Destination: DENMARK | ||||||||||||||||||||
Things To Know
First Impressions
Strøget and Beyond City on the Water's Edge Den Lille Havfrue |
First Impressions The initial impression visitors have of Copenhagen is of a city overpowered by traffic. To reach the central City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) from Copenhagen's central railroad station (Hovedbanegården), visitors pass Tivoli and then negotiate busy downtown streets. Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard, a broad and howling stream of traffic, is as far removed from Andersen's fairy-tale world as can be imagined. Keep your eyes open for cyclists as well as cars. The broad expanse of City Hall Square, a relaxed, traffic-free environment, leads to a refreshing world of lively streets, colorful squares and hidden corners, where pedestrians are the priority. There is a lot to see in Copenhagen. Some attractions, such as Rosenborg Castle and the National Museum of Fine Arts, are some distance from City Hall Square. Even the famous statue of The Little Mermaid is a long walk along the waterfront from the central parts of the city. Getting around is easy, however, if you take advantage of the various guided walking tours that are available. Other sightseeing tours go by bus and by harbor or canal boats. The city's bus service is extremely efficient and com prehensive, complemented by a driverless subway (metro) system, the first stage of which opened in 2002 and which by 2007 will extend to the aiport. Because of the city center's pedestrian-only status, however, exploring on your own here is a pleasure. |
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