studded sword.

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).

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.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is located 35 km north of Copenhagen, on the shore of the Øresund Sound in Humlebæk. The interaction between world-class art, nature and architecture is unique, and Louisiana is often hailed as 'probably the most beautiful museum in the world'. The collection includes significant chapters in XXth-century art, and the museum is a dynamic framework for grand exhibitions, concerts, literature and more.

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.

One of the most iconic architectural masterpieces in Copenhagen is 'The Blue Planet' (Den Blå Planet), Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, home to thousands of animals and 7 million litres of water. It offers a unique experience, combining entertainment, fascination and knowledge in a spectacular setting. Surely worth paying a visit.

Queen Margrethe II took her marriage vows here in 1967, and while much of the present Dutch Renaissance–style structure dates from 1641, the church's nave was originally built in 1562 to be used as an anchor forge. Converted into a church for the Royal Navy in 1619, the building's burial chapel contains the remains of Admiral Niels Juel, who beat back the Swedes in the crucial 1677 Battle of Køge Bay. Other highlights include an intricately carved 17th-century oak altarpiece and pulpit.

The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) is Denmark’s leading exhibition venue for new architecture and urban development located in an old warehouse by the waterfront. DAC offers changing exhibitions, discussions, debates and cultural events. Enjoy lunch in the café and be sure to stop by the bookshop with the finest selection of books on architecture and design.

Located by the canals, Gl Strand is a unique venue of modern and contemporary art. Annually, it hosts between six and eight exhibitions featuring the newest tendencies and modern art with a contemporary twist along with artist talks, performances, and other events.

Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), the Danish national gallery, is the only place in Denmark that features 700 years of Western art and cultural history under one roof. Consequently, a visit to the museum means an artistic encounter between classical, modern and contemporary art, just as the museum building itself representing a fusion of new and old.

Kunsthal Charlottenborg is the largest contemporary art venue in Copenhagen, presenting exhibitions by the most exciting artists from Denmark and around the world. You can also visit the great café with outdoor serving during summer as well as the bookshop – Motto Charlottenborg. Kunsthal Charlottenborg is situated on Nyhavn, next to the canal, just behind Kongens Nytorv.

The Hirschsprung Collection displays a unique selection of Danish art from the 19th century. The collection gives an almost overwhelming view of the period’s pictorial art, which is one of the most exciting and dynamic in Danish art. Here are works by masters such as Hammershøi, Eckersberg, Købke, Ancher and Krøyer. The museum is set in one of the most beautiful parks in the heart of Copenhagen, Østre Anlæg.

The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the charming old estate of Rungstedlund where the world-famous author was born and lived most of her life. Experience the unique atmosphere of the very rooms where books such as 'Out of Africa' and 'Seven Gothic Tales' were written. The museum also boasts a park, a cosy café, and many special exhibitions and events throughout the year.