Copenhagen’s rise from its humble origins as a small Viking fishing village to the cultural capital of Scandinavia was a long and costly process.  It took around 1,000 years and heavy investment in infrastructure to transform Copenhagen into the city it is today; a bustling metropolis featuring brave new architecture, a diverse entertainments scene, and intriguing world-class museums.  For a fascinating snapshot of Danish and Scandinavian culture, Copenhagen is the ideal place to start your visit to Denmark.
 
The centre of cultural and national history in Copenhagen is the National Museum, a collection of artefacts housed in an 18^th Century mansion in the centre of the city.  Visitors are free to wander through the various collections, taking in Viking boats, Renaissance artworks, Native American and Inuit cultural items and examples of contemporary Nordic art.  Once the National Museum has whetted your appetite for paintings and sculptures, head over to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – home to Northern Europe’s largest collection of Ancient Mediterranean art and Denmark’s leading exhibition of French Impressionist paintings.  More than 40 works by Gaugin are on display, as well as paintings by Picasso and Matisse and sculptures by Degas and Rodin.  The museum’s winter garden is the perfect place to relax with a drink, surrounded by towering trees and a gently rippling central pond. 
 
A perfect combination of grand architecture and incredible cultural variety can be found at the Royal Danish Theatre.  Founded in 1748 and housed in a purpose-built venue in the centre of the city, the venue is popular with the Queen of Denmark.  Those with a fondness for world-class ballet should make this a must-see on their trip to Copenhagen.  The intricately carved designs of the interior of the theatre add the final touch of magic to what promises to be a spirited and engrossing experience. 
 
To discover the true architectural wonders of Copenhagen, visit the Rundetårn.  One of the city’s iconic buildings, it is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the Oresund Bridge and even, on a clear day, Sweden.  True architecture aficionados should take their cameras to Ostebro’s northern harbour, where a trio of spectacular buildings designed by Jørn Utzon – of Sydney Opera House fame – are on display.     

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