Denmark

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most liveable capitals: compact, flat and full of water, with colourful harbour houses, royal palaces and more bicycles than cars. Nyhavn’s painted townhouses, Tivoli Gardens in the heart of the city and a canal tour past the Little Mermaid fill a first visit, while the castles of North Zealand, including Kronborg, the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, make a memorable day out.

Families can add LEGOLAND in Billund, in the town where LEGO was born, a few hours west of the capital. Copenhagen also links easily to Malmö across the Øresund Bridge, to Stockholm by train and to Oslo by overnight ferry, so it is often the start or finish of a Scandinavian tour.

Denmark suits families, couples and senior travellers who like an easy pace. English is spoken almost everywhere, cards are accepted throughout, and Copenhagen has plenty of Indian and vegetarian restaurants. Summer days are long and mild, perfect for harbour walks and outdoor cafés.