Copenhagen
A popular fixture on the city's cultural scene is the annual Copenhagen International Film Festival (CIFF) (175 Gothersgade; tel. 33/45-47-49; www.copenhagenfilmfestival.com). Running from September 20-30, 2007, the festival is made up exclusively of European films, and aims to celebrate the continent's cinema. An international jury convenes to award the ultimate prize, the Golden Swan, in six different categories. Screenings are offered at theaters throughout Copenhagen, and tickets are available at 70DKK (US$11.70) each, 593DKK (US$99) for a festival pass, or 360DKK (US$60) for 6 tickets. Also on the cinema front is the Copenhagen Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (CGLFF) (175 Gothersgade; tel. 33/93-07-66; www.cglff.dk), which presents short films, features, and documentaries with homosexual themes. The festival attracts both gay and straight audiences, and will be held October 19-28, 2007 in theaters in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Mahmö.
During the spring and autumn, free Wednesday Concerts (tel. 33/55-74-12; www.onsdagskoncerter.dk) are held in locations across Copenhagen, including The Royal Veterinary and Agriculture University, The Theatre Museum, and in various churches. Students from the Royal Danish Academy of Music perform the mainly classical entertainment. The Wednesday evening concerts begin at 5pm and last around 45 minutes.
With the latest round of restaurant openings, Copenhagen's restaurant scene is heating up. For the latest in fine cuisine, Umami (59 Store Kongensgade; tel. 33/38-75-00; www.restaurant-umami.dk) serves a unique menu of Japanese food with a French twist. This ultra-chic restaurant uses the freshest natural ingredients to create superb dishes like ribeye tataki with deep-fried lotus and ponzu dressing. Food is not the only reason to visit Umami; the interior boasts the latest in design, with minimalist décor complemented by ultra-modern touches, like the color-changing acrylic curtain that welcomes you into the dining room. In the Vesterbro district, Copenhagen Food Consulting runs the upscale restaurant, Cofoco (7 Abel Cathrines Gade; tel. 33/31-70-55; www.cofoco.dk). Serving French/Danish cuisine in a modern and elegant setting, Cofoco offers savory three course meals for 225DKK (US$37.50). Patrons are treated to a unique social dining style here, with all customers seated along an extra-long table. This is a trendy spot, so call ahead for reservations. Owned by the same company is Les Trois Cochons (10 V?rnedamsvej; tel. 33/13-60-60; www.cofoco.dk), a French brasserie and bar. Its name, which in English translates to "The Three Pigs," is fitting, given that the brasserie is located in a former butcher shop. The décor here is minimalist, with uncovered wooden tables lit by candlelight. Like its counterpart, Cofoco, meals here are reasonable, with a three course menu costing 225 DKK (US$37.50). Custom House (44 Havnegade; tel. 33/31-01-30; www.conran.com), is home to a trio of new haute cuisine restaurants. At Ebisu, a traditional yet diverse menu of Japanese food is served in an elegant setting. An open plan kitchen allows diners to watch their meals be skillfully prepared, and guests are encouraged to interact with the chefs in the true Japanese style. Menu choices range from sushi to skewers seared to perfection on the open charcoal grill. In the same location, Bacino serves genuine Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Chefs at Bacino create flavorful a la carte and theater menus infused with the freshest seasonal ingredients. An extensive wine and cheese menu is also on hand to complete the dining experience. The Custom House also features a Bar & Grill, where Danish/European cuisine is served in a more informal setting. The varied menu features such items as seafood, including caviar and lobster, and grills prepared on the charcoal grill in the open kitchen. A fixed-price three course menu is offered at 325DKK (US$54.20).
On Copenhagen's after dark scene, the ultra hip and exclusive NASA (8F Gothersgade; tel. 40/40-75-52; www.nasa.dk) plays host nightly to the city's elite. You'll feel like you're partying in the future amid NASA's space age design. The interior is coolly decorated completely in white, even down to the white Japanese carp swimming in the aquarium. Getting into NASA is not an easy feat. Located in the former red light district of Istedgade, Boutique Lize (6 Enghave Plads; tel. 33/31-15-60) is a hotspot in the city's nightlife scene. Popular with Copenhagen's hipsters, the bar serves a variety of tasty cocktails to the beat of the punk and electronic music. Boutique Lize is a trendy spot so be prepared to line up and wait to be admitted.
Aalborg
Built as an extension of the Aalborg Congress Center, the Quality Hotel Aalborg (12C Vesterbro; tel. 70/12-51-51; www.choicehotelseurope.com), offers comfortable rooms with ample amenities. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the train station and is located near the town's center. Rooms have a clean, minimalist style with earthy tones and textures.
Bornholm
One of the largest medieval fortifications, Hammershus (tel. 56/95-95-68; www.bornholm.info) is in the process of being restored. Standing 74 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in Bornholm and offers a spectacular view of the ocean and neighboring Sweden. Believed to have been built in the twelfth century, Hammershus served as a fortress and occasionally as a prison. It fell into ruin, but a large amount of funds has been set aside to restore and maintain the tower.
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