With half a million cruise passengers passing through Copenhagen annually, the Danish capital is one of the most popular cruise ports in Scandinavia. Three cruise ship facilities handle some 300 calls per year. Pictured is a busy day at the Langelinie Quay which is at walking distance of a famous Copenhagen landmark.

Ah, there she is! The famous Copenhagen Mermaid is disappointingly small, located in an odd corner of the port area and is attacked by busloads of tourists day in, day out. If your cruise ship is docked at Langelinie, why not take our advice and walk to town in the morning. You will automatically pass the statue. Click and proceed!  

Once in the city center, you will notice the beautiful integral style of most buildings. The many canals, colorful buildings and green copper church spires give Copenhagen a distinct feel. Taking a canal tour is probably the best way to get a good first glimpse of the city. Recommended!

Get your shopping bags ready for some quality retail therapy! Copenhagen just happens to have Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian shopping street. High-end browsing starts at the Kungens Nytorv section of Strøget, with all the typical name brands (plus Bang&Olufsen's flagship store). We always head directly for the center section of Strøget at the beautiful Amagertorv Square. Here you will find Illums Bolighus with three floors dedicated to everything you could need around the house. Don't pass by the stunning Scandinavian glassware.  Sigh....

In the middle of the city is a beautiful park surrounding the impressive Rosenborg Palace. Especially on a nice spring day, you will see people of all ages enjoying the green oasis. Built by Christian IV in the year 1606, Rosenborg is one of the royal palaces dotted all over the city and currently is in use as a museum, displaying the crown jewels and the treasures of the royal family through 400 years.  

When walking from your cruise ship to the center of town (only advisable if your ship is docked at Langelinie Quay), you will walk straight towards the Amalienborg Palace. At the palace square you will see the famous Danish Royal Guards, looking somewhat like their British counterparts. Every day at 11:30 AM, a parade leaves the barracks at Rosenborg Palace, with the official changing of guards taking place at 12:00 NOON. If the Queen is at home, they will bring out the music, too!

Denmark is the world's oldest monarchy. The present Queen Margrethe II is hugely popular, lives in the surprisingly public Amalienborg Palace downtown and can sometimes be spotted in the city center doing some shopping. 

If you pick up a brochure on Copenhagen, chances are you will immediately see a picture of Nyhavn, the picture-perfect collection of brightly colored gables that house a cornucopia of pubs and restaurants. It's a favorite hangout for Swedish visitors, given the fact that beer and wine are much cheaper here than in their homecountry. 

When in Copenhagen, order a Tuborg or Carlsberg beer here, or perhaps a typical Danish sandwich. Pick your lunch spot carefully as some places are very touristy. Still, in good Danish tradition, the quality of the food is usually excellent.  

Another Copenhagen must-see (at least during summer) is Tivoli. Opened in 1843, this fairy-tale garden and amusement park has that old-world charm and just enough corny hot dog stands to hold you over until the famous nightly fireworks display. Go there in the evening - Tivoli Gardens are much better at night.