For a look at the more well known attractions of the city we ventured across the Knippels Bro (bridge) which leads directly past Christianborg slot, seat of political power and home of the royal reception rooms for state occasions. Next door, the Royal Library is the largest in Scandinavia, augmented by the polished granite extension known as the "Black Diamond". The Royal Library gardens, on the site of a former naval harbour, offer a haven of peace and tranquility from the hubbub of city life and house the entrance to the new Danish Jewish Museum (www.jewmus.dk) Bus, boat or walking tours can guide you around the key attractions, and in a city built up around the water we opted for a canal tour from Nyhavn which took in the Little Mermaid, as well as the central city sights.

The three main squares of Rådhuspladsen, Gammeltorv/Nytorv and Kongens Nytorv form the heart and lungs of the city and are linked by the pedestrianised shopping street, the Strøget. Opposite the city hall stands one of Copenhagen's most famous attractions, the Tivoli Gardens, and we made the obligatory visit during our stay. Once part of the city's fortification area, Tivoli is a cross between a theme park and a pub crawl and really does seem to provide something for everyone from stomach churning rides to the 140,000 bedding plants. The Tivoli Big Band and Tivoli Orchestra perform alternately and there is always a convenient spot from which to enjoy the entertainment, accompanied by your choice of refreshment at one of the 20 or so very stylish, if slightly pricey, bars and restaurants.

Our final evening in Copenhagen was marked by a second chance to Dine with the Danes, organised at short notice after our pre-arranged family cancelled due to illness. Hanne & Flemming Kjær-Kristoffersen and their five year old daughter Julie made ideal hosts and my niece Bella found that all five year old girls have much in common - Disney princesses, Shrek and a fondness for sweets and ice-cream. For us it was a chance to learn more about Danish family and business life, and we were again delighted to find a couple with such a keen interest in meeting foreign visitors.