Cruise ships calling in Copenhagen dock at Langelinie, close to the city's iconic Little Mermaid statue, or at the Free Port, a little further north.

Canals, lakes and the sea form the backdrop to modern Copenhagen, Scandinavia's biggest city, and are a reminder of its long heritage as a major Baltic port.

Despite its size, Copenhagen retains a comfortable, small-town feel, but offers the best in arts and culture, nightlife, heritage attractions and high-class shopping - Danish design is world-renowned.

Denmark's capital is a perfect cruise holiday destination - it's friendly, fun and offers just the right blend of old and new.

Copenhagen is one of Europe's greenest capitals with numerous parks and other open spaces complementing the historic streets of the city centre.

Museums, galleries, castles and palaces abound, among them the Amalienborg Palace, elegant home of the Danish Royal family, the Viking Ship Museum and Rosenborg Castle (www.rosenborgslot.dk).

For those in search of something a bit different, the Carlsberg Brewery (www.carlsberg.com) visitor centre is a major draw, while the Tivoli amusement park (www.tivoli.dk) is a must. Boat cruises in the harbour are also popular.

Highlights
• The Little Mermaid statue
• Christianborg Palace (Parliament)
• City bus tour
• National Museum
• National Art Gallery
• Kronborg Castle
• Christiania ‘free town'

Copenhagen Right Now
Vesterbrogade 4A (at the entrance to Tivoli)
Tel: +45 7022 2442.
Website: www.visitcopenhagen.com

Major international chains and designer boutiques cluster around Strøget. Magasin, on Kongens Nytorv is Scandinavia's biggest department store. Second-hand and antique shops and regular flea-markets are a feature of the city. Best buys include Danish fashion, Royal Copenhagen porcelain, glassware, Bornholm ceramics, handmade Faroese woollens and Lego toys. Last-minute shopping is also available at Langelinie cruise terminal.

Copenhagen is a gourmet paradise, with restaurants dotted all over the city. For snacks and light meals, try Smørrebrød, a highly popular traditional open sandwich, or a cold buffet.

The climate in Copenhagen is temperate maritime and generally quite changeable. Winters are cold and cloudy but summers are warm and sunny. Snowfalls are common in winter, and the wettest season is from August to October.

Denmark

GMT + 1.

Danish Krone (DKr) = 100 øre.

Danish.

Sjælland (Zealand), eastern Denmark.

1.1 million.

Constitutional monarchy.

Predominantly Evangelical Lutheran with small Roman Catholic and Muslim minorities.

English is widely spoken in Denmark. Casual dress is suitable for most places but formal wear is required at more exclusive dining rooms and social functions. Smoking is illegal on public transport and in public buildings - most restaurants and pubs have designated outdoor smoking areas.

Tipping: Tipping is not necessary.