Copenhagen, Denmark–Some cities whisk you to the top of their biggest building in an elevator for a great view. In healthy Copenhagen, you’ll climb stairs around the spire of a church, or ramp up the top of a round tower. Either way you’re rewarded with magnificent panoramic scenes of this picturesque city.
Vor Frelsers Kirke, a 17th century church with a 295 ft. golden-topped spire, towers over the landscape of Christianhavn. Climb part of the spire inside, past the clockworks and the bells, then outside on steps that wind around the upper spire. The steps are narrow in spots and wooden steps inside are uneven, but the view is worth the effort. (Try to time your climb so you’re not on the wooden steps when the bells ring.) Inside, the church is well-lit with white walls and large windows.
Follow in the footsteps of kings–or king’s horses–who trod the cobblestone ramp that winds around inside the Rundetarn, or Round Tower, in the Latin Quater. Built as an observatory in 1642, you’re afforded the real-life version of Google satellite view maps. Kids love to run up and down the ramp, hiding in the niches along the way. Look for the original tower toilet, a small closet in the outside wall about halfway up. At the top of the ramp, before you go outside, there’s a “kissing bench”, a perfect stop for romantic souls.