48 hours in Copenhagen

From the airport
Train: every 10 minutes, trains leave for Kobenhavn H station from Terminal 3. The new metro line leaves for Norreport station every five minutes.

On arriving in the city, head to Norrebro, Copenhagen's hipster district is full of vegan cafes, vintage shop, organic coffee bar and an equally cool crowd to match. Stop at Grod for a bowl of spelt porridge with chestnut puree. Afterwards, hit the shops. Adelie is a beautiful boutique which stocks mainly Danish designers, while Henrik Vibskov, Norse Projects and Acne are worth a browse, too. Come cocktail o'clock, make for Lidkoeb, a popular watering hole spread over three floors. For dinner, try Pony, a laid-back spot with great affordable food, before retiring to your hotel, Hotel Kong Arthur's Superior Double rooms with their king-size beds and pretty courtyard views. 

Kick-start day two with breakfast at Cafe Lillebor, then zone out in the glorious spa at Skodsborg Kurhotel. With 16 different cooling and warming experiences, allow plenty of time.

Nyhavn

a cafe

To see:

At the Nyhavn (New Harbour) there are many coloured houses which give the area a bright touch. In fact, the character of the area was largely determined by Dutch people. Nyhavn was an important commercial port in the 17th and 18th century. Now it is mainly visited by tourists and sailors who come and have themselves tattooed there, as the former King Frederik IX did in earlier times. 

Nyhavn

The Exchange, a beautiful 17th-century Renaissance building, was constructed to give new impetus to Danish economic life. King Christian IV, who commissioned the building, could literally keep an eye on the progress of the construction work from his palace. Notice also the pretty little brass turret, the spire of which is made up of four interlaced dragon tails and three royal crowns. The Dutch word "beurs", meaning exchange or Stock Exchange, is derived from the Dutch name Van der Beurs, a Bruges publican. 

Copenhagen is famous for minimalist design. The best time to go is Summer, May-July. Bikes can be rented and it is a great way to explore the city. Copenhagen has a history that dates back to 1043. This wonderful city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights such as the little mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens amusement park and Amalienborg Palace.

Shop

Notre Dame is a shop where you can buy everything you need for a picnic, except the food. Baskets, blankets, cutlery, glasses, plates and corkscrews galore.

Funf is a funky little shop showcasing fashions by talented designers.

Eat

Bror: opened by two ex-Noma chefs.

Almanak: traditional Danish smorrebrod in a beautiful dining room overlooking the river.

Kodbyens Fiskebar: affordable and incredibly delicious seafood.

In the bohemian area of off-beat Norrebro, you will find little Elmegade (Elm Street) where countless designer boutiques sell everything from products of their own design to lesser-known foreign brands.

Day trip

Legoland. A three-hour train ride takes you to the Jutland peninsula and the home of the famous Lego play brick. With more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, this place is sure to keep you and the little ones entertained.

Amager. Head to St Magleby, on the island of Amager, for a Shrove Monday, you won't forget. About 30 men in top hats, white shirts and embroidered waistcoats ride on elegantly decorated horses, with a barrel attached, and music following them. At 3pm, head to Hovedgaden (main street) for a street party.