Danes work hard in well-run Copenhagen, but that doesn’t blunt their edge for having fun either. Some dub it as the ‘world’s happiest city’- that’s why there’s always plenty to see and do in Denmark’s capital.

     As a venue for doing business, Copenhagen’s virtues are many. Ranked high in the international league of convention cities, the Danish capital had worked hard for its place among Europe’s big boys - and it shows. A modern airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre and operates non-stop flights to more than 140 cities world-wide. The city’s well designed conference venues and hotels are easily accessible and everyone from the CEO to the taxi driver speaks English.

     But Copenhagen has one other advantage not shared by many of its competitors - it knows how to have fun. The old adage about “all work and no play” simply doesn’t apply to Copenhagen as the two coexist with apparent ease.

     Perhaps it’s something to do with the enduring magic of the great children’s writer Hans Christian Anderson, whose spirit  lingers on amid the city’s fairy-tale spires and castles. Or maybe it’s the easygoing nature of the Danes themselves. Whatever the reason, should you find yourself  in Denmark’s little capital with time to kill, you’ll find no shortage of things to do.

     Topping the bill as the venue for summer entertainment is Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest fun park. Tivoli has been pulling the crowds since 1843 and still gets nearly five million visitors each year, making it the city’s most visited attraction. Rumour has it that it provided the inspiration for Walt Disney’s first theme park. From classical music concerts to roller coaster rides, pantomime and puppet shows to open air theatres, from gourmet dining to shopping, gardens and lakes, Tivoli caters to those aged 3 to 103, and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

     From May to September, Tivoli has a changing daily programme of events. At night, the restaurants and other park buildings are illuminated with thousands of coloured lights and most evenings are rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display.

     Tivoli aside, Copenhagen is a charming place in its own right. Surprisingly compact, most attractions lie within a mile of the Town Hall Square. The city sports a range of architectural styles, yet somehow its jumble of spires like the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), domes and gabled houses blend well together. The Round Tower, is a 17th century structure and observatory that also houses exhibitions and concerts.  A walk up the ramp to the top (no lifts here) gives you the best bird’s eye view of the city.

     There is a wealth of antique markets and bookstores to browse in and many streets such as The Stroget are pedestrianized, allowing shops and cafes to spill onto the pavement. Those roads that do allow traffic however are crowded, as cars and bicycles vie for position, especially during the morning and evening rush-hours.

     The Stroget area also has a good selection of department stores, fashion boutiques, second-hand bookstores and antique shops and is a great place for both buying and browsing. Glass, Porcelain, silver and pewter ware are among the locally-made items on sale. Flea markets, often the source of a bargain or two, are held regularly, especially at weekends.

 Amalienborg Palace guards

Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum

     One of the most attractive landmarks in Copenhagen is Amalienborg Palace, home of royal family and reigning Queen Margrethe II. Late morning is the best time to visit, when you can catch the changing of the royal guards as they march from their barracks and end up at Amalienborg. The ceremony takes place at 12 noon whenever the Queen is not in residence.

     Like all small cities, Copenhagen is best explored on foot. The old city has some delightful strolling area, such as Amalienhaven Gardens, next to the royal palace. Here, as elsewhere in Copenhagen, an elaborate water fountain forms the gardens’ centrepiece.

     Despite its small size, Copenhagen has a great variety of museums, among them Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and the National Museum which also houses the National Children’s Museum with interactive themes.

     Denmark’s best-loved citizen, Hans Christian Andersen, is commemorated with a bronze statue in the town hall square, while the more famous Little Mermaid statue depicting the tragic heroin of his classic story, sits appropriately on the harbour front, where it is continually washed by the tides. Close to the harbour front is also the Gefion Fountain, which feature a large group of animals driven by the Norse goddess Gefjun.