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Top 10 Riga Latvia Tourist Attractions

October 3, 2019 by candice

Riga is the gorgeous capital of Latvia and it is known by several different names, including “The Second City that Never Sleeps” and “The Paris of the North.” This is a spectacular city to visit with the largest European collection of art-nouveau architecture, including praying goddesses and nightmarish gargoyles. With over 700,000 people, Riga is the largest city within the Baltic States and is a multicultural city that is perfect for travelers near and far. You can enjoy active recreation, architecture, culture, food, and more. Here are the top attractions to make it a point to see while in Riga.

1. Old Town Riga

You can find Old Town Riga, or Old Riga, along the Daugava’s right bank. This is the geographical and historic center of the city, covering a small inner area that includes fortifications dating back to the 13th through 18th century. This area has a high concentration of medieval architecture that managed to survive two world wars without damage. Old Town hosts the Riga Dome Cathedral (from the 13th century), St. Jacob’s Cathedral (where you can find the Seat for the Roman Catholic Church), St. Peter’s Church, the Synagogue of Old Riga, and other gorgeous buildings. This is the ideal area of the city for history buffs.

Website: www.rigaoldtown.com

2: Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is 42 meters tall and bears a phrase which translates to “For Fatherland and Freedom.” The monument is dedicated to Latvian heroes who died fighting for freedom between 1918 and 1920. This monument is made up of 13 bas-reliefs and sculptures showing Latvian culture and history. There is an obelisk measuring 19 meters tall with the Freedom figure on top, measuring 9 meters itself. Since 1990, automobile traffic hasn’t been allowed directly next to the Freedom Monument, making it even easier for visitors to enjoy.

Website: www.latvia.travel

3: Riga Central Market

Photo of central market Photo by:Flickr/Neil Pulling

Central Market is just a short walk from Old Town, Central Railway Station, Riga Bus Station, and the Daugava. With between 80,000 and 100,000 daily visitors, this is one of the biggest markets throughout all of Eastern Europe. You can shop for all sorts of items in the market, ranging from produce (both fresh and marinated) to fish (fresh or smoked) to meat, milk, cheese, real country bread, honey, and more. In addition to offering food, Riga Central Market also features crafts, such as caps, scarves, knitted socks, and souvenirs. The pavilions of the market are an architectural landmark, drawing more visitors to the area and the market has been part of the UNESCO Global Heritage List since 1998.

Website: www.rct.lv

4: Riga Art Nouveau

Around a century ago, Riga was strongly influenced by the architectural style now known as Art Nouveau. This means that today, when you walk around Riga, you will notice that about forty percent of the architecture is Art Nouveau, a number much higher than other European cities have. Experts also feel that Riga was the place where Art Nouveau truly took off, finding its expression and power. The range of Art Nouveau architecture is actually part of the reason that historic Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This allows the city and the world to preserve the architecture as well as wooden buildings.

Website: www.latvia.travel

5: St. Peter’s Church

This church is one of the most valuable and oldest monuments from medieval architecture within the Baltic States. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since December 1997, further cementing its history and importance. The building first appears in documents from 1209, back when it was only a small hall with three aisles and maybe a bell tower. The current basilica is the result of 15th century reconstruction work, during which time the altar area was built following the Gothic design. Various portions of the church have been renovated throughout the years, largely during the 20th century. The interior restoration finished in 1983, leaving the gorgeous church you can visit today.

Website: www.latvia.travel

6: Black Head House

Black Head House or the House of the Blackheads is found in Old Town. This building was built during the early portion of the 14th century to be used by the Brotherhood of Blackheads. This brotherhood was a guild made up of unmarried German merchants who were living in Riga. There were later major works during 1580 and 1886, which is when the majority of the ornamentations were added. Germans bombed the building in 1941, with the Soviets demolishing the remains in 1948. The current building is a reconstruction built between 1995 and 1999.

Website: www.latvia.travel

7: Riga Cathedral

The Riga Cathedral is sometimes known as the Riga Dome Cathedral and it is the cathedral of the Latvian Archbishop. Until 1561 when the Livonian Order disintegrated, the cathedral housed this order. During the medieval period, this cathedral was among the oldest sacral buildings in the region as well as the largest. The cathedral has elements of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Early Gothic, and Romantic architecture.

Website: www.doms.lv

8: Bastion Hill (Bastejkalns)

Bastion Hill is a quiet park close to central Riga. This park was created during the 19th century following the removal of city bulwarks. Bastion Hill is framed on one side by the Liberty Monument and by the Blaumanis Sculpture on the other. The Pilsetas Canal divides Bastion Hill and there are a picturesque bridge, relaxing benches, and memorials for those who died fighting for the country’s freedom.

9: Three Brothers

This is the oldest block containing dwelling houses in the city and it is situated along 17 Mazā Pils Street. This particular house was built during the late 15th century and you can see the links between Riga and the Netherlands at this time via the architectural inspiration. The Three Brothers were restored between 1955 and 1957 and soon after its completion, the courtyards of the houses were joined.

Website: www.latvia.travel

10: Powder Tower (Pulvertornis)

When it was built, the Powder Tower was one of the buildings of the Riga defensive system. There aren’t records of its construction date and the current name was added later. We do know, however, that the first tower in the location was built during the 13th century and as of the 14th century, it was called Sand Tower. The modern tower is the result of building and restoration based on the lines from the 15th to 16th century tower, showing a large span of history in one site.

Website: www.citariga.lv

Top 10 Lisbon, Portugal Tourist Attractions

November 27, 2016 by candice

1: Jerónimos Monastery (Hieronymites Monastery)

After Vasco de Gama’s return from his voyage to India, King Manuel’s wish to honor his success in the form of a monastery was granted and construction began in 1501. This monastery is a great example of a uniquely Portuguese architecture called Manueline, which is a combination of Gothic, early Renaissance, and Moorish styles. The south portal, with its pillars and statues is especially breathtaking!

Website: www.mosteirojeronimos.pt

2: Belém Tower (Torré de Belém)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites usually live up to their hype, and the Torre de Belem is no different. It sits proudly on the bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, a grand example of the Portuguese Manueline architectural style. It was originally one of a few quarter façade fortresses that were originally built by King John II as a defense for the mouth of the Tagus River.

Website: www.torrebelem.pt

3: Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

This cathedral supposedly was a mosque at one time until crusaders took the city and turned it into a church. This is only urban legend in Portugal, but it adds mystique to your visit in knowing it. It’s a formidable looking cathedral that is more comparable to a castle than a church with its battlemented bell towers and reinforced walls. The treasury within is quite the treat to see, with its art, icons and relics to appreciate.

Website: www.sacred-destinations.com

4: St. George Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)

High above Lisbon, offering a great view of the historic part of town as well as the Tagus River sits the Castle of São Jorge. The castle is dated around Portugal’s medieval period and is a citadel that is heavily fortified. Its appearance and location are just two of the reasons it remains a popular tourist attraction in the city.

Website: www.castelodesaojorge.pt/en

5: Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)

A tour of this museum is incredibly enjoyable, thanks in part to the excellent organization of the place. The galleries are divided into two main sections called “circuits.” The first emphasizes Oriental and Classical art, which includes Persian, Egyptian and Greco-Roman, as well as Islamic, Far Eastern and Armenian examples. The second section highlights European art, including English paintings and other pieces of artwork from France, Italy, Flanders and Holland. Displays include everything from paintings, sculptures and ivory works to manuscript books and various decorative arts.

Website: www.museu.gulbenkian.pt

6: Elevador de Santa Justa

Every day from 7:00am to 11:00pm the Elevador de Santa Justa transports visitors from the Baixa district up to the ruins of the Igreja do Carmo church. It presents a pain-free alternative for tourists and locals looking to avoid the rough trek up Carmo hill to the ruins. This is a fun (and easier) way to start your journey to the church.

Website: www.golisbon.com

7: Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)

Public squares historically provide cities with entertainment, and the Praca do Comercio is no different. Its past and present are filled with festivals, concerts, processions, and even executions! This square was also the place where Luis Filipe and King Carlos were assassinated. A stunning seated equestrian statue of King Jose I watches over the lovely buildings from the center of the square. It’s worth a visit to Palace Square to admire the architecture and people-watch for an afternoon in the sun.

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

8: Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV)

In the middle of the busy downtown cafes and shops is Rossio Square, a different scene from the relaxing atmosphere of Palace Square on the ocean. Here is all the liveliness and flavor you’ve been craving, and all in one spot. Pedestrians and vehicles alike circle the square at all times of the day, making it seem as if the area never stops moving and working. It’s a fantastic place to go to experience the heart of the city with all five of your senses!

Website: www.golisbon.com

9: National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)

The pieces of artwork and collections of this museum date from the Middle Ages all the way up to the 19th century. Many focus on Portuguese art history, so a visit here is a great way to learn all about Portugal’s best paintings, sculpture and metalwork. The museum can be found on the city’s “Green Windows Street,” and the building itself was once the former palace of the Count of Alvor.

Website: www.museudearteantiga.pt

10: Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos)

The Monument to the Discoveries has a prime location right on the Tagus River estuary, so the beautiful scenery around the monument is another reason to visit. During the 15th and 16th centuries the Portuguese ships would depart from the port in this area to trade and explore around India and Asia. The monument was built to memorialize this “age of discovery” and the early navigators carved into it do an excellent job of this.

Website: www.padraodosdescobrimentos.pt

Top 10 St. Petersburg, Russia Tourist Attractions

November 27, 2016 by candice

1. The Hermitage

In 1764, Catherine the Great founded the Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. Since that time the museum has garnered over three million works of art and artifacts, which make it one of the best examples of world art and culture on earth. Five of the six buildings that comprise the Hermitage complex are open to the public, and if you visit on the first Thursday of the month, you can enter free of charge!

Website: www.hermitagemuseum.org

2: Peterhof Palace

This attraction is often referred to as the “Russian Versaille” for its grand and majestic qualities. Reserve an afternoon for walking through the series of palaces and gardens of Peterhof Palace. Some of the popular areas here include the Grand Cascade and the Samson Fountain. Other must-sees include the lower gardens and the Grand Palace. This is a big undertaking but the beauty of the palaces and gardens is well worth the walk!

Website: www.saint-petersburg.com

3: St. Isaac’s Cathedral

When admiring the St. Petersburg skyline, the dome and outline of St. Isaac’s are impossible to miss. This is the biggest Russian orthodox cathedral in the city, and arguably one of the most stunning. When studying the intricate and impressive designs of the exterior, one is not surprised to learn that the construction of this building took 40 years. The interior is just as magnificent as the exterior, so be sure to set aside enough time to see both!

Website: www.saint-petersburg.com

4: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Russian style church’s name is derived from the decision to build the church on the very spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. Starting in 1883 construction began and what stands today is a colorful and unique architectural dedication to the Tsar whose reforms and policies were as life changing in Russia as a visit to this church has the potential to be for all who visit.

Website: www.saint-petersburg.com

5: Peter and Paul Fortress

The fortress can be at first overlooked by tourists who don’t know about its varied and interesting history. Peter and Paul Fortress has served as a prison holding some of Russia’s biggest political prisoners, the burial ground for the Russian imperial family, a military base, the site of government departments, and the place where innovative scientific experiments have taken place. Nowadays this venue is used for many permanent and temporary exhibitions conducted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Website: www.spbmuseum.ru

6: Palace Square

In the city center sits Palace Square, a large, rectangular area surrounded by many large buildings that vary greatly in their architectural style. On one end you’ll see the Baroque style Winter Palace, and on another the classical style former Imperial Army General Staff building. Rising over everything in the square is the Alexander Column, a nice centerpiece for this stunning architectural area.

Website: www.insider-tour.com

7: Nevsky Prospect

Most of the premiere shopping and nightlife are located either on or directly off of this main avenue of St. Petersburg. In addition to lively social opportunities, Nevsky Prospect also offers some excellent sight-seeing. The Kazan Cathedral, a Catherine the Great monument, an 18th Stroganov Palace and the Russian National Library can all be found here!

Website: www.nevsky-prospekt.com

8: Russian Museum

This stunning collection of Russian fine art is rivaled only by Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. The museum’s history began when the incredibly nationalist Tsar Alexander III wanted to create a collection of Russian art by Russian artists. The main building is a piece of artwork in itself, the Mikhailovsky Palace.

Website: www.rusmuseum.ru

9: Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Peter and Paul Cathedral is located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress. It has the world’s tallest orthodox bell tower and is the first and oldest landmark in St. Petersburg. From Peter the Great to Nicholas II, all the Russian emperors’ and empresses’ remains can be found here. The golden spire and angel at its top are one of the most important symbols for the city.

Website: www.spbmuseum.ru

10: Mariinsky Theatre

Mariinsky Theatre is the home of the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera and Orchestra. It is arguably the most historic theatre in St. Petersburg for ballet and opera. Today it still hosts a number of performances throughout the year and is a great example of Russian art and culture.

Website: www.mariinsky.ru

Top 10 Moscow, Russia Tourist Attractions

November 27, 2016 by candice

1: Moscow Kremlin

When visiting Moscow, Russia, give a special attention to its heart – Moscow Kremlin. Situated on the central square of the Moscow City, Kremlin is a huge and fascinating complex, which includes 4 cathedrals, 5 palaces and Kremlin towers with the enclosing Kremlin Wall. That’s a historical place to visit, where you can learn a lot of stuff and feel the breath of Soviet Union era. Currently, Moscow Kremlin serves as the official residence for Russian Federation President.

Website: www.moscow.info

2: Red Square

Red Square is the central square in Moscow, where you can enjoy the local architecture, museums, monuments and Moscow Kremlin. For those, particularly interested in history of Soviet Union, we strongly recommend to visit Lenin’s Mausoleum, which you can find on Red Square. The square itself takes 1,080 feet long and 230 feet wide, what marks it as a huge territory to explore. Time, which you dedicate to sightseeing Red Square, won’t be wasted: Red Square has a lot of stories to tell.

Website: www.mydestination.com

3: St. Basil’s Cathedral

People say, St. Basil’s Cathedral is covered with mystery and undiscovered facts. It is a momentous church, which impresses by its authentic architecture and creative approach to standard structure. It is richly decorated and, what is the most important, has a special feature in its shapes. St. Basil’s Cathedral consists of eight churches, which are concentrated around the central ninth. There are many ideas about the sense of such position’s decision, but no one actually has discovered the truth yet.

Website: www.sacred-destinations.com

4: Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The process of building and decorating the church took many years, money and efforts. The interior of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour amazes due to its marvelous decoration and precious stones used. Inside the cathedral, curious tourists will find religious paintings and memorial boards, which are cultural inheritance from different historical eras. The other interesting thing to explore is observation balcony on the top of the building, which offers 40-meter panoramic view.

Website: www.xxc.ru

5: Moscow Metro

You might think, so what’s so special about metro in Moscow? But your question will almost immediately disappear when you enter the underground railway station in Moscow. It was opened in 1935 and from that time it has expanded rapidly. It consists of 4 stages, each of them has something interesting to see. It’s quite unexpected for most tourists, who enter Moscow Metro at first to see a picture gallery inside. Moscow Metro is a way of transportation, simultaneously it is a museum and an archive.

Website: www.viator.com

6: Bolshoi Theatre

If you are a fan of plays and opera performances, if you like being a part of art, you should definitely visit Bolshoi Theatre. It has an old and neoclassical façade, decorated with rich and amazing details. Inside the theatre you can feel authentic spirit of former Russian Imperia, experience the magical acoustic features during the opera play and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of interior. Bolshoi Theatre is recognized as the 2nd biggest theatre in the Europe. Don’t miss the chance to visit it!

Website: www.bolshoi.ru

7: Gorky Park

Gorky Park must be on to-do list of every tourist who visits Moscow. It is an amusement park, where you can relax, chat with friends and find interesting entertaining activities. It offers a lot of options for doing sports, like skating, aerobics, yoga, hokey. It has a lake, so feel comfortable to make a little a picnic near it and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Moreover, Gorky Park offers a huge variety of dining places, where you can try traditional Russian food.

Website: www.park-gorkogo.com

8: Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery is the right place to spend time on exploring the world’s masterpieces. Those, who are fans of art, will be amazed by the impressive variety of paintings in the museum. Having a long history, Tretyakov Gallery survived through many fights and reconstructions and still obtains its authentic atmosphere of creativity and delicacy. Gallery isn’t only a museum, but also it is a historical building and cultural inheritance of Moscow city. Millions of toursits visit it each year. You should become one of them!

Website: www.tretyakovgallery.ru

9: Flea Market in Izmailovo

Get the authentic and original souvenirs from Moscow by visiting the most popular local souvenir market Flea in Izmailovo. You will be surprised by the diversity of local goods, crafts and paintings. We recommend visiting market on Saturday’s as there arrive traders from the different regions of Russia. You can experience Russian culture, find out more details about traditions and communicate with locals. On shelves you can find goods, which depict almost all historical eras in Russia.

Website: www.mydestination.com

10: Cathedral of the Assumption

Cathedral of the Assumption attracts many tourists because of its long history and fabulous architecture. In its interior, architects have chosen tremendous forms, monumental arches and breathtaking icons. Church has many religious paintings, which dates staring from 17th century.

Website: www.sacred-destinations.com

Top 10 Athens, Greece Tourist Attractions

November 25, 2016 by candice

1: The Acropolis of Athens

Most know this ancient citadel for the Parthenon, the most famous building on top of the high, rocky hilltop, but there are many other ancient remains waiting to be discovered. The Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaia are among the other famous buildings and temples that were erected as early as the 5th century BC, though there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the outcropping was inhabited in the 4th century BC. There is plenty of history, mystique, and wonder to go around once you reach the top. It will be the best thing you do in Athens, and it will not disappoint. Don’t forget to snap a picture of the city below with the Greek flag that flies at the top of the Acropolis in the foreground.

Website: www.acropolisofathens.gr

2: The Parthenon

This is the most famous temple in the Acropolis. It was dedicated to the Greek goddess, Athena, a deity that the people of Athens revered as something akin to a saint. Her importance to the culture and religion is reflected in the detail and mightiness of the Parthenon temple. The building itself as well as the sculptures around it are considered some of the highest art in Greece.

Website: www.sacred-destinations.com

3: National Archaeological Museum of Athens

When you’re traveling Greece, this is the museum to visit if you want to see the most important collection of ancient Greek art and the biggest archaeological museum in the country. Each of the displays has helpful and informative readings and information that explain their cultural and historical significance to Greece.

Website: www.namuseum.gr

4: The Ancient Agora

Work began on this masterpiece way before the 2nd century BC, but it was at this time that the final touches were finished. Throughout history it was used as a public, open space for hosting markets, political events and social events. Today, although it is visited mainly for tourist purposes, it still appears to have the same function with all of the people that come to gather and admire the history of the area.

Website: www.athensinfoguide.com

5: The Plaka

Once you’ve descended from the magical experience of the Acropolis, continue down into the neighborhoods that sit beneath the famous outcropping, namely to the neighborhood called the Plaka. One of the best qualities of the Plaka is the fact that it is closed to traffic, so you’re free to walk around witihout the worry of oncoming cars. The Plaka is also the oldest section of Athens, full of colorful residential buildings, cafes and quaint tourist shops filled to the brim with irresistible jewelry and various Greek gifts. Be sure to eat something here before you go, as the food is as historical and authentically Greek as it gets.

Website: www.athensguide.com

6: Mount Lykavittos

Take the tram up or attempt the ascent to the highest point in Athens on foot, but either way make sure you go! When you get to the top, allow the swift winds to cool you as you survey the view that only Mount Lykavittos can provide. If you’re still looking for refreshment, there’s a café/restaurant at the top as well. The observation deck gives you an almost 360 degree view of Athens below, making for great picture-taking opportunities. Before you begin the walk or ride to the bottom be sure to take a look inside the small, white chapel of St. George.

Website: www.athensinfoguide.com

7: Syntagma Square

Many go to Syntagma Square to see the House of Parliament building, where one can see members of the presidential guard dressed in their traditional garb, engaging in the hourly ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. They stand daily guarding the tomb of the Unknown Soldier out front. Here is also the beginning of Ermou Street, a famous shopping street in Athens. There are plenty of trees and resint areas that make a great place to people watch and relax before your next adventure.

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

8: The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is a pristinely clean and shiny building which houses some of the most important Greek history in the country. The first exhibit visible to visitors has artifacts that were found in the sanctuaries around the Acropolis as well as objects that Athenians used in every day life. There is plenty to be learned about what we now know about Greek and Athenian history thanks to the excavations made over the years, the results of which are housed in the Acropolis Museum for your viewing pleasure.

Website: www.theacropolismuseum.gr

9: National Garden

If you’ve just come from the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square then you’re in great position to head straight to the National Garden of Athens. This impressive and gorgeous park was once the garden of the Royal Palace. Bird songs, flowers, and serenity await the visitors of the National Garden. It’s a perfect way to continue to see excellent Greek culture and learn of the history while simultaneously being able to partake in some much needed relaxation.

Website: www.athensinfoguide.com

10: Temple of Olympian Zeus

This Greco-Roman temple lies just southeast of the Acropolis, and with all of its grandeur is near impossible to miss on a walk around the downtown area of the city. At the time of its completion around 2 AD it was the largest temple in Greece. This is a great ruin to visit if you’re pressed for time, as it simply requires a walk past the site from the main street.

Website: www.sacred-destinations.com

Top 10 Copenhagen, Denmark Tourist Attractions

November 25, 2016 by candice

1: The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue Statue)

This statue represents what is arguably one of Denmark’s most famous exports: The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s favorite son, penned the tale long before Disney turned it into the worldfamous movie known by millions. The model for the face of the statue was actually the woman performing the role in a Copenhagen ballet production of the story. Situated near the water, it is a compelling recreation of one of the most wellloved stories in modern literature.

Website: www.mermaidsculpture.dk

2: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli is known as a pleasure garden, and rightly so. It is a verdant paradise packed full of attractions, like an amusement boasting, among other things, a ferris wheel, a drop tower and one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world. The gardens also feature a pantomime theatre, a children’s theatre, an aquarium, a museum dedicated to the Titanic, and multiple stages of music. Seasonal festivals and summer fireworks take place here as well. Not to mention, the gardens themselves are gorgeous.

Website: www.tivoli.dk

3: Nyhavn “New Harbour”

The colorful rowhouses running along one side of this famed canal give the area a festive look even on the greyest days. The canal was dug in the 17th century by King Christian V as a passage from the ocean to the inner city. Visitors to Nyhavn will delight in the Veteran Ship and Museum Harbour which is flanked by old ships. Along the way you might find the Memorial Anchor, dedicated to the Danish sailors in World War II. On cold days, enjoy a beer at one of the many bars and restaurants, and you might even get a blanket to keep you warm.

Website: www.nyhavn.com

4: The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

This museum features sculptures from Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as pieces by Rodin. In addition to sculptures, a collection of paintings from the French Impressionist and Danish Golden Age eras is on display. The collection began as a private possession belonging to Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. Over time the collection grew until Jacobsen dedicated it to the city of Copenhagen in 1888.

Website: www.glyptoteket.com

5: Amalienborg Palace

Four identical buildings set on an octagonal courtyard make this palace immediately identifiable as the Danish royal family’s winter home. Originally intended to house four noble families, the royals bought them all in 1794 when another palace burned down. Palace guards still stand watch, and visitors can observe the vestigial daily traditions of a parade followed by the changing of the guard. The statue of Frederick V on horseback stands near the center of the courtyard, and lush gardens separate the palace from the water.

Website: www.dkks.dk

6: Strøget or “Stroget” The Pedestrian Shopping Area

This strictly pedestrian set of shopping avenues is one of the longest in Europe. Cars were banned from the area in 1962 when too much traffic clogged up the narrow streets of the central city, and the change has allowed this part of town to flourish. With renewed importance placed on foot traffic, more shops, bars and restaurants have sprung up, as well as street performers and musicians.

Website: www.visitcopenhagen.com

7: Freetown Christiania

In the Christianhavn area of town, you’ll find this curious neighborhood. Once the site of a military base, it was broken into by squatters after the military vacated the premises, and has since become an autonomous region within the city. Here, people live communally, sharing ownership of cars and following a set of community rules. It is a uniquely Danish institution, a testament to the forwardthinking individuals who live here.

Website: www.christiania.org

8: National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)

The root of this museum goes back to the Danish monarch Frederick V. He wanted to turn his personal collection into a museum fit for any worldclass European city, and set about procuring pieces from all over the continent. The oldest piece dates back as far as the 12th century, but the museum features modern art as well. Danish paintings are wellrepresented, and the Royal Cast Collection is another highlight. Made up of plaster casts recovered from sites all over the world, artifacts from Egypt, Rome and Greece are all on display.

Website: www.smk.dk

9: Dyrehavsbakken

Opened in 1583, this is far and away the world’s oldest amusement park. It began organically when people flocked to the natural spring for its alleged healing properties, and street vendors began to set up shop around them. Periodically closed during the rule of certain monarchs, it was reopened to the public in 1756 under Frederick V, and hasn’t closed since. Today there are a multitude of modern rides, like roller coasters, bumber cars, laser tag and water slides.

Website: www.bakken.dk

10: Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle’s greenroofed central spire pierces the sky above it like a mountain peak. Its primary function was as a summer house for the monarchy. It is in this castle that visitors can see the Crown Jewels, the Danish Crown Regalia, and the coronation chair. In the Long Hall, marvel at the enormous stucco representation of the Danish coat of arms built into the ceiling. Artifacts on display.

Website: www.dkks.dk