Tivoli

Lonely Planet review

Situated in the heart of the city, Tivoli is a charming combination of amusement rides, flower gardens, food pavilions, carnival games and open-air stage shows. This genteel entertainment park, which dates from 1843, is Denmark's most popular attraction.

Visitors can ride the roller coaster (named 'The Demon' - and Denmark's biggest), take in the famous fireworks display at night or just soak up the genuinely special, timeless atmosphere in what is the most beloved of Copenhagen's tourist attractions.

Tivoli is fun by day but in the evening it takes on a more romantic mood as the thousands of specially made fairy lights are switched on and a wide range of cultural activities unfolds, from theatrical performances to pantomime to live rock and pop acts, some of them major international names.

Each of Tivoli's numerous entertainment venues has a different character. Perhaps best known is the open-air pantomime theatre, which features mime and ballet, and was built in 1874 by Vilhelm Dahlerup, the Copenhagen architect who also designed the royal theatre. Tivoli also has an indoor cabaret theatre and a large concert hall that features performances by international symphony orchestras and ballet troupes.

Between all the nightlights and glorious flowerbeds, Tivoli is a sweet place to stroll around, and if you feel like eating there are some decent (and even some very good) restaurants that make for a memorable dining experience.

Saturday is the best night to visit as it includes a fireworks display at 23:45 . There's a nightly sound and light display on Tivoli Lake, 30 minutes before closing. Amusement ride tickets cost around kr20 (some rides require up to four tickets), but there are multiticket schemes and passes as well.

The numerous open-air performances are free of charge, but there's usually an admission fee for the indoor performances.

Tivoli is closed between mid-September and mid-November for various holiday festivities, a Christmas market and ice-skating on the lake. Some of Tivoli's restaurants also reopen for that period, serving traditional Danish Christmas fare. The Halloween opening looks set to become an annual event.