Scenes from the bus in Copenhagen

I took my three daughters on the ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Copenhagen‘ bus tour (though we didn’t do much hopping; as the children were very happy on the open air top-deck of the double decker bus).

If I wasn’t managing three children of different interests, ages and sensitivities, I would have spent all day hopping on and off, exploring the beautiful streets and historic landmarks, but I was aware of my own limitations (and my children), so I simply took the easy option – sat back, enjoyed the views and took just one ‘hop off’ at the half way point of the tour – by the ‘Little Mermaid‘.

We didn’t bother with the crowds of tourists lining up to get their photo with the ‘Little Mermaid’, but did enjoy the beautiful vistas.

As the ‘World Travel Guide‘ writes in its guide to Copenhagen travel;

‘Water is ever-present in Copenhagen, a reminder of the city’s heritage as a major Baltic port, and the harbour is the best place to observe the capital’s great contrasts. Nyhavn has retained a deceptively provincial atmosphere, with colourful gabled buildings and cobbled lanes, recalling the fairytale capital that inspired Hans Christian Andersen.’

Water is never more than a short stroll away in Copenhagen. Its city streets, broad and friendly to pedestrians, are pleasant to walk (or cycle) – free from the pollution that plagues so many other European cities. If it’s not water you seek, then inner city green spaces are also plentiful, from parks like the Botanical Gardens and the grounds surrounding the Rosenborg Castle to ‘Pocket Parks‘; drops of urban green on a small scale.

The streets in summer are lined with cafes spilling out on to pavements. Music from buskers filled the air as we drove past, intermingled with the sound of people happily whiling away time over a leisurely lunch.

As we finished our bus tour, riding on the lower level for the second half – taking shade from the sun, we plugged in our headphones, provided as part of the tour. The commentary came in a selection of languages, informing us of the sights as they came into view. I was surprised at how much my youngest daughter enjoyed this (even out trumping the choice of using her iPad and the free Wifi!).

The bus tour lasted a little over an hour and was definitely a great way to get an overview of Copenhagen. I could happily have spent all day hopping on and off. A beautiful city to see, especially in the summer.