Listed City Guide - D

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DENMARK

Copenhagen Travel Guide

A relaxed, picturesque capital, Copenhagen is supremely well-organised and celebrated for its liberal outlook and eco-friendly attitude:

Anyone fortunate enough to holiday in Copenhagen will testify to the fact that the lovely Danish capital is one of Europe’s most impressive urban destinations. Its attractions are many, and easily accessible on foot; its architecture reflects centuries of rich and interesting history; its shops are upmarket and splendid; its restaurants are superb, with far more Michelin-starred establishments than any other Scandinavian city.

A holiday in Copenhagen is a magical experience for children and anyone who is young at heart, thanks to its wonderful Tivoli funfair and the association with Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales. In addition to enjoying the carefully well-preserved city centre, much of which dates from the late 18th century or earlier, culture vultures travel to Copenhagen to enjoy its many theatres, arts events and music concerts. The Danes have refused to compromise their traditional city centre with skyscrapers and the old city is blessedly free of high-rise buildings, creating an authentic old-world atmosphere.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

A summer holiday in Copenhagen (June to August) is ideal, especially for those intent on making the most of Tivoli Gardens, the city’s popular amusement park, and the pavement cafes on the pretty squares. A Copenhagen holiday is also magical in the run-up to Christmas, when the snow-covered city takes on a fairytale aspect and it is fun to shop for gifts in the Christmas markets. Read more on Copenhagen’s Climate and Weather.

What to see in Copenhagen

-The heart of the city, Christiansborg Palace is the hub of Danish government and chock full of history.

-The iconic Little Mermaid statue in Langelinie Harbour is one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights.

-Copenhagen is rich in world-class museums, including the Copenhagen City Museum.

Rosenborg Castle is the historic seat of Danish royalty and houses the crown jewels.

What to do in Copenhagen

-For a taste of Copenhagen’s liberal ‘hippy’ culture visit Freetown Christiania.

-A stroll or a boat ride down the historic Nyhavn Canal is a must.

-For thrills, spills and fresh air, Tivoli Gardens can’t be missed.

Bakken Amusement Park, said to be the oldest in the world, is a must for families travelling with kids.

Beyond Copenhagen

Popular excursions and daytrips from Copenhagen include visits to Frederiksborg Palace, in North Zealand; the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, in Helsingor, immortalised in Shakespeare’s Hamlet; the island of Bornholm, known as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’; the historic city of Aarhus, on the east coast of Jutland; and the beautiful island of Funen (Fyn), with its capital Odense, the birth place of Hans Christian Andersen. Families travelling with kids should be sure to visit Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park.

Getting there

Copenhagen Airport, situated five miles (8km) southeast of Copenhagen city centre, on the island of Amager, is the biggest airport in Scandinavia and the point of entry for the majority of visitors to Denmark. Get more information on Airports in Copenhagen.

Did you know?

-Copenhagen was once a fortified city, with only three entrances.

-There is only one high-rise building in Copenhagen’s city centre: the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, built in 1960.

-Copenhagen has been rated as one of the world’s top cities for cyclists.

Read more: http://www.wordtravels.com/#ixzz58UylR8E4

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Santo Domingo Travel Guide

If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, coupled with its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic.

The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings, and petty theft are common, so guard your belongings with care. Santo Domingo was the first European settlement in the New World and boasts the western hemisphere’s first cathedral, first hospital, first university, and first law court.

This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in the 15th century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city. Known as the “Colonial City”, it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings, interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels, and restaurants.

Visitors don’t need to stray far to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all beckon enticingly.

A different world awaits, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub, with its multi-level dance floors housed inside a real cave. An opportunity to watch a game of the Dominican Republic’s adored national sport, baseball, at Estadio Quisqueya shouldn’t be passed up.

Read more: http://www.wordtravels.com/#ixzz58UyvKAnm