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Cruise passengers sailing into the city might spot a statue of the Little Mermaid, one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most popular inventions, beckoning from a waterfront park. Like the mermaid herself, visitors to this popular port yearn to leave the sea and walk the shore -- and Copenhagen has plenty of scenic shore to offer.

Families flock to Tivoli Gardens, a 165-year-old amusement park with a roller coaster, carousel and hot-air balloon ride offering sweeping views of the city. Others are drawn to Stroget, one of the longest shop-filled streets in Europe. Meanwhile, a number of food, music and sports festivals are sprinkled throughout the year to entertain and educate international visitors.

Historic points of interest include Christiansborg Palace, now housing the nation’s parliament; the nearly 400-year-old Church of Holmen, the host of Queen Margrethe II’s wedding in 1967; and the National Museum of Denmark, where countless Viking treasures are on display. Also accessible by shore excursions is Kronborg Castle, Shakespeare’s model for Hamlet’s home.

Language: Danish     Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)