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The best way to soak in the city’s plentiful and beautiful harbour sights is to take a harbour trip, from Nyhavn through the Inner Harbour, along the canals of Slotsholmen and Christianshavn. It is also a fantastic way to understand Copenhagen’s development over the years.

This pleasure garden and fun fair attracts kids and adults alike. At night, it turns especially magical with sparkling fairy lights and Chinese lanterns. The rides are brilliant for an adrenaline rush and if you feel peckish, head to one of the great restaurants.

One of the oldest areas in the city, the Latin Quarter is just off the main pedestrianised street, Strøget. It is home to the university and the few medieval buildings in Copenhagen.

Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square) is a splendid Baroque square that leads down to Nyhavn. Previously a seedy haunt for sailors, complete with drinking dens and brothels, it has transformed radically in recent times. Today, this scenic area is a popular waterside attraction with plenty of restaurants and bars.

You will find a wonderful collection of Danish and European sculpture and paintings at this national art museum. It is set inside a 19th-century building, connected by a glass bridge to a modern wing. There is also a pretty park behind the museum.

Here is a perfect example of how brilliantly the Danes design their museums. Formerly a palace, the museum houses collections devoted to Danish history. You will also find fabulous ethnographic artifacts from around the world, as well as an excellent children’s museum.

This is where it all began in the 11th century, when Bishop Absalon built a castle here (you can still see its remains), which stood till 1794, when it burned down. The present Neo-Baroque castle was built in 1907–28, but was never inhabited by the monarch. It now houses the Parliament.