"Sentinel Before Carlsberg bought out Tuborg, the beer was bottled and brewed in Hellerup. The location has now been converted into a mixed-use space including high-end housing, a charming little harbor, and state-of-the-art business buildings. What remains is one of Copenhagen 's lesser known and quirkier attractions. Originally created in 1885 to appear in Tivoli Gardens for the World's Fair, this bottle has stood vigil over the old Tuborg grounds for the last several decades. While you can no longer go into the bottle to make the trip to the viewing windows at the top, it is still worth a quick peek."

"Tree-lined Paths and Handmade Structures In 1971, squatters moved into the barracks on an abandoned military base and established Freetown Christiania, an autonomous district in the middle of the city. Later, many dwellers built their own homes on the 86-acre property. Although the Danish Supreme Court ruledthis year that the state owns the land, the area’s nearly 1,000 residents have yet to be evicted. Today, visitors can bike along tree-lined paths and check out the handmade structures before they disappear. christiania.org . This appeared in the July/August 2011 issue."

"The Marble Church Situated in a position that allows Amalienborg to beautifully frame it, Frederiks Kirke, more commonly referenced as the Marble Church, adds to the beauty of the palatial complex. Started in 1749, the church wasn't completed until 1894 and sports the largest dome in Scandinavia and one of the largest domes in Europe. While simple, it is well worth a visit and has a beautiful interior with a wonderful dome. While the cathedral itself is interesting, the best part of the church is actually the hardest to get to. Available twice a day, a guide offers trips up to the overlook above the dome. This is worth it for two reasons. First, the view out over Amalienborg Palace and the harbor towards the Opera house is fantastic and not something you'll see many photos of. Second, the path to the overlook actually takes you inside and above the dome. So, you'll get to see the void between the interior of the inner dome, and the exterior dome. Even more, you'll climb stairs that wrap over it—a fun thought when you consider what's just a few feet below you!"

"Danish Pipes and Tobacco Danish tobacco dominates the pipe tobacco scene and can be found in shops all over the world. As part of this tradition, Denmark also has a number of extremely skilled pipe artisans who craft handmade Danish pipes. The Danish Pipe Shop is staffed by incredibly friendly folks and has a team of knowledgeable staff eager to discuss the craft of pipe smoking, how pipes differ, and which tobacco they recommend. Prices range from cheap budget pipes (less than US$40) to high-end pipes costing hundreds of dollars. Even if you're not a smoker, with its walls lined with widely varied pipes it is a great place to pop into for a look around."

"World's Most Precise Mechanical Clock One thing you won't hear talked about much is that Copenhagen serves as the home of the world's most accurate mechanical clock. This differs from the world's most accurate clock overall which is atomic and not based in Denmark. The clock is on display just inside city hall and open to the public. Built by Jens Olsen the clock is re-wound once a week, has the slowest turning gear in the world, and is gilded with four kilos of gold. It was first started in 1955 and also displays the location of the planets as well as the stars above city hall."

"Historic Danish Homes For a taste of traditional Danish architecture, the tiny street of Amagergade on Christianshavn is a must-see. Featured in an old Danish TV series, this street is lined with beautifully painted old buildings that convey all of Copenhagen 's historic charm. The street is short and only takes about 5 minutes to check out, but is well worth pausing at."

"Visit the Flagship Lego Store along the Stroget Denmark is the home of Lego and if you're traveling with kids in Copenhagen , it shouldn't be missed. It's located along the Stroget – the pedestrian shopping district in the city center of Copenhagen . You can either split up with one adult takes the kids to Lego and the other can browse the other interesting shops or you can do it all together (we held the Lego store out as a carrot to keep the kids engaged and in check). Flagship Lego stores have exclusive Lego sets that you can't find elsewhere. There are also building stations and a fascinating video monitor that will bring a set to 3-D life if you hold the box in front of the camera. They also have a huge pick-a-brick wall where you can pick up missing pieces or just get creative."

"Wash, Dry, and Eat in Copenhagen For a unique dining experience - why not eat in a laundromat? The Laundromat cafe is actually an old laundromat that has transformed into a cafe. It's actually more cafe than laundromat these days - but it is actually possible to do laundry while you eat. When I went the place was packed with locals eating burgers and drinking beer. There are about 4 washers and a couple of dryers among the cafe. The restaurant walls are lined with great nods to laundromats in pictures and products. Games of chess and backgammon and around 4000 books are also available to ease your laundry chores. The café serves breakfast, lunch dishes including salads, burgers, sandwiches, dinner plates, a few desserts, coffee, pastries, beer, wine, and various soft drinks. The burger was good - but of course - it's Copenhagen , so it's expensive! But if you can get your laundry done at the same time - then maybe the time you save is worth it! More Information: Hours - 8AM to midnight weekdays weekends - 10AM to midnight (they are known for their brunch)"

"Copenhagen's Alternative Mermaid Mobs of tourists line up to get their photo taken in front of Copenhagen 's iconic Little Mermaid statue. The bronze replica of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairytale mermaid was certainly cute. But I found the city's less famous mermaid to be much cooler (and totally crowd-free). The “Genetically Modified Little Mermaid” is on a square by Dahlerups Pakhus, an old warehouse in the Copenhagen Harbour, just a short walk from the real statue. Bjørn Nørgaard created the abstract mermaid as part of a larger sculpture group called the Genetically Modified Paradise. The collection of sculptures is supposed to be the artist’s ironic view of the postmodern society and a meditation on the way genetic technology is changing the way humans perceive themselves. His other works surround a large fountain and are abstract representations of Madonna, Adam, Christ, Maria Magdalena, Eve, the tripartite capital and a pregnant man. The mermaid is set apart on her own small island nearby."

"Modern Art Outing with Kids near Copenhagen If you're visiting Copenhagen, don't miss a visit to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. It's an easy 1/2 hour train ride from the city followed by about a 10 minute walk. Everything about our visit was excellent but a highlight is spending time in the sculpture garden which overlooks the Sound (and you can see the coast of Sweden in the distance). This is a great outing with kids. The children's wing does a fantastic job of creating interesting ways for the kids to plug into modern art and the museum. On our visit there was a sculpture garden detective kit where kids had to seek out certain sculptures and examine different aspects and make some discoveries. Our kids loved it and it kept them engaged -- and it allowed me to leave them with my husband while I viewed the galleries in peace. There is also a great winding slide near the children's wing that they spent a lot of time on. At the end of the day we got a bite to eat and and a glass of wine (for the adults) on the terrace overlooking the Calder sculpture garden and the Sound. Don't miss the gift shop with lots of great modern design items to tempt you."

"The Home of Brondby IF This stadium in the greater Copenhagen area is home to Brondby IF and can seat up to 29,000 fans. When I was in Copenhagen for business, the team was playing out of town, but fortunately "out of town" was just north of the city, so got to go see them play. We were lucky to get a private tour of the stadium the next day! Brondby has won many Danish titles but are now over shadowed by the city's more popular team, FC Copenhagen."

"Late-Night Lights I have no idea what the history, story, or background is for the brightly colored ads decorating the buildings at the start of Norrebrogade. They're a quirky mixture, seeming to date back to a different era. If you find yourself walking along the lakes at night, it is well worth pausing to enjoy the multihued reflections that they cast across the lake. Some might call them light pollution, but I think they're charming and add to the ambience."

"Cycling Through Dyrehaven (Deer Park) Dyrehaven, a forest park north of Copenhagen , is a great place to enjoy a scenic bike ride. Locals love exploring the city by bike and using this mode of transportation to get from place to place, so it's a great way to have a local experience. The park has a magical feel with white horses, carriages, giant stags, ancient oaks and even a royal palace. After riding around, regain your energy with some traditional smorrebrod at the charming Peter Lieps Hus cottage in the woods."

"The Picture-Perfect Palace While its more famous neighbor to the north (Kronborg) steals all the headlines, my favorite palace in Denmark is without question Frederiksborg Castle. Situated on its own island in the midst of a stunning lake in the heart of Hillerod, this castle/museum is a must-see as part of any day trip from Copenhagen . It is the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia."

"Morning Calm in Copenhagen I love exploring a new city by running through its parks and streets. And early morning runs offer a whole new perspective on a city. In Copenhagen , the path around the city's five lakes is a perfect four-mile running loop. The water is so still at that hour that it reflects the sunrise. Early on a Saturday, you never know what you might see. In addition to swans, I saw two bikes that had settled to the bottom of the water (evidence of a fun Friday night), and some drunk revelers dancing on a paddle boat."

"Morning Calm in Copenhagen I love exploring a new city by running through its parks and streets. And early morning runs offer a whole new perspective on a city. In Copenhagen , the path around the city's five lakes is a perfect four-mile running loop. The water is so still at that hour that it reflects the sunrise. Early on a Saturday, you never know what you might see. In addition to swans, I saw two bikes that had settled to the bottom of the water (evidence of a fun Friday night), and some drunk revelers dancing on a paddle boat."

"The Royal Gardens A Renaissance castle just isn't the same without a sprawling garden to go with it. Luckily, not only is Frederiksborg Slot (castle) the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, it also has an amazing garden that lives up to its stature."

"Windpower! Copenhagen (and Denmark) are famous for being incredibly environmentally friendly. Windmills play a huge role in making that possible. One of the best places to see the large windmills installed just off Copenhagen's coast is from the beach at Amager Beach Park. I find that the fact that they are marine windmills makes them even cooler and more fascinating than those installed on land."

"Helsingør's Historic Streets With a long and rich history as the town servicing Kronborg Castle and policing the straits it overlooks, the town of Helsingør is full of old multihued buildings, winding cobblestone streets, charming cathedrals, and beautiful old squares."

"Assistens Cemetary This sprawling cemetery is where many famous Danes throughout history are buried. While a graveyard may not sound terribly interesting or appealing to most, the Danes have a habit of using cemeteries as parks. This means that even if you aren't interested in finding H.C. Andersen's grave, you'll still enjoy a peaceful walk through the cemetery with its mixture of gorgeous live flowers rivaling those at the botanical garden. Also, don't be surprised if you see sunbathers, picnickers, and Danish mothers taking their babies for a stroll in their carriages."

"The Rest of Kødbyen Tourist guides often suggest that people visit Kødbyen for the nightlife or restaurants. Yet they seldom encourage people to visit the area and to wander around it during the day. There are actually two parts to Kødbyen, or the "Meat Packing District"—the old brick buildings are the less well known, while the more popular modern white warehouse buildings are where most tourists visit. Take some time and explore both for an interesting experience and some unique photos."

"Central Station's Amazing Ceiling When we're in a hurry we often forget to pause and look up. When you find yourself in Copenhagen 's Central Station, make sure you take the time to do so. The roof is built in a design similar to that of the iron roofs seen all over Europe—only in Copenhagen, it is made out of great wooden timbers. Looks very Viking-esque doesn't it?"

"World's Oldest Amusement Park What does the world's oldest amusement park look like? To find out, take a visit to Bakken just outside of Copenhagen . The park, which is situated on the edge of Dyrehaven dates back to 1583 and is open on a seasonal basis with modern rides including six roller coasters and traditional amusement park attractions. Photo: Erkan (Wikipedia)"

"Old Artillery, a Fortress, a Palace, and the Beach Situated in the suburbs just outside Copenhagen , Charlottenlund Beach Park is a small oasis in one of Denmark's wealthiest areas. The old fortress retains several naval artillery batteries in a space that has been converted to a park and overlooks a small, but beautiful, Danish beach. Just behind the park you can head into the park itself, which is a richly forested area that is absolutely stunning in fall. Head to the nearby Charlottenlund Palace, built by Christian the VI in 1733, as part of your stroll through the park. There's also a lovely cafe down by the beach which is open to visitors and offers a view over the water."

"Take a Day Trip from Copenhagen to the Viking Ship Museum We went to the Viking Ship Museum while visiting Copenhagen . It's about 1/2 hour train ride from the city and another 10 minutes or so on the bus (#203). I expected to spend about a half day here entertaining the kids but we ended up spending much more because it was so engaging. They have actual kid activities that are interesting and fun -- view old viking weapons, learn how to sword fight with wooden shields and sword (a staff member will show you how it's done), decorate your own shield and sword to take home, learn how to make rope -- and this is just one small part of the whole experience. Inside you can view the remnants of the 5 viking ships that were discovered in the harbor and learn about how they recreated them. You can also watch a film about how a crew sailed a recreated ship from Roskilde to Dublin (while seated in a replica ship). The kids can try on traditional viking costumes. And finally, but not least, you can pay a small fee to take one of the replicated viking boats out on the water! There's no motor -- just oars to row out and then use the wind to sail back in. It's beautiful out on the water and to have a view back to town. The kids can participate or just watch all the activity. There was so much to do and a variety of offerings that engaged the whole family. Definitely a must-do with kids on a visit to Copenhagen."

"Carlsberg Brewery Tour Beyond being Denmark's most famous beer, Carlsberg has played a central role in shaping the look, feel, and prosperity of Copenhagen over the years. If you're a beer lover and interested in a fun experience, consider setting aside time to do a brewery tour."

"Summer in Copenhagen When the days get long, Copenhagen’s cobblestone streets blossom with bicycles, café tables, and jazz bands. Check out the lively music scene during the annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival . In between gigs, explore this compact capital on foot or bike, taking in the local shops and cultivating a decidedly Danish good time. This appeared in the July/August 2011 issue."

"A View from the Black Diamond Library I’d like to believe that had my public library been as stunning as the Black Diamond in Copenhagen , I would have spent more time studying at the library and less time doing whatever one does when one is supposed to be doing their reading. But the reality is that I probably would have spent most of the time staring out at the water and at the handsome people who wander through its naturally lit halls. The Black Diamond is the newer annex to The Danish Royal Library. It gets its name from the black granite, tinted windows and trapezoidal design (isosceles I think; perhaps I would be more sure had I worked harder on that geometry homework). When you turn the corner, it peers out like a large warship: dark, massive, and slightly foreboding. But the people and bicycles scattered about near the library’s entrance bely the need for concern. At the library’s entrance there is a cafe perfect for you to steady yourself with coffee, pastries, and more people watching. The library holds an art exhibit, concerts, The National Museum of Photography, The Museum of Danish Cartoon Art, as well as its own collection. But the pièce de résistance is the atrium that overlooks the harbor. Take the escalator up a few floors and turn and seize the view. But don’t gasp too loudly: there are people probably trying to do their geometry homework. By Tony Tuntasit"