Great Danes

Western commerce meets Scandinavian cool in this classically medieval city by the sea.

There’s a magical atmosphere in any waterside city, but the Danish capital is perhaps more magical than most. Whether you’re a businessperson acting Alice Through the Looking Glass from the boardroom of hypermodern, harborside business complexes, or a visitor perched atop verdigris spires overlooking the rooftops of a medieval capital, Copenhagen is the perfect mix of bustling business and ephemeral beauty.

Spiraling around a medieval core of winding streets, bright-hued baroque houses and pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, Copenhagen is a compact gem for anyone looking for leisurely strolls, people-watching and an excuse to while away time in cafés or look through loads of little fashion shops, antique stores and design temples.

But there is more to the city than a Sleeping Beauty fairytale ambience. Denmark’s booming economy has offset a building bonanza, with new and boldly conceived residential and commercial areas emerging along the old harbor areas. Among the more spectacular public buildings are the new Opera House, which will soon be joined by a new Royal Playhouse, and the Royal Library, housed in a new Copenhagen landmark named The Black Diamond.

The main drawbacks to Copenhagen? High costs and a somewhat variable climate-but these are small prices to pay for the pleasure of spending time in this charming city.

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ulla plon is a writer based in Copenhagen. Email Ulla at editor@executivetravelmag.com.

Inside the Copenhagen Guide

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