Where is the world's oldest amusement park, from 1583? Yup, just outside Copenhagen, Denmark. And the second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, opened in 1843, is located directly across from the Copenhagen Town Hall. The Danes must enjoy their amusement. I slightly regret not getting a danish from the Danish, but at an average price of $7 per pastry, I couldn't bring myself to it. Everything is quite expensive. The cheapest, small-sized latte to-go costs $4.50, and it's nearly impossible to find something cheap to eat for less than $8.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city, and not too large. very easy to see on foot or bicycle. Founded by Warrior Bishop Absalom in the 1200s, Copenhagen began to grow in population when it was only the mid-point town between two large cities. Danes wanted the convenience of being close to both cities, so they started to settle right in the middle. For the past few decades, the city has been home to a unique "green light district," a community of hippies, called Christiania, where limitless forms of marijuana are sold in a street market. The three rules of Christiania are no pictures, have fun, and don't run. It's very popular among tourists. The strangest part is that weed is illegal in Denmark. Still not sure how that works out. In addition to the hippies, Copenhagen also hosts beautiful architecture, a tourism industry from the cruise ships, and some beautiful canals. In Danish, Copenhagen means Merchant's Harbor. Some even consider it to be the Venice of the North, but Copenhagen doesn't have the same love for life as the Mediterraneans.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city, and not too large. very easy to see on foot or bicycle. Founded by Warrior Bishop Absalom in the 1200s, Copenhagen began to grow in population when it was only the mid-point town between two large cities. Danes wanted the convenience of being close to both cities, so they started to settle right in the middle. For the past few decades, the city has been home to a unique "green light district," a community of hippies, called Christiania, where limitless forms of marijuana are sold in a street market. The three rules of Christiania are no pictures, have fun, and don't run. It's very popular among tourists. The strangest part is that weed is illegal in Denmark. Still not sure how that works out. In addition to the hippies, Copenhagen also hosts beautiful architecture, a tourism industry from the cruise ships, and some beautiful canals. In Danish, Copenhagen means Merchant's Harbor. Some even consider it to be the Venice of the North, but Copenhagen doesn't have the same love for life as the Mediterraneans.
Copenhagen has lots of statues and churches:
Here's the famous Little Mermaid statue, from Hans Christian Andersen's story:
And from the top of the 400 steps on the tower of the Church of Our Savior, you can see the whole city, 360 degrees around!
In general, the Danes like to jog and bicycle. Lots and lots of joggers kept passing me on the sidewalks. The people are all very tall and blonde, and they speak excellent English. Even on the metro, I heard more English than Danish on many rides. I found many Danes to be very helpful and quite friendly people. I highly recommend a visit!
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