Copenhagen

Copenhagen is Denmark's coastal capital — Nyhavn colored townhouses canal (the iconic photo), Tivoli Gardens (oldest amusement park in Europe, 1843), Little Mermaid statue (1913 bronze), Christiania self-proclaimed autonomous commune (1971), and the canonical Scandinavian design + hygge culture. 660,000 people in city. Most-bicycle-friendly city in the world (more bikes than cars). Cheaper than Stockholm/Oslo.

Nyhavn is the iconic 17th-century waterfront with painted townhouses + sailing ships + restaurants. Free walking. Canal cruise from here ($12, 1 hour) is canonical.

Tivoli Gardens (1843) is the oldest amusement park in Europe. Walt Disney was inspired by Tivoli when designing Disneyland. $25 entry; rides extra ($50 for unlimited rides pass). Iconic Tivoli concert hall (live music nightly + Friday rock concerts).

Christiania (Freetown Christiania) is the 1971 self-proclaimed autonomous commune — 1,000 residents, no taxes, semi-legal cannabis trade. Pusher Street is the cannabis market (no photos allowed). Free walking; respect resident requests.

Hygge (Danish 'cozy + togetherness') is the canonical cultural concept — candles + blankets + warm drinks + close friends. Every Copenhagen café embodies hygge.

Iconic Danish dishes: Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches, $25-40), Frikadeller (Danish meatballs, $15-25), Hot Dog Danish-style ($5-10), Akvavit spirit ($5-10/shot), Carlsberg beer.

Day trips: Helsingør (Hamlet's Castle, 45 min train, $20). Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (35 min). Malmö, Sweden (35 min by Øresund Bridge train, $25 each way — different country!).

Bottom line: Copenhagen is the canonical Scandinavian city — design + hygge + cycling culture. 3 days hits bucket list.