Copenhagen updated its public transportation system to include a subway system called the metro, which has made getting around even easier. There are also extensive public bus routes. Purchasing a ticket will give you access to all these services, and those who purchase a Copenhagen Card will also receive free transportation.

Most ticket types can be used on all forms of public transport in and around the capital, including metro, rail, buses and harbor buses. If you`re only in Copenhagen for a few days, there are different types of tickets to choose from. The greater Copenhagen area is divided into zones that determine your cost of travel.

The cheapest ticket covers two zones, offers unlimited transfers, and is valid for one hour, costs about $3.50. Children under 12 travel free if accompanied by an adult. A 24 Hour Ticket will give you unlimited travel for 24 hours by bus, train, metro and harbor bus in all zones of the metropolitan region. And a 7-day Flexcard is an unlimited pass available for purchase for travel in your choice of zones, the price ranges around $35-$95. City Pass gives you unlimited access to buses, trains, metro and harbor buses in zones 1-4, which includes the center of Copenhagen and to and from the airport.

The Copenhagen Card (www.cphcard.com) gives you unlimited travel on buses, trains, metro and harbor buses in all zones throughout the metropolitan area. In addition, the card gets you free entrance to over 70 attractions and museums and discounts at various restaurants, sights, and more. The card is available for 1 day and costs about $34 or 3 days costs about $51. The card can be purchased at the airport, train stations, tourist offices and most hotels.

The Metro is the newest addition to the Copenhagen transport network, launched in 2002. The metro trains run frequently throughout the day, about every 2-3 minutes. Sundays to Thursdays between midnight and 5am the metro operate a less frequent service with trains running about every 20 minutes.

The Commuter light-rail system, also known as the S-Tog,connects the heart of Copenhagen with the city`s suburbs. Norresport is the transferstation to the S-tog system. Tickets are the same as on buses and you cantransfer from a bus line to an S-tog train on the same ticket.

It is recommended not to drive in the city because of the widespread availability of traffic-free walkways, parks, gardens and canal side promenades. While you may want to discover more of Denmark or nearby Sweden in a rental car, you`ll want to park it once in Copenhagen. It is best to park your car in the many city parking lots, and then retrieve it when you`re ready. You will find many city parking lots, set up in three zones; red, green and blue parking zone. The zones cover the city center and the inner bridge areas. The general rule is that the closer you are to the city center, the more expensiveit is to park.

Copenhagen is said to be a walker`s paradise. The city is compact with a majority of its hotels, venues, sights and attractions within walking distance of each other, it is also extremely easy to navigate and explore on foot.

Copenhagen is considered relatively safe, compared to other European capitals. Since foreign visitors are always at risk for petty crimes, it is always recommended to guard your wallet and other valuables.

The currency in Denmark is called the Kroner, written DKK. Once you`re in Denmark you`ll have to use Kroner in most places. It is recommended to exchange at least some money before you leave home so that you can avoid lines at airport ATMs. There are various ATMs throughout the city.

Tipping in Denmark can vary. According to the Danish law, service charges (including gratuity) are normally included at restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Make sure to check your bill at restaurants and to see if service charges are included or not. If there is a service charge there is no need to leave a tip. According to some sources, it is customary to leave up to 10% to the waiter, if the service is satisfactory.

The country`s written and spoken language in Denmark is Danish. However, English is widely spoken and understood throughout. We suggest you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

There are clusters of shops scattered all around the city offering some fabulous shopping of all kinds. The largest and very popular shopping street is a pedestrian walking area comprised of five small streets known as Stroget, the longest pedestrian only street in Europe located in the heart of the capital. Stroget offers plenty of outdoor cafes, shops, art galleries, gift stores, museums, department stores, and much more. Stroget begins at Frederiksberg, a cozy area with many small boutiques. Nearby is Kongens Nytorv which is lined with cutting-edge Danish fashion brands, all kinds of clothing, and some of the most appealing porcelain in Europe.

Bredgade and Laederstraede are great shopping streets as well packed with the finest antique art and furniture dealers where you will find higher priced items. Ravnsborggade also has antique shops, but a lot less extravagant and pricey. And one of the city`s hottest streets, Jaegersborggade, sits on the edge of Assisten`s Churchyard where you will find various café and second-hand shops. Also make sure to check out the Latin Quarter, Kronprinsensgade street, Fiiolstaede area around Copenhagen University, and Osterbro, the district next to the lakes.

Some popular items and best buys to look for while shopping in Copenhagen are stainless steel, glassware, functionally designed furniture, textiles, porcelain, and jewelry.

VAT(Value Added Tax) – Denmark requires a 25% tax on goods and services. Tax-free exports are available. Many stores will mail goods to your home to avoid paying the tax. Also, look out for shops displaying Danish tax-free shopping notices. These shops offer tourists tax refunds for personal export. This refund will apply to purchases over approximately $51.00 for visitors of US and Canada. Questions in regards to tax refunds can be handled by Global Refund (tel. 32-52-55-66).

The Copenhagen Card (www.copenhagencard.dk) can save you a bundle, allowing admission to many sights and museums, free and unlimited travel by bus and rail throughout the metropolitan area, and a 25-50% discounts on crossings to and from Sweden. The card is available for 1 day (costs approx $22.00) or 3 days (cost approx $73.00) and can be purchased at the airport, train stations, and most hotels.

Copenhagen has something to offer everyone in terms of nightlife. From laid back bars, jazz clubs, wine cellars, and trendy clubs, all can be found throughout the city packed with people of all ages. The city also presents a more cultural side as well, offering outstanding theaters, ballets, operas, and one of the best circuses in Europe.

Copenhagen`s nightlife scene is spread all over the city, a couple of notable areas: the Nyhaven, a little to the north of the city center, offers a number of great bars and restaurants; Vesterbro, home to various clubs, as well as live music venues; Osterbro, where the mood is a little more relaxed with traditional beer houses and wine cellars; and Christianhaven, a great place to sit out amongst the cobbled streets surrounded by vibrant bars and restaurants.

The climate in Copenhagen follows the four seasons of the northern hemisphere. July and August are hottest months with an average temperature of 68F. January and February are generally the coldest months with an average temperature of 35F.

Once offering more authentic traditional cuisines, Denmark`s capital has grown into a true culinary metropolis. A traditional must eat, the open sandwiches known as smorrebrod, can be considered a national specialty dish at midday. This sandwich can be found everywhere throughout the city, from the finest restaurants to the simple pushcart with various selections to choose from. While traditions do run deep, new innovative inspiration continues to add creativity to the city`s ever-evolving culinary scene.

Danes eating times are rather standard to traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner hours in the U.S. Lunch starts around 11am and peaks at noon with dinner between 5pm – 7pm, although very popular places will offer later reservations and stay busy throughout the evening.

In an Emergency dial 112

Medical carecan be obtained by local Hospitals for illness or accidents, even foreignersare entitled to free medical treatment in Denmark. One of the most centrallylocated hospitals is Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9 (tel. 35-45-35-45).

Copenhagen is built for cyclists and you`ll see more bikes than cars anywhere in the city center. The city is covered in over 250 miles of cycle paths and lanes which are raised from the road and very safe to cycle on. There are various bike rental shops around the city and most hotels rent bikes as well. Depending on the bike, daily rates range from $10 – $30.