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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.