Streets squares and districts to visit Copenhagen

Running alongside Frederiksberg Park, Allegade is a very airy avenue lined in its upper part with pretty villas, preceded by a garden removed from the street by the white fence. Some of the houses are in neoclassical style with pediments and colonnades. These former country estates date back to the time when Frederiksberg was a summer destination outside Copenhagen. The origin of this area was the transfer by King Christian III of 20 Dutch families who had lived in Amager since 1651. Farmers and market gardeners, they established their tenant farms on either side of the street. Some of them are now home to popular restaurants with large terraces where you can relax and enjoy the spirit on holiday!

At number 7-9 Riddersalen. Former hostel that houses both the Lorry Theatre and the premises of the regional TV station TV Lorry. Shortly afterwards, at number 5, the Riises House (1860) became the Review Museum commemorating actors and artists who were once popular in Denmark.

Pile Allé is lined with mansions. On the park side, three buildings in the style of traditional farmhouses with thatched roofs and timber-framed walls: these old neighbourhood cafés, the oldest of which dates from 1799, make up De Små Familiehaver "the small allotment gardens". These restaurants are popular for their atmosphere - the staff singing and dancing, the guests singing along to the most popular tunes - and their rustic à la carte dishes - as they should be.

Here is a very pretty place that the "Grey Friars", that is to say, the Franciscans who had established a convent on this site in 1238. They were dislodged during the Reformation in 1536. Nothing remains of the old monastery buildings. Decorated with a large tree and a fountain (commemorating the 800th anniversary of the founding of Copenhagen), the slightly quirky paved square is lined with houses with colourful facades. One of the most lively places because of the numerous café-restaurants, their terraces invade almost all the space in good weather.

A large triangular square set back a little from the Vasterbrogade. The square was laid out in 1850 as a place for walking. In the centre of the square is the Hercules fountain. On one side is the massive church dedicated to St. Elijah, built in 1907 by Martin Nyrop, the architect who also designed the town hall. On the other side of the square, at the end of the passageway leading to Gammel Kongevej, the New Theatre inaugurated in 1908. A sweet mixture of styles and some borrowings of Art Nouveau. Perhaps you will find it reminiscent of the Parisian Palais Garnier, only more sober?

In the background of the basin near the Christianhavn canal are the buildings, warehouses and docks of the former East India Company, now the Danish Asia Company, from its foundation in 1732 until its dissolution in 1843. This beautiful warehouse, built by Nicolai Eitgtved in 1750 and completely renovated, has arcaded facades with characteristic gables. Imported goods could be hoisted up and then stored in the cellars. Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken over the premises.

This bridge, connecting Indre By to Nørrebro, was designed by the Danish architect Vilhelm Dahlerup. It was built between 1885 and 1887 and is named after Queen Louise, wife of King Christian IX. It succeeds various historical bridges, the oldest of which dates back to 1562. It is an important meeting point for Copenhageners who like to get together, for its bucolic and romantic setting - surrounded by the Søerne lakes - and to celebrate the New Year!

Amagertorv is considered the central square of Copenhagen, the crossroads of the city in the heart of Strøget. Its name is mentioned as early as 1472. It seems to be related to the market once supplied by the peasants of Amager Island. Among the notable elements, its polychrome granite pavement, designed by Bjørn Norgaard; the Stork Fountain, a wedding anniversary gift to Frederik VIII and his wife Louise in 1894, facing the very chic Europa café; and the buildings with elegant gabled facades, including that of Mayor Matthias Hansen dating from 1666.