The streets to the north of Amagertorv in Copenhagen form the old Latin Quarter, featuring the cozy Greyfriars Square (Gråbrødretorv).
This cobblestone square is a popular place to enjoy lunch at one of several outdoorsy restaurants, or dinner. Peder Oxe is a local favorite.
The streets just to the north hold Copenhagen Cathedral (Københavns domkirke) and the main building of the University of Copenhagen. The seat of the University Board, beside Nørregade, dates from 1420 and is the oldest building in Copenhagen.
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A fun stop for children is the sweet factory on Nørregade 36, Sømods Bolcher, where confectioners make old-fashioned boiled sweets by hand.
Fiolstræde is known for its antiquarian bookshops, and Krystalgade is the site of Copenhagen’s synagogue. Try a sandwich from the busy, bowler-hatted organic butchers, Slagteren ved Kultorvet (Coal Square), on the open plaza near the Nørreport subway station, at the top of traffic-free Købmagergade.
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In Købmagergade itself is one of Copenhagen’s most fascinating buildings, The Round Tower (Rundetårn). It was built in 1642 as an observatory, possibly inspired by the work of Denmark’s world-renowned astronomer, Tycho Brahe. The viewing platform on th top offers a breathtaking panorama on clear days and nights. The tower stands 36 meters (118ft) high, nd to reach the roof one walks up a 209-meter (685ft) spiral ramp.
In 1716 Tsar Peter the Great rode a horse to the top while his wife followed in a carriage.
round the corner of Landemærket is the Danish Film Institute, home of Cinemateket, which celebrates Denmark’s trailblazing successes in cinematography and shows a program of Danish and international films.
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For a taste of brewing visit the famous Carlsberg Brewery and stables and sample a glass of the best.
The new City Circle metro line Is due to open this year. It will extend Copenhagen’s dinky little systems with another 15.5km (9 ½ miles) of track and 17 city-center stations. You are bound to come across construction sites across the city or attractions that have closed temporarily due to building work.
Feature image (on top): From Købmagergade
Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, written by Tor Kjolberg