Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens opened on 15 August 1843, which makes it one of the oldest amusement parks in the world still in operation. Its founder, Georg Carstensen, won his licence from King Christian VIII with the argument that people who are enjoying themselves do not think about politics. The park still sits on its original site, part of the old fortification ground outside the western city gate, right next to Copenhagen Central Station, and it remains one of the most visited sights in Scandinavia.

What makes Tivoli different from a modern theme park is the mix. There are more than 30 rides, from Rutschebanen, a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 and one of the oldest still operating, to the floorless steel coaster Dæmonen and the tall Star Flyer swing. Between the rides you find lakes, flower beds, illuminated pavilions and a large choice of places to eat, including the Tivoli Food Hall with its street food stalls. The Chinese-style Pantomime Theatre stages commedia dell'arte pantomime behind a mechanical peacock curtain, and the Concert Hall hosts classical concerts, ballet and big-name artists.

The park opens in seasons rather than all year. The summer season brings open-air concerts and weekly fireworks, Halloween fills the gardens with pumpkins and scary houses in October, and the Christmas season, from mid-November into early January, adds a market, lights and seasonal food. Between seasons the park closes, so check the official calendar before planning a visit around it.

Tivoli suits almost everyone. Families can spend a full day on the rides, couples come for an evening walk among the lights and dinner, and many locals simply buy an entrance ticket to stroll, eat and listen to music. Entry and rides are ticketed separately, and the park sells several combinations, including ride passes and the Tivoli Pass, so decide in advance how many rides you want. Evenings are especially atmospheric when the lamps come on, while weekday mornings are quieter for families with small children.

The main entrance is on Vesterbrogade, opposite the Central Station, and the park is a short walk from City Hall Square and the shopping street Strøget. The Nimb Hotel, the only hotel inside the gardens, faces the station on Bernstorffsgade, and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum is just across the road on the other side, which makes it easy to combine culture and fun in one day.