The Royal Danish capital is a most decidedly Scandinavian city, characterised by its picture-perfect low rise landscape, punctuated by church steeples. Visitors will find that Copenhagen, like its people is typified by its understated Viking assurance and flair.

Copenhagen is extremely pedestrian friendly and you will find that many of the main thoroughfares have been given over to pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, the best way to discover the capital itself is by foot. To find the real Copenhagen, take a stroll down the 17th century back streets and canals and engage with its friendly locals (almost all of whom speak English).

Despite its relatively small size, Copenhagen is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and boasts an array of cultural and social pursuits. Ranging from historical and contemporary attractions, to prestigious shops and pavement cafes, Copenhagen offers visitors a host of entertainment that belies its small size.

Come evening most of the city's residents can be found in the Tivoli Gardens in the centre of Copenhagen. The gardens are full all day and night long as Copenhageners and visitors alike enjoy any number of entertainment venues, theatres and restaurants.

The heart of Copenhagen's dynamic club scene can also be found here. For live music, bars, clubs or somewhere more intimate, Copenhagen boasts more entertainment venues than many cities twice its size.

But Copenhagen's nightlife and indeed the city as a whole has benefited from its increasingly diverse cultural mix. Although a burgeoning immigrant population and right-wingers reaction to them has resulted in underlying racial tension, Copenhagen has succeeded in retaining its uniquely Danish character, while fusing it with an ever growing international flair.

By and large, it is the Danes' pride in their capital and its history that has protected the capital's authentic ambience. This national pride can be seen in its many museums celebrating Copenhagen's past, and its art galleries and venues for musical entertainment to celebrate its blooming artistic future.

But Copenhagen is just as suited for children as it is for their parents. Legoland is one of Denmark's major tourist draws as interactive amusements like the Lego Mindstorms Centre, where you can build and program cutting-edge, computerised robots that obey your every command appeal to kids whatever their age.

Most people tend to visit Copenhagen between May and September when temperatures are more comfortable. However, visitors should be prepared for the worst, as grey skies and rain can be expected almost 365 days a year.

The most popular months for visitors to Denmark are May, June, July and August, although given Copenhagen's calendar of festivals throughout the year, there are tourists from all around the globe all year round.

Flights to Copenhagen leave from most popular European airports, with many low-cost UK airlines operating cheap flights from around Britain.

So for travellers looking for a city brimming with life, combined with Scandinavian self-assurance in a compact and friendly setting, why not try Copenhagen?