Historic, small and compact, low-rise, eminently polite and civilised, filled with light and water, Copenhagen is ranked as one of the most attractive capital cities in the world, and one of the world’s best cities to live in. ‘Fairytale’ is an adjective that is often used to describe this city, especially used by the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who lived at various addresses in the pretty, pastel-painted waterfront area of Nyhavn. The city’s symbol is the beguiling bronze statue of the Little Mermaid, based on his fairytale, perched romantically on a rock in the harbour. However, due to time constraints and dissuasion from a Danish friend, we decided not to pay a visit to the famous statue. Instead we went to other areas, such as the ‘Freetown’ Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous community that took over a military area on Christianshavn. Despite much controversy, notably about drug dealings, it has remained an independently minded, freethinking hippie style community since then, living by its own rules and performing a valuable social experiment in the process. There is even a sign that states that you are leaving the European Union and entering the independent enclave of Christiania, further drawing up boundaries within the city itself.

meet up with Stine in her city. She came to Singapore for exchange last semester.

Copenhagen’s talent for pleasure is nowhere more distinct than the Tivoli Gardens, a 19th century amusement park, with old and new rides, theatres, music halls and restaurants. Illuminated at night with fairy lights and Chinese lanterns, only one word can aptly describe the scene: fairytale. Unfortunately, it was closed in January when I visited.

As you wander along the pedestrainised streets of Strøget, a keen sense of design showcases the city’s character. The royal palaces are also a feature of Copenhagen’s landscape. The Amalienborg Palace – four elegant, Neoclassical buildings around an octagonal court – has been the winter home of the royal family since 1794, after the old Christiansborg Palace burnt down. The 17th century Rosenborg Castle, which is located in one of the city’s many extensive parks, is open to the public and contains the Royal collection of treasure, including the crown jewels.

Last but not least, Copenhagen is a very clean and green city, where the number of cyclists on the road can easily outnumber the pedestrians, even on a cold, wintry day. Cyclists have the right of way and pedestrians have to give way to them, other these impatient cyclists will start ringing their bells. Cycling is an important means of transportation for the people and with a superb cycling infrastructure set in place, getting around the city on two wheels has never been easier.