Copenhagen, Denmark - travel review

Denmark has previously been tipped as the world's happiest country and a weekend break to the country's capital Copenhagen is enough for you to understand why.

Blessed with 18th century architecture, beautiful green parks and magnificent castles, the clean, safe and progressive city is everything you could ask for.

They say summer is the best time to visit Copenhagen but each season offers something special.

If you happen to go any time after August however, be sure to pack a decent coat.

It's most popular and famous attraction comes in the form of a amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, which is almost smack bang in the middle of the city.

Although it might not be on the same scale as Alton Towers or Thorpe Park with just a selection of rides, it really is quite magnificent and offers an apt, romantic atmosphere, particularly at nighttime.

The park is rich with history and is the second oldest of its kind in the world after it was opened in 1843. It boasts one of the world's oldest wooden roller coasters that is still in operation today and is dressed with more than 20,000 pumpkins at Halloween. A truly spectacular site.

Other visitor hotspots in Copenhagen include the stunning Amalienborg Palace, shopping in the Strøget district and the picturesque Rosenborg Castle, nestled in its green surroundings.

For us Brits, cycling is usually nothing more than a means of transportation or the odd family bike ride, but its almost a way of life in Copenhagen and an essential part of Danish culture.

With 54 per cent of commuters in the capital choosing peddle power to get from A to B, hiring a bike for tourists to explore the ancient winding streets on is essential. Electric city bikes with engines make long journeys across Copenhagen much easier and are available to affordably hire from over 100 stations across the city, 24 hours a day.

Even though flights with EasyJet and accommodation do not turn out expensive at all, it's fair to say it's not the cheapest place in the world to eat and drink in but it's more than worth a small investment.

The food really is special, too. Traditionally, the Danes eat a lot of smørrebrød, which is essentially an open sandwich served on rye bread.

Regardless of the time of day and whether it's a starter, main or dessert, smørrebrød's come with a limitless choice of toppings from seafood and chicken to herring and cheese.

With top quality restaurants dotted across the city, there's a huge range to choose from, but a trip out to the street food markets on Papirøen (Paper Island) is a necessity. From vegetarian and vegan falafel wraps to burgers of all shapes and sizes, there's something for everyone on the Paper Island if rye bread isn't quite your thing.

One good way to make savings in the Danish capital is by getting your hands on a Copenhagen Card.

Starting at £45 per adult, it offers free public transport by bus, train and Metro throughout the city, admission to 73 museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants and entertainment while up to two kids younger than 10 can go along for free with each adult card.

Copenhagen aside, while you're in the city just a short ten-minute bike journey away is the hip and fashionable area of Frederiksberg.

The district is packed with grand bars and restaurants as well as the stunning views from must visit spot Frederiksberg Gardens up towards Frederiksberg Palace.

Copenhagen is great place for art fanatics and is home to some of the world's most renowned artists and exhibitionists.

The Nikolaj Kunsthal museum in the capital's centre showcases experimental contemporary art in unique surroundings from across the globe while the SMK (The National Gallery of Denmark) is largest museum in the whole of Denmark.

It features work of Danish artists from the 14th century and visitors can get a taste of the country through their exhibitions, guided tours, art talks and workshops. When it comes to the nightlife category Copenhagen again comes up trumps.

The Meatpacking District in Vesterbro is a popular destination for both locals and tourists with its trendy bars like War Pigs and Jolene as well as a wide range of different restaurants.

For myself, the only downside to the city is their biggest beverage; Carlsberg isn't the best of beers, but you've got to give it to them... Copenhagen is still probably the best city in the world.

By Tom Oakley