Copenhagen Flights And Sights

There is an unmistakable joie de vivre in Denmark's friendly capital, Copenhagen, which resonates from lingering in a café on summer's day or marvelling at the sculptures in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Kids -- and adults -- of all ages can't resist a spin on the merry-go-round at the amusement park extraordinaire Tivoli. Strolling is a way of life here as reflected by its Strøget, the longest and oldest pedestrians-only shopping street in Europe. Afterward, stop for ice cream at Kongens Nytorv, while admiring the tall rigged ships moored in the canal.

Things to Do

Start with the iconic Little Mermaid statue (on loan to Bejing until October 2010) then enjoy the evening illuminations in romantic Tivoli Gardens. The National Museum houses archaeological finds in an 18th-century mansion, while timeless pleasures thrive in Museum Erotica and classical sculptures fill the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Take a canal tour or see the streets by bike, and learn beer facts at the Carlsberg Museum. See Denmark's much-admired contributions to modernism behind the smoked glass exterior of the Danish Design Centre.

Shopping

Core to the Copenhagen shopping experience is Strøget, packed with fashion, top-notch Georg Jensen jewelry, and china. Browse the local fashion emporiums on Købmagergade or try on second-hand style in Pisserenden. Choose decorative arts and browse for kitsch collectibles on Bredgade, or check out the latest Danish designs on Kronprinsensgade. Come to Grønnegade for hip wear and people watching. On summer weekends, you can find bargains at the antique and flea markets.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Outdoor concerts light up Tivoli Gardens and ballet and classical performances ring out at Tivoli Concert Hall. Enjoy top music at contemporary Copenhagen Opera House and regular recitals in city-wide churches. Jazz is a huge part of the city's culture, peaking at the annual Jazz Festival. Late-night revellers can join in on the merrymaking in the traditional beer houses and dance clubs in Østerbro. Copenhageners like to go out late so you could be dancing alone if you get to a club before midnight.

Restaurants and Dining

International cuisine joins traditional Danish dishes on the menus of the Michelin-starred restaurants and cafés in Copenhagen. Dine on sushi and traditional herring in fashionable Pilestroede, the heart of Copenhagen's buzzing restaurant quarter, just off the Strøge. Dine alfresco on the quay at picturesque Nyhavn or sample spicy Thai at Tivoli Gardens. After exploring the city, enjoy a herring-filled smørrebrød (long open sandwich) at a café in scenic Gråbrødretorv.

Find American Airlines flights to Copenhagen and plan a relaxing trip of discovery in Denmark. You'll find a wide array of things to do in Copenhagen, from borrowing a free city bike to see the sights to appreciating the city's sublime design and architecture.

To enjoy activities in Copenhagen like a local, borrow a free city bike and see things at your own pace. The city is extremely friendly to bikers and pedestrians, making it easy to explore on your own. One of the places you'll definitely want to see is the Amalienborg Palace, the queen's residence. It's a splendid example of the Danish Rococo style that was built in the 18th century. Visit here mid-morning because at 11:30, the Danish Royal Guard marches from Rosenborg Castle through the city streets before arriving here for the changing of the guard at noon. On days when the queen is in residence, the Royal Guards band marches with the Guard. Christiansborg Palace, which houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Ministry of State, is also where Danish monarchs are proclaimed. Rosenborg Castle, in the middle of Copenhagen, houses the Danish crown jewels. This 17th-century castle is now a museum featuring artifacts spanning four centuries. If you're a true castle buff, and you have the time, it's worth a trip to Hillerod to the 17th-century Frederiksborg Castle. It's the largest Renaissance Castle in Scandinavia, and is a sterling example of that architectural style. It's open every day of the year, and you can tour the castle to see national history come to life. Portraits, decorative art and furniture crafted over a 500-year period help you envision what life was like. The castle is surrounded by Castle Lake and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it seem out of a fairy tale.

One of our other favorite things to do in Copenhagen is touring the canals by boat. During most tours, you'll see Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid. You'll want to go back and see the Little Mermaid, located on Langelinje Pier, as it is one of Copenhagen's most popular attractions. Brewer Carl Jacobsen donated the statue to the city in 1913, and it is inspired by the 1909 performance of ballerina Ellen Price in The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre.

Another one of the most popular activities in Copenhagen is shopping, and you can easily find examples of Danish design along Stroget, a street running through the heart of the city. It's filled with a variety of shops (and architecture) that make window shopping fascinating. And, of course, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without paying a visit to Tivoli Gardens. Children especially will love frolicking in the world's oldest amusement park, which is filled with rides, green spaces and wonderful food.

The city's many charms are just waiting to be discovered, so make plans to fly to Copenhagen with American Airlines. We'll help you explore the best of Copenhagen for a visit you'll always treasure.