Copenhagen, Denmark

A night out. A striking example of spare Scandinavian architecture is the Royal Danish Theatre, home of the national drama company (find a calendar of upcoming productions here: bit.ly/tr0UFT). Also nearby is the soaring Royal Opera House, featuring the Royal Danish Opera and the Royal Danish Ballet. Guided tours of the waterside facilities are available.

Haunted harbor. Copenhagen was founded in the 12th century, and the streets are permeated with legends from the city's long and colorful history. For a spirit-filled evening, book a group escursion with ghosttour.dk. During a 90-minute walking tour, groups wander along the ancient byways from Nyhavn to City Hall Square, as guides recount the assorted murders and mayhem that left a ghostly fingerprint on the district.

  

Storm the castle. Set in a quiet park, 17th-century Rosenborg Castle is one of the city's gems, once the summer house of kings. Tucked in the basement is a treasure trove, including the crown jewels. Among the gorgeous pieces are the Queen's Crown of 1731 and the Anointing Sword of 1643.

 

 

 

Perfect Meal. There's a simplicity and elegance to the fresh and local Nordic cuisine served at Noma, what many bloggers and list-makers call the best restaurant in the world. The artistry comes from the genius of chef Rene Redzepi, who crafts dishes from ingredients such as stone crab, perch and "greens from the hedgerow."

 

 

 

Getting around: Sightseeing in the warmer months is easy using the city's free bike program. The bikes go into storage in winter, but many of Copenhagen's attractions are within walking distance of each other.