If you feel like getting a bit of Danish culture when visiting Copenhagen some local stars shine brighter than others:

Places to see
Tivoli
The magnificent Tivoli Gardens - Vesterbrogade 3 - are a living confection of tulips, roses, and water features. When you visit, take time to enjoy the manicured beauty of the gardens, whose name is derived from an Italian town famous for its fountains. The peaceful lake is often dotted with ducks and swans, and live entertainment is offered most nights, ranging from theater performances to musical concerts. After dark, the light displays are incredibly beautiful. BUS: 1, 16, 29 goes there or you can use one of the many city bikes available for loan across the city.

The Danish National Museum
You can chart the origins of the Danish people at this museum, which is regarded as one of Europe’s best. Exhibits are divided into five distinct sections: Prehistory/Middle Ages to Renaissance, Palace/Museum, Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Egyptian and Classical Antiquities, and Ethnographic (essentially, relics of Eskimo culture). BUS: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 goes there.

Amalienborg Castle (home of our Queen and her husband the Prince)/ Marmorkirken (The Marble Church)
Known for its Rococo design, this palace was built as the winter home for the Danish royal family and is actually composed of four individual mansions. Each one faces a cobblestone courtyard, and although they’re identical on the outside, all the mansions boast interiors that have been distinctively decorated. The royal residence since 1784, the palace currently has 12 rooms open for public viewing. Museum exhibits cover the period between the late 19th and late 20th centuries. BUS: 1, 6, 9, or 10 goes there.

…and, on the other hand - when in Copenhagen, do as the Copenhageners:

First of all, get a hold of a bike. The city is far better experienced by bike than bus, Metro or car.

Christiania/Christianshavn
Visit the last bit of hippie-Denmark at Christiania which is situated in the district of Christianshavn - The Danish version of Amsterdam’s channels.

From the walk and Talk meeting of Anders and Wulff today

Vesterbro
A bit dodgier than the other parts of the city but fascinating. Take a walk down Istedgade, from the Central Station and experience…ahem…different kinds of people. Also a good place to visit bars in the weekend (Vega, The Meat Packing District (Kødbyen), Bang & Jensen and many more)

Søerne (the lakes)
Built as part of the fortress of Copenhagen but nowadays a perfect place for a run, stroll or just for looking at people (primarily in the weekend)

Kongens Have and Rosenborg Castle
Relax in one of the best parks in the city with one of the most beautiful castles in Denmark - Rosenborg Castle.

Islands Brygge
Fancy a swim in the harbor? Then go to Islands’ Brygge. Really, really crowded when the weather’s nice.

Places to eat
Copenhagen is filled with many good restaurants. I have assembled a small collection of links to the ones that will treat you with an experience that will make you want to come back next year.

Expensive but brilliant, book a table if you can get one:

Restaurant Geranium
Kronprinsessegade 13
DK-1306 København K
Tel. +33 11 13 04

Restaurant Paustian
Kalkbrænderiløbskaj 2
DK 2100 -København Ø
Tel.+ 39 18 55 01

Restaurant Noma
Ny Adelgade 7
DK-1104 København K
Tel. +32 96 32 97

Restaurant Formel B
Vesterbrogade 182
DK-1800 Frederiksberg C
Tel. +33 25 10 66

Restaurant Kiin Kiin
Guldbergsgade 21
DK-2200 København N
Tel.+ 39 18 55 01

Restaurant King Hans’ Cellar
Vingaardsstræde 6
DK-1070 København K
Tel. +33 11 68 68

All of course have Michelin stars

I sincerely hope you will enjoy your stay.

1. Don’t be surprised if your appointment arrives on a bike - try to do the same.
2. The Danes are a straightforward bunch, they call a spade a spade.
3. Time on your hands at lunch? Grab a towel and go for a swim in the Øresund with the rest of the city.
4. Flying visit? Kastrup airport has excellent meeting facilities.
5. Our favourite Danish word is hygge. There’s no direct translation but the closest is “cosy”. Find your hygge place in CPH.
6. Forget taxis, the only way to explore Copenhagen is by bike.
7. For a real slice of Danish culture, we recommend you visit Christiana during the day.
8. Like Swedes and Norwegians, the Danish are very practical and like their Flemish neighbours they are refreshingly open-minded.
9. Forget air kissing, a firm handshake will suffice for him or for her.
10. Ida Davidsen serves the best open sandwiches in Scandinavia, and if you’re lucky, Ida herself will stop for a chat. Order the “Finn Ziegler”.

From Monocle

Population: 503,699.

Crime: murders, nine; domestic break-ins, 3,475.

Education: Copenhagen has a textbook network of state schools and universities.

Medical care: healthcare provision is universal - appropriately for a country with one of the highest cancer rates in Europe.

Sunshine: annual average, 1,670 hours.

Temperature: January average temperature 0C, July average 17C.

Wired: 147 public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Tolerance: Denmark legalised same-sex unions in 1989. Attempts to evict residents from the alternative enclave of Christiania have raised hackles. Let’s not forget relations with the Muslim community.

Drinking and shopping: alcohol laws are liberal, with bars staying open as late as their patrons demand. Shops adhere to a more rigid regime; most open around 11.00 and close dead on 18.00, while nearly all close on Sundays.

Public transport: the first phase of a metro system opened in 2003, with another two phases ready for this year and 2012 respectively. From April to December, the City Bike season allows you to release one of 2,000 bikes provided across the city for €2.70 - it can then be returned at any rack.

From the International Herald Tribune