Day 1: Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens

Do: Spend the day at Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park. The mix of architectural styles adds to the wonder of the park: from Poul Henningsen’s lamps to the Moorish design of Nimb. On Midsummer’s Eve in June, Danish families gather to watch as the figure of a burning witch rises from a blazing bonfire and lets out a loud shriek, symbolizing the burning of evil spirits.

Stay: The family-friendly Tivoli Hotel has impeccably modern rooms with touches of harlequinade decor that reflect the childlike spirit of the gardens.

Nimb

Dine: Nimb, an institution that dates back to the 19th century, is a restaurant empire located inside the park but accessible without an admission fee. It includes Louise, a fine dining restaurant, as well as a bar and grill and an outdoor eatery. 

Nimb's Brasserie

Go to Brasserie for European-style classics and Nordic fare, like North Sea cod or biksemad, a Danish hash typically made with leftover roast. Nimb’s version includes poached egg, beetroot and capers.

Day Two: Copenhagen

Do: Start the day at the National Museum, a short walk from Tivoli Gardens. Check out the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age “fashions” on display in the prehistory section. Skirts, jewellery, suits and tasselled belts are preserved in peat bogs and offer a rare glimpse into how our ancestors dressed. 

Danish Design Center

In the afternoon, discover why Danish design is considered iconic the world over at the Danish Design Center. Exhibitions like Denmark by Design (open until May 2013) feature such retro creations as Fritz Hansen’s Nap chair and the still stylish Joke shoes from 1978.

Fiskebaren/Photo: Thomas Busk

Dine: Head to Fiskebaren in the hip meat-packing district to mingle with Copenhagen’s well-heeled, beautiful people. This fish bar features the city’s freshest catch, including lumpfish roe from Sweden, blue mussels from Limfjorden (a shallow sound in northern Denmark) and hake from Denmark’s western shores.