I FELL in love with Prague because much of its most beautiful sites can be explored on foot. You can't imagine what three days the Bohemian capital can offer, but what about Copenhagen? Where does walking take you in Copenhagen?
Apparently a lot!
Before stepping on Copenhagen's soil, I was already told by a couple of locals that the city is small enough to tour for a day. Quite interesting. That's something I want to prove myself.
The Scandinavian adventure started in this city with Des A. as my designated tour guide and host. Copenhagen Admiral Hotel was our home base, and there was no better place I'd rather be in on this first visit-a hotel rich in history, it sits by a famed waterway, it's a quick direct ride to and from the airport, the location is at the center of everything any tourist would want to be at.
Where to go? If you didn't do your research, the hotel's journal will point you to the direction you need to go on the recommended ride -- the bicycle, if you want to go further than where your feet can take you.
Copenhagen is a biking city. Bikes are like cars. It has its lane and abides by road laws. So, don't walk on cyclist's lane lest you want to be dissed at.
We opted to walk. The sightseeing tour started even before we left the room with the view of the Royal Opera House, a modern structure on the opposite harbor that's used for ballet and opera. Its sister though is the hotel's neighbor -- The Royal Danish Playhouse, the venue for dramatic theater is a few meters away while the older sister, the Royal Danish Theater is a couple of blocks away by the metro stop.
In the immediate vicinity of the hotel as well is the Amalienborg Palace. The 18th century structure is considered as one of Denmark's most important works of rococo architecture. Amalienborg is made up of four identical buildings -- the Christian VII's Palace aka Moltke's Palace, used as guest residence; Christian VIII's Palace aka Levetzau' Palace, used as guest palace for Prince Joachim and Princess Benedikte; Frederik VIII's Palace aka Brockdorff's Palace, home of the Crown Prince family; and Christian IX's Palace aka Schack's Palace, home of the Queen and Prince Consort. The palace is known for its Royal Guards as well, with the changing of the guards a popular noontime attraction for the tourists.
Next door is the Frederik's Church, which is known by several names-The Marble Church, The Church of Denmark or the Danish National Church. Designed in rococo architecture, the Evangelical Lutheran Church forms the focal point of the Frederiksstaden District.
Nyhavn is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. It's one of the city's popular places to visit and hangout. The colorful townhouses-turned-bars along the cobble-stoned paths that flank the harbor are picture perfect day or night.
If you're curious where the famous fairytale writer once lived, it's in this area as well. You have to know where you're headed to though or you'll miss the place. It looks like any apartment on the block, but the discreet signage will tell you you're on the right spot.
About 10 minutes away from the hotel, is Kongens Nytorv, the longest pedestrian street in Europe. The street lined on both sides with shops and restaurants stretches from the inner end of Nyhavn and Stroget all the way to the City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens. This street is where you find the large department stores as well, the Magasin du Nord and Illum.
Inaugurated in 1905, the Copenhagen City Hall's design was inspired by the Siena City Hall's look. The ornamentation of the building is rich with the gilded statue of Absalon, a Danish archbishop and statesman, above the balcony, as the focal point. The building's tall, slim clock tower is one of the tallest structures in the city.
The Tivoli Garden is marked as a must-visit place. It's a 160-year-old entertainment park. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited Copenhagen. How about that for a good reason to head back to the Danish city?
Our feet took us to the Rosenberg Castle, an example of Christian IV's many architectural projects for Denmark. The renaissance castle, built in 1606, was originally erected as country summerhouse.
After the day's million steps, we were happy to be back at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, were we sailed off to dreamland.
Copenhagen Admiral Hotel is at Toldbodgade 24 - 28DK-1253 Copenhagen K. Visit their website: http://www.admiralhotel.dk/en
For good deals on this hotel, visit the Agoda website athttp://www.agoda.com/copenhagen-admiral-hotel/hotel/copenhagen-dk.html
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