Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview
The heart of Copenhagen is ringed by a series of lakes to the northwest and by the inner harbour to the southeast. It is characterised by narrow and predominantly pedestrian streets lined with gabled houses, enticing shops and cafés. The huge Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square) lies at the western end of the central area. From here, a series of pedestrianised streets (Strøget) extend as far as Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square). The castles of Rosenborg and Amalienborg and the seaman’s district of Nyboder are to be found in the area to the north and east of Kongens Nytorv. Slotsholmen Island, the site of Absalon’s original bastion, lies to the southwest. The inner harbour separates the main part of the city from Christianshavn. This island was first developed in the 17th century, when Christian IV offered tax incentives to encourage merchants, shipbuilders and tradesmen to settle there.
In the 20th century, Denmark has achieved international renown for its contemporary design. Arne Jakobsen’s furniture graces cool bars and cafés worldwide (not least in Copenhagen). In the city, the architectural heritage of Christian IV is supplemented by daring 20th-century buildings, including the glittering waterfront extension to the Royal Library, known as the ‘Black Diamond’.
Tourist Information
Wonderful Copenhagen Tourist Information
Bernstorffsgade 1 (at the entrance to Tivoli)
Tel: (70) 222 442. Fax: (70) 222 452.
E-mail: touristinfo@woco.dk
Website: www.visitcopenhagen.dk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1630, Sat 0900-1330 (Sep-Apr); daily 0900-2000 (May-Sep).
On entering the TIC, visitors must take a numbered ticket from a machine and wait for the corresponding number to be displayed before approaching the counter. There is a separate tourist information office for budget travellers.
Use It (Youth Information Centre)
Rådhusstræde 13
Tel: (33) 730 620. Fax: (33) 730 649.
E-mail: useit@ui.dk
Website: www.useit.dk
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 1100-1600, Thurs 1100-1800, Fri 1100-1400 (16 Sep-14 Jun); daily 0900-1900 (15 Jun-15 Sep).
Passes
The Copenhagen Card allows free admission to over 70 museums and other attractions in the metropolitan area, unlimited travel in the entire Metropolitan region (see Public Transport in the Getting Around section), to and from the airport included, as well as other discounts in the rest of Denmark. The card costs Dkk215, Dkk375 or Dkk495 for 24, 48 or 72 hours respectively (concessions available). These prices are valid throughout 2002. The Copenhagen Card is available for purchase at travel agencies, tourist information offices, hotels and railway stations.
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