Photograph the yellow terraces of Nyboder in soft light

Hotel d'Angleterre on Kongens Nytorv traces its history to 1755 and has been in its present building since a fire in 1795. It reopened in 2013 after a major restoration and remains one of the city's grand addresses. You do not need a room to enjoy it: the champagne and cocktail bar is a way to see the interior. Book…

Every year on 23 June, Copenhageners celebrate Sankt Hans Aften, the eve of Saint John and the shortest night. Bonfires are topped with a straw witch, with speeches and songs. Frederiksberg Have and Amager Strandpark are two places to join in, while others such as Islands Brygge hold family events. Go after the…

Copenhagen Pride takes place in August, with a week of events centered on City Hall Square, known as Pride Square, and a parade on a Saturday. The route runs from Frederiksberg down Vesterbro to the square. For more room, watch from the wide Frederiksberg Allé; the area around the central station is the busiest. Check…

La Fontaine on Kompagnistræde calls itself Copenhagen's oldest jazz bar and is known for informal jam sessions where visiting musicians sometimes sit in. Live music runs on weekend nights and there is a Sunday jam, with relaxed hi-fi jazz on other days. Seating is first come, first served with no table reservations…

Jazzhus Montmartre reopened in 2010 at its original address on Store Regnegade and runs as a non-profit with many volunteers. Concerts usually start at 8 pm, and the best-known acts can sell out, so book ahead for Thursday to Saturday. Wednesday nights are more informal with mostly standing room, so come early if you…

Frederiksberg Loppetorv sets up in the car park beside Frederiksberg City Hall on Saturdays from April to mid-October. Private households and regular traders sell Danish ceramics, glassware, lamps and vintage crockery, with food stalls nearby. Arrive early for the best furniture and design pieces, and expect a quieter…

Ravnsborggade in Nørrebro still has antique and vintage shops selling furniture from the past three centuries, Royal Copenhagen porcelain, paintings and silverware. Cafés have replaced many dealers since the 2010s, so treat it as a slow browse with a coffee stop in between. A flea market also sets up on the street a…

The outdoor spiral staircase around the spire of Our Saviour Church gives one of the best views in town, but the tower closes temporarily in rain, snow or strong wind and stays shut for all of January. Book a timed slot ahead and pick a clear day, ideally late afternoon for golden light. The last stretch of about 150…