Christianshavn

Canals, cobbles and Europe's most famous commune

Word to the wise: In the summer, you can hire rowing boats to explore Christianshavn's waterways. Enquire at the cafe marked Baadudlejning (boat hire) on the canal Overgaden Neden Vandet.
Despite being extremely central, the pretty, Bohemian enclave of Christianshavn sees itself as distinct from the rest of Copenhagen. This sense of independence is obviously aided by the fact that the neighbourhood is a man-made island, built by King Christian IV to defend the city in 1622. But it's also a state of mind, most visibly realised by Christianshavn's self-governing commune, Christiania.

The vast commune may be the area's best known sight - indeed, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city - but Christianshavn has a lot more going for it. The cobbled streets, laced with canals and bridges, are reminiscent of Amsterdam and equally well-suited to cycling and lazy afternoons in cafes. And for foodies, this is Mecca: the home of Noma, the world's best restaurant.