Rick Steves Recommends This Unique European City For Ambitious Sightseers

Sightseeing is a big part of most European trips, but deciding what sites to prioritize can be one of the biggest challenges. With so much to see in a short period of time, finding an appropriate route to squeeze as much in as possible during a stay might be difficult. Fortunately, according to travel writer and blogger Rick Steves, the capital of Denmark makes sightseeing easy, even for the most ambitious traveler. Copenhagen by its very nature is compact, he says, meaning its many points of interest are easily accessible to tourists. In fact, Steves' blog on the subject is appropriately titled "The Easy Streets of Copenhagen." In it, he shares that the Scandinavian city is one of his favorites to simply stroll the streets. It's the perfect place to take in the "cobbled cuteness and modern bustle" of the city, he says. It should come as no surprise that Copenhagen is ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Copenhagen has come a long way since it began as a small Viking fishing village in the 10th century. It became the capital of Denmark in the 15th century, and today, it's a thriving tourist destination with colorful buildings and a variety of boats floating in its harbor. One neighborhood stroll that is a must-do to see historic, quintessential Copenhagen is through Christianshavn, near the city's center. But Steves specifically points to Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen's town square. Here, visitors are surrounded by a number of must-see sites that require only a good pair of walking shoes or a rented bicycle to see.

According to Rick Steves, navigating from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) to surrounding sights is easy. Copenhagen's City Hall, as one might suspect, is located here, as is the National Museum. This museum offers a historical look through Denmark's past through intricate displays. One popular exhibit allows guests to get close to bog bodies dating as far back as the second century. There's also a focus on the region's ancient Viking culture and a display of the spacesuit worn by the first Dane to board a rocket ship into the stars.

There's even an amusement park located just off the square. Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world and has provided entertainment to the people of Copehagen since 1843. The park is open seasonally, meaning it closes periodically throughout the year. It's recommended potential guests visit the park's website for tickets and availability when planning their trip.

Even if the amusement park is closed during a visit, there are plenty more sights to see. Copenhagen is, after all, one of the most walkable cities in the world. Steves points out that City Hall Square connects to the famed Strøget. This pedestrian street is one of the longest of its kind in Europe and connects Rådhuspladsen to Kongens Nytorv in the heart of Copenhagen's old town. Here pedestrians will find a number of historic statues and the Royal Theatre. Strøget itself is often full of street performers and stretches for more than half a mile. Along this outdoor mall, local, inexpensive shops and high-end, internationally recognized brands are intermixed with historic churches and beautiful fountains.

Not only is navigating the streets of Copenhagen attractive for sightseers, but it's also a city that is easy to access for international travelers. Copenhagen International Airport is only 15 to 25 minutes from the city's main attractions, and it offers access to numerous modes of transportation. Trains run regularly from the airport to Central Station, which serves as the gateway to all other public transportation throughout this part of Europe. Not surprisingly, the station is located near the heart of City Hall Square.

Winters in Copenhagen are cold and snowy, but it remains an active time in the city with events like winter bathing (for those who can brave the icy waters) and ice skating. Summers are pleasant, with temperatures rarely rising above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Harvest festivals take over the city and its attractions in the autumn, and in the spring, parks and gardens burst with color across the region.

Rick Steves describes the atmosphere of Copenhagen as one that "somehow [manages] to exude orderliness without being rigid." And, while there is a lot to see here from castles to museums, the sites are close enough to satisfy any sightseer. For those looking to enter and explore the many attractions of the city, including museums, galleries, and historic buildings, the Copenhagen City Card offers entry to more than 80 sites for one price. The card also includes boarding access on a number of the city's transportation networks.