Known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’ from Scandinavia, the utterly charming city of Copenhagen, Denmark is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit, and a destination that will exceed your expectations, no matter where you’ve traveled before.

This cosmopolitan city welcomes visitors from near and far, and offers a plethora of enjoyable activities including sightseeing excursions, fine dining, cultural exhibits, and high-end shopping.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Copenhagen, Denmark

From stylish hotels that provide modern amenities and a cozy, inviting atmosphere to exciting outdoor adventures (at the second oldest amusement park in the world) to taking a step back in time (into the past 20,000-years of Danish history), featured in this luxury travel guide are the ultimate places to stay and play in Copenhagen, Denmark.

From colorful architecture that lines the waterfront streets to busy eateries and shops, this bustling city is a see-and-be-seen mecca for energized, young professionals and tourists.

How To Get Around Copenhagen, Denmark

Everywhere you look, you’ll find stylish Danes bicycling around the cozy streets, wearing their signature ensembles – black leather moto jackets and skinny jeans. As the Visit Copenhagen tourism board says, “Life in Copenhagen is lived in the saddle of a bicycle.”

Not only is hopping on a bike a great way to take in the sights of this magnificent city, it’s also an easy way to stay in shape. That possibly explains why the majority of the guys and gals here look like Scandinavian supermodels!

Even if you don’t jump onto a bicycle, you can easily get around town by foot, taxi, or train. The majority of popular tourist attractions are within walking distance to city center. Plus, there’s even mini-cruises and canal tours that enable you to get from one spot to the next, while casually floating through the city.

Where To Stay in Copenhagen, Denmark

While there are no shortages of luxury hotels in the country’s capital city, one of the best places to stay (if you love a colorful, cheery atmosphere with a warm, welcoming vibe) is the Absalon Hotel.

Being one of Copenhagen’s oldest family owned hotels (founded in 1938), the hotel is housed in a neoclassical building, but underwent a complete renovation in 2015 – converting the traditional 11-room hotel into 161 modern and classic rooms and suites.

During the renovation, the hotel chose to use Designers Guild wallpapers, cushions, and curtains to add a true decorator’s touch to the interior design.

From playful patterns (like bold stripes and houndstooth prints) to dynamic color combinations (like lime green and hot pink), the atmosphere at the Absalon Hotel is truly a whimsical way to welcome you to Copenhagen.

Situated in the hip Vesterbro district (just a short walk away from the world famous Tivoli Gardens and a number of trendy bars and restaurants), the recently updated Absalon Hotel is a unique, vibrant 3-star hotel that offers award-winning service.

With their friendly, attentive staff (that are multi-lingual), bright, playful decor throughout the hotel, and traditional Danish-style buffet breakfast, it’s no wonder that the Absalon Hotel has won multiple awards and top recognition, including the TripAdvisor 2016 Travellers’ Choice Award and the 2016 Winner of the Luxury Hotel Awards.

Where To Play in Copenhagen, Denmark

Just a short 15-minute drive from the Absalon Hotel is one of the most photographed areas in Copenhagen known as Nyhavn.

Nyhavn

This harbor-front section is lined with outdoor eateries overlooking colorful homes and boats scattered along the waterway. This highly-populated area is a must-see for visitors, and a great place to snap photos and dine al fresco.

Another great way to explore Nyhavn is by boat. Hop on the mini-cruise (which takes you on a 1.5 hour tour of Copenhagen by water). This relaxing boat tour shows you the sights while educating you about the history of the area.

Since there are dozens of great restaurants to choose from in Nyhavn, let your tastebuds be your guide. From gourmet tuna sandwiches to deluxe seafood dishes, Nyhavn is one of the most popular places to dine.

Plus, there are quaint little bakeries and pastry shops lining the street, so if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, just take a stroll around the area to quench your craving.

A perfect time to visit Nyhavn is just before sunset, when the brilliant colors of the houses start to cast a dreamy reflection in the water below. This magical moment is the ideal photo opp, and a truly spectacular way to get your Copenhagen trip off to a wonderful start.

National Museum of Denmark

One of the best ways to learn about Copenhagen is by visiting the National Museum of Denmark, which is “Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history, comprising the histories of Danish and foreign cultures.” [Source: Wikipedia]

From pre-historic exhibits (showing Ice Age relics and the story of early civilizations) to the influence of the Danish Middle Ages and Renaissance era, the museum is home to the most significant findings in Danish history, including the prehistoric Sun Chariot, which is considered a national treasure.

Learn how early Danes survived in harsh climates, how the Vikings built their heroic ships, how religion made its mark, and how cultures around the world influenced the history and shaping of Denmark.

Current exhibits include: The Danish Prehistory, The Danish Middle Ages and Renaissance, Stories of Denmark, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Classical and Near Eastern Antiquities, Ethnographic Collections, and The Children’s Museum.

Rosenborg Castle

Built in the early 1600s by Christian IV, the Rosenborg Castle, was intended to be a “pleasure palace” for the King. As evidenced by its regal furnishings and grandeur, the castle reflects the personality and taste of the early Danish King.

After the 1700s, Rosenborg was no longer used as a residential palace; rather, it turned into a museum that housed rare and precious objects by the royal family. Intended to show-off the Danish-Norwegian kingdom’s wealth and status, the castle opened to the public in 1838 as a museum.

Visitors can get an up-close glimpse at the collection of royal jewels and opulent crowns, in addition to learning the history of the Danish monarchy. The Crown Jewels are comprised of four sets of jewels, and may only be worn by The Queen (and only within Denmark).

Each story of the castle features multiple rooms that each serve a specific purpose – the Great Hall, Regalia Room, Bronze Room, The Writing Room, The Garden Room, The Weapons & Wine room (where ceremonial weapons and “Rosenborg wine” are kept), and so forth.

In addition to touring the castle, visitors can take a stroll around the property, viewing the gardens and lush greenery.

Tivoli Gardens

Since opening in 1843, Tivoli Gardens has become one of the most famous amusement parks in the world, as it’s the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world.

In addition to offering fun rides for visitors of all ages (from young children to thrill-seeking adults), Tivoli Gardens also offers games, musicals, ballet, major concerts, restaurants and cafes, and sprawling whimsical gardens that are lit up with twinkling lights and water fountains.

This majestic wonderland of activities and sights is truly a spectacle to behold. The moment you enter this magical place, you’re transported into a world of endless possibilities and beauty at every turn.

A great time to visit Tivoli Gardens is in the late afternoon. As the sun starts to go down, the park lights up and becomes a fairytale land of beauty and splendor. From blooming gardens and bubbling fountains to colorful rides lit up with twinkling lights, this is one of the best places to have fun in Copenhagen.

Strøget

“Strøget is Copenhagen’s main artery and one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets with a wealth of design shops and international flagship stores.” [Source: Visit Copenhagen]

From Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors to unique Danish brands and independent boutiques, this shopping hub is the ultimate place to go when you want to go shopping.

Plus, the popular area is lined with dozens of cafes and eateries, making it a perfect place to rest your feet (and do a little people-watching) after spending a few hours bouncing from store-to-store.

Whether you enjoy fine dining and shopping or exploring the cultural history of Copenhagen, it’s definitely worth your while to add Copenhagen, Denmark to your travel wish list.

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[Disclosure: Complimentary accommodations provided by the Absalon Hotel; media passes provided by The National Museum of Denmark and the Rosenborg Castle. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.]