Recently in Copenhagen Category

If the thought of Danish food only conjures up images of pastries, it's time for a trip to Copenhagen. The Washington Post has an enjoyable overview of the dining scene in modern-day Copenhagen, and it really looks like the city has come a long way from its modest culinary roots. The restaurant Noma (pictured), for example, focuses exclusively on seasonal Nordic ingredients prepared using modern, cutting-edge methods. The result is some of the most innovative yet familiar dishes to be found in Northern Europe today. A dish called "potato puree and malt soil" certainly sounds odd, but the soil in this case is roasted sprouted grain, which has a sweet, earthy taste. A seven-course tasting menu is heavy on seafood and vegetable dishes, along with a slow-roasted venison course. For more traditional Danish fare, drop by the Cafe Sorgenfri, a former tavern that serves up smorrebrod, an iconic Danish open-faced sandwich, as well as tasting platters of herring, pork, pâté, cheese, and more. Starwood's elegant Palace Hotel, conveniently located in central Copenhagen, has a great restaurant as well, Brasserie on the Square, which specializes in French cuisine.

[image via the Washington Post]

In Copenhagen, home of Le Meridien's Palace Hotel, the New York Times wants you to know that the city is hopping in the winter. True, they use a clunky metaphor or two along the way (including a strange Lego malapropism), but the message does get through. The Times' recommendations for Copenhagen include historical boat rides from DFDS Canal Tours, drinking beers at the outdoor cafes around Nyhavn, the Michelin-starred Noma restaurant which uses local ingredients like musk ox, Greenland shrimp and Icelandic seaweed to surprising effect, the bars and electronica-spinning nightclubs of Nansensgade and of course, Tivoli Gardens. Most interesting Copenhagen landmark we did not know of: The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek antiquities museum, created by the heirs of the Carlsberg brewing dynasty.

Yes, we'll admit it: Amusement parks don't figure prominently in most Americans' minds when they think of Europe. But much like us, and our Walt Disney Worlds and our King's Dominions, Europeans love their roller coasters and thrill rides as well. In particular, the Danes are enamored of their Tivoli Gardens, the massive Copenhagen amusement park. Being European, there's also high culture mixed in with the thrill rides (with events including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and symphony orchestras) but they're still an amusement park—which is why we love The Demon roller coaster. Over at Jaunted, we just learned that Tivoli Gardens is going on autumn break, so get your ride on while you can if you're staying across the street at the Palace Hotel.

When visiting Denmark, discriminating travellers will enjoy the beauty and luxury of the Palace Hotel. Built in the early 20th Century it's distinctive architecture and central location rank it among the finest hotels in Copenhagen. What to do there? For one it's directly across from the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. Somewhere between a modern theme park and a public garden, Tivoli first opened in 1843 and is the oldest amusement park to have survived more or less intact to the present day (it was also an inspiration for Disneyland). Though constantly evolving, Tivoli has maintainted its' traditions, foundations and general layout. For those who are more interested in acquisition than entertainment, the Strøget is also near at hand. Follow the link to a Copenhagen visitors' site with more tips on where to shop, eat and drink.

Watch out Sydney. The Copenhagen Opera House is just over a year old and one of the newest landmarks of the Danish capital city. Located on Holmen island near the Amalienborg Palaca and the Marble Church, the opera house has its own boat launch and opens directly onto the water. A gift to Copenhagen from shipping magnet Sir Maersk McKinney Moller, the Henning Larsen-designed building is architecturally unique in the popular field of waterfront opera houses. It replaces the former Royal Naval Dockyards that previously occupied the site and guided tours are available on weekends.