TRIVOLI GARDENS

A few kilometres from the centre of Copenhagen lies this glorious amusement park — one of the earliest attempts to provide a public haven where everyday citizens could escape the workaday world. Without the example set by Tivoli there might never have been a Disneyland. It opened in 1843, with notables including Hans Christian Andersen, no less, in attendance. Today the mix of amusements is much the same as it was then. You’re likely to see an 18th century commedia dell’arte performance — or take a ride on an antique roller coaster and carousel. Otherwise, stroll the beautiful gardens and enjoy one of the many open-air music performances. Do go at night when thousands of lights strewn through the gardens complete the fairyland effect.