Visit Wonderful Copenhagen, Denmark - One of Europe's Oldest Capitals

I may be pledging my citizenship to Sweden, but if the truth be told, I'd move to Copenhagen in a heart beat if anything ever happened to my husband. Why? Because it is flat the most awesome city on earth. I have been a whole lot of places in this big wide world of ours, but when that airplane touches back down at CPH in Denmark, I want to kiss the ground. Copenhagen flat rawks hard.

Copenhagen wasn't always the capital of Denmark. The original capital of Denmark was actually in what is now Sweden. After the Danish-Swedish wars back in the middle-ages, Copenhagen got named capital, and it is one of Europe's oldest capital cities. Walking along the streets of this great city, the history is palpable. The atmosphere here is a combination of modern civilization and Old World charm. I am forever extolling the virtues of living in my small Swedish village, and I do love it ever so much, but my heart really starts pumping when I get of the Train at Central Station in the heart of Copenhagen's action. The place is a wonderland of sights and sounds.

Being a great fan of spending my husband's paycheck frivolously, Stroget is my happy place. Stroget is comprised of four streets - Frederiksberggade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv and Ostergade. It is cobblestone streets lined with delightful boutiques for as far as the eye can see. Every budget class is represented here, so there really is something for every level of shopper. The Danish are well known for their quality merchandise, so shop with confidence that cool sweater you just picked up will last you through many winters. In fact, pick up all your winter gear while here. It is some of the finest in the world. The folks of Scandinavia deal with seriously harsh weather in the winter and have figured out the best way to make warm yet light-weight snow clothing. Buy it. I don't even own any winter clothing from the States anymore. The stuff over here just surpasses it in every way.

Street performers are just everywhere in Copenhagen, and they are much better than average. I loved the ones in Melbourne, Australia... but I have to say that Copenhagen has even them beat. We're talking high-wire acts to musicians using beer bottles as their instruments. They're just amazing, and they are everywhere you look. Occasionally I take the train over just to spend the day watching them. Marvelously entertaining.

Amongst all those fabulous shops and street performers are tons and tons of restaurants. Any type of food you could ever want can be found right here in the center of Copenhagen. From Irish Stew to American fast food joints to a Hard Rock Cafe to Turkish, Asian, British.... you name it. It's here somewhere. Do not under any circumstances pass up the great pastry shops. This is where Denmark really shines. Oh man my mouth is watering as I type this. They have flaky down to an art form. This stuff just melts on your tongue. Ecstasy.

Into royalty? Denmark has the oldest Monarchy in the World, and the current Queen (Margrethe III) lives right here folks. When you reach the end of all that fabulous Copenhagen shopping, you will feast your eyes on her castle. I could not stop drooling the first time I saw it. Amazing place, that.

If you are more into mall shopping, then Field's is the place you want to get to. this is the largest shopping mall in Scandinavia. Now, you American's will consider those 3 levels of shops small by comparison, but they are good quality shops. Still, Personally, I was a bit disappointed my first trip there. the thing is, Scandinavians much prefer being outdoors, so shopping centers are not nearly as popular as shopping districts. So there ya go. If it is raining like hell, hit Field's Mall, otherwise hit that Stroget district I already told you about.

If you want something to entertain the kids, then stop into Tivoli Gardens. It is right across the street from where you got off the train. Yes. An Amusement Park in the middle of the city... and it is a great place for the whole family. There are tons of rides, midway games, and yet more restaurants everywhere. Tivoli is spit-polished clean and full of amazing gardens, too.

If you are a hippie heart, then by all means make your way to the neighborhood inside Copenhagen called Christiania. They call themselves the 'Free Zone' and pretty much anything goes here. The artwork alone is worth this adventure. It is everywhere, covering fences, the sides of buildings... what you call graffiti is legitimate art in Christiania and rightly so. There is a whole lot of talent in that small area. You can score some nice handmade craft items here, among other things...

Hans Christian Andersen is a child of Denmark and his mark was left in quite a few places. One of which is the famous Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen on the edge of the Oresund. This was done by sculptor Edward Eriksen in bronze and is surely one stop you won't want to skip.

For accommodations, again Copenhagen has something to fit every budget and combination. From families to backpacking students. Hostels are very big here and will cost you next to nothing, numerous mid-range hotels are conveniently located, and you can spoil yourself with no problem easily if you have the finances to do so. The public transport system is so fine tuned that you really can't go too wrong no matter what part of the city you book a room in. Still, I would look around Amager or the area near the airport for the best access to everything.

There is so much to do in Copenhagen that I could easily fill a book, so please don't think I've done anything here than hit the very tip of the ice berg. You could spend a full 2 weeks in this outstanding Danish city and still not have done everything on your list. Plus, it is a very short train ride from Malmo, Sweden... another grand city with tons to do. The best advice I can give you is to not short change your time in Copenhagen when making travel plans... and now, I feel the urge to catch the next train over.