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There is so much to see and experience in Copenhagen that it can be a challenge to choose from all the options available. That is where we come in! Our tour guides have all the local secrets but if you don't get the chance to get them directly on our tours, we'll give you a little sneakpeek here!

Our favorite secret spot in the city is the Royal Library Garden, hidden between the Royal Library, the Tøjhus Museum, ChristianIV's Supply Depot and Christiansborg Palace. The garden has been known for being one of the most tranquil spots around the city center. So, if you want some peace and quiet, away from the noise and the busy city life, this is the place to go.

Freetown Christiania, also known as Christiania, is a community of about 850 to 1,000 residents. Christiania is a mix of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, music venues, cheap and organic eateries, and beautiful nature. However, it is still a society within a society but the area is open to the public.

​Manfreds is a favorite among locals as it emphasises on 'farm-to-table'. Which means that every day they offer harvest fresh vegetables from the farm and they are served on the same day. As fresh as it can be! 

Smørrebrød is a traditional open-faced sandwich that usually consists of a piece of buttered rye bread topped with commercial or homemade cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or spreads, and garnishes. 

The Copenhagen Harbour Baths are a system of recreational bathing facilities along the waterfront. The first and best-known is located at Islands Brygge but we also recommend Havnebadet Fisketorvet. Jump in for a cold swim!

If you want to get the best possible view of the city and the best photo you should head to Tårnet, the tower of Christiansborg Palace, as you will be able to see Copenhagen from a completely new angle. This is Copenhagen’s highest tower and a visit is free of charge and it is open every day (except Mondays).

If you are visiting Copenhagen and get a chance to try any of these recommendations, please let us know how it went. We love to hear what people think of our recommendations and even suggest other stuff. One man's secret is another man's treasure, right?!?

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a great city to explore on foot. You have easy access to a wonderful culture and shopping and even to large park areas, forests, lakes, and the beautiful coastline which is filled with islands. Helsinki has it all but where to go and what to do when there is so much to see and do? Our local guides have provided us with the best tips.... Enjoy!

We recommend taking a good stroll in the park around the Töölö Bay which begins in the heart of Helsinki. You should check out the wooden villas along the shores which are a reminder of Helsinki's history. The park is now a hub for culture and city events so please look if there is anything going on there whilst you are visiting the city. 

Suomenlinna is on UNESCO's World Heritage list and the islands (total of 6) have only 800 residents. On the Suomenlinna you will find a fortress and its museums, restaurants and there are often held events for visitors of all ages. The islands are a popular visitor attraction, for more information on the islands and the ferry schedule, check out Suomenlinna's official site. 

​Do as the locals and take a dip in the beautiful Allas Sea Pool, located in the heart of Helsinki by the ocean, next to the Market Square. There is a large pool area and magnificent saunas to enjoy. This is the perfect place for wellness and if you want a few hours of relaxation, this is the place to go.  The pool is open all year around but for further information on opening hours and more, check out their homepage.

If your not on a tight budget, you should eat at one of the best restaurants in Helsinki, Restaurant Aino. They are known for using Finnish seasonal ingredients and advocating traditional Finnish food, a great success with foreigners and Finns as well. 

Salmon soup is a popular traditional dish in Finland, locally known as Lohikeitto. The soup is easy to make and a favorite for many. This is a must-try whilst visiting Finland. 

Hotel Torni opened its doors to guests in 1931 and was, at that time, the tallest building in Helsinki. We recommend that you have a drink at Ateljee Bar, on the top floor, and when you make your way to the bathroom where you will get a wonderful view of the city. 

Stockholm is located across 14 islands and, as you can probably imagine, nature is all pervasive throughout Stockholm. That is why you don’t even have to go outside the city to spend time in nature; hiking, swimming, enjoying beautiful views or physical activities - everything can be found right there in the city!
But to make the most of it, you have to know the right spots. Here are some of the nicest and most popular places to enjoy nature within or close to the city.

​Nature spots within the city
Hagaparken is a beautiful, leafy park that’s only a stone’s throw away from the city centre, it takes 15 minutes to get there by public transport. This haven has everything you need to relax - parks, gardens, beaches and swimming spots at lake Brunnsviken, woods, hiking and bicycle trails. Haga Palace, the residence of Crown Princess Victoria and her family, is also located inside this park, alongside with other pavilions and temples, an Aquarium and a Butterfly house.
The park is great for picnics or just relaxing on the beach in the warmer months of the year, but since the park is so big, renting a segway is a great idea. You can rent segways in the Haga Ocean Aquarium. Visit the aquarium to see large and small sharks swimming together with various exotic fish, as well as colourful butterflies freely flying around!
To get to Hagaparken take public transport to HagaNorra or HagaSodra stations, there are several ways to get there, souse the SL trip planner to find the way that suits you best.

Rålambshovsparken is a park located on the island of Kungsholmen, in the western part of central Stockholm. Rålis, as the locals call it, is very close to the city centre and it is popular for enjoying various types of outdoor activities. There are running trails, a skatepark, bouldering walls and a big, well equipped playground for children, andeveryone is welcome to use all of this free of charge. Visit Rålis on Saturdays in the summer when they have yoga sessions that everyone is welcome to join. In August Rålambshovsparken offers an outdoor cinema, also free of charge. This place is not only popular for outdoor activities, but also for picnics and swimming in the Smedsuddsbadet beach, and the park gives you an amazing view of Gamla Stan and the City Hall. How to get to Rålambshovsparken? Take the blue or green subway line to Fridhemsplan and walk 5 minutes from there. We also recommend walking there from the City Hall alongRiddarfjärden bay. The walk takes about 20 minutes and is accompanied all the way by a beautiful view of Lake Malaren and Södermalm.

If someone finds themselves in Gothenburg, they are likely to also find themselves sampling the seafood!As Sweden’s biggest port, with direct access to the North Sea, Gothenburg has fresh seafood coming in daily. It’s unsurprising then that many of Sweden’s most well-known delicacies come directly from the sea.
 
Fish and seafood has always been soldin the heart of Gothenburg. From the time of the city’s founding, LillaTorget square, along with a bustling flotilla of boats in the adjoining StoraHamn Canal,served as the fish market for the people of Gothenburg. In the mid-1800s the market was moved to Rosenlund Canal. Later on at this new location a new generation of Gothenburgers were able to buy their fish from the Feskekôrka (“Fish Church”). Purpose-built in 1874 to house the popular fish market, the Feskekôrka was never actually a church. The architect for the city, Victor von Gegerfelt, designed it with Norwegian Stave and Gothic churches in mind (although you might hear the urban legend that a poor woman was selling fish outside this ‘church’ and the kind priests inside invited her in from the cold and from then on let fish be sold inside the building, making it into the marketplace that it is today – a nice story, but an entirely fictional one!).

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is known for its world-class architecture, museums, restaurants, and shopping. The city is located close to well-preserved nature and the capital was even named the European Green Capital 2019 for its dedication to conserving natural areas and for reducing pollution. Oslo is so great, and of course, our guides think so too. We picked their brains to find the best things to do in Oslo.

Bare Jazz Oslo is a great place for coffee or beer, and to check out their amazing record selection. On the top floor, live music can be heard in the café on a regular basis. This is a must for music lovers. 

You have to go and see the Holmenkollbakken ski jump, located at Holmenkollen in Oslo and it is the oldest of its kind in the world. The jump has been rebuilt 19 times but the hill has always been used as a ski hill ever since the road to Holmenkollen opened up in 1887.

Norwegians love the outdoors and they will participate in all kinds of activities whether they take place during the summer or winter time. Since Oslo is so close to nature, you should grab the metro to an end station and go on a hike!

If you want to indulge yourself in Norwegian cuisine, you should head to Fiskeriet. The restaurant specializes in fish, something that you have to try. We recommend the fish and chips or the shrimp meals, they are to die for. 

If you want to try a more traditional dish, you'll have to taste Klippfisk, which is a dried and salted cod. We have to admit, it is an acquired taste but worth the try :) Norway is known for its tasty salmon, so don't leave without trying a dish that includes salmon. 

On top of the Oslo Opera House, you will get an extraordinary view of Oslo. The architects wanted to create a roof that was meant to be walked on and it will unveil surprisingly different angles of the city. This is a must-do!

Today, the area is a flurry of activity, filled with boutiques shops and cafes, especially on the main through-road,Haga Nygatan. If you are after modern Swedish design try Tell me More concept store Market 29. If you are in the mood for some fantastic kitsch check out Unicorn and Sons, who have a fantastic range of Rice products and a whole bunch of things you never knew you needed. If shopping for a treat for little ones have a look at Kawaii and Millefiori ​(which also sells wonderful jewellery making accessories). In HagaTrätoffelfabrik you can buy traditional Swedish wooden clogs, and Haga Interior is home to a wonderful selection of unique gift ideas, and in Tvåla&Tvaga you can buy handmade soaps from Gothenburg, one of which is even named after Haga itself! If you love antiques, Haga has several wonderful antique shops, such as FåfänganAntik and Bebop Antik, where you are sure to find something special and absolutely unique. If you are after sustainable fashion, Thrive is the place for you. This store sells clothes made from recycled and sustainable materials, from coats made from recycled plastic bottles (you’d never know!) and stockings made of recycled nylon.

In Haga it is always fika (coffee and cake) time, and HagaNygatan in particular plays host to some great places to break up the shopping adventures. Le Petit Café has the most amazing homemade cakes and baguettes, and Husaren is home to the biggest cinnamon bun in Gothenburg, the Hagabulla. En Deli is an amazing place to stop for some of the best salads in Gothenburg, and offers free food refills. At the eastern end of Haga near Järntorget, you will find the two of the Långatorna streets, AndraLångatan and TredjeLångatan, which are home to a plethora of wonderful restaurants and bars (AndraLångatan tends to be a little cheaper ($-$$) than TredjeLångatan ($$$-$$$$)). If you want to take home a little bit of the taste of Gothenburg, stop in at Bräutigams on Haga Nygatan for some of Gothenburg’s very own marzipan.
 
It’s not just the shops and cafes that make Haga a fun place to visit. The district has a truly unique atmosphere that makes it a great place to spend some time. At Christmas and Easter time you can wander along and browse the outside market stalls that line the streets, and the lampposts and street signs are always festively decorated. On some sunny days if you look closely you might even spot some welcoming boutiques for the local mice! Standing sentinel and proud over the roofs of Haga is the SkansenKronan , a fortress built in the late 1600s to protect the city from Danish invasion. So are you wondering what to do when you visit Gothenburg? Take a walk up the stairs to the top and you will be treated to one of the best views of the city!

Gothenburg, Sweden's second biggest city, is a vibrant city with many wonderful things to see, expeirence and try. The city is a fabulous fusion of old-world charm and modern flair, with an incredibly friendly, industrial vibe.  It’s less hectic than the capital, so you can relax while exploring the road-less-travelled. Here we have gathered tips from our local guides who know Gothenburg like the back of their hand. 

The beautiful and often wild-landscaped islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago are a delight to explore in the warmer months and a personal favourite of our local guides is Marstrand, whose waterlily ponds, beautiful wooden houses, and winding costal paths never fail to enchant them. 

One of our local guide's favorite is definitely the Stadsmuseum (Museum of Gothenburg). It tells the story of Gothenburg through objects and it has a Viking ship on display. The fabulous gift shop that sells beautiful replicas of traditional Swedish objects and gifts that will delight family and friends back home. 

Liseberg theme park is not to be missed and in addition to offering plenty of fun for thrill seekers, it does a series of concerts in the warm summer evenings, a fabulous array of haunted houses (and a staggering quantity of pumpkins) at Halloween, and a truly magical Christmas market.

For a delicious and more sustainable dining experience, we highly recommend Folk. Folk is situated in the foyer of Folkteatern and offers mainly vegetarian and seafood choices with flavour combinations that are out of this world, paired with a fabulous selection of wine.

Fika is the practice of taking a break with a beverage and is widely accepted as central to Swedish life. Fika means 'coffee break' and a pastry will usually make the perfect Fika combo. We recommend trying a favorite in Sweden; kardemumma bulle (cardamom bun)! 

The district of Haga is just magical with beautiful streets, incredible wooden architecture or the Skansen Kronan that stands sentinel over it (make the trek up to it to get the best view of Gothenburg). 

We hope you get to try some of the things we have recommended here, please let us know what you think!! If you want to get bett knowledge of Gothenburg's history and buildings, join our 3-hpur walking tour here. 

Brussels is a wonderful city that offers so many things at once. Although the town might be small, especially in comparison to other European cities, it still has a more easy-going vibe about it and a more workaday feeling. Because the city is the capital of the European Union and NATO, it has become an international hub, and there are numerous international events and festival hosted in the city. During our walking tour, we will embark upon some of the city’s best attractions and let‘s have a further look at those attractions here.

Nova Fairy Tales 10 guaranteed sites:

1. Grand Place
Grand Place is the central square of Brussels. This place can‘t be missed as it is the most touristic part of the city. The square is vibrant, and there is always something going on like street performance, flowers being sold and much more. The buildings around are in Gothic and Baroque-style, and the square has even been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

2. Townhall
Brussels Town Hall is located on Grand Place square, and it‘s the only medieval building that still stands and is considered a masterpiece. Construction on the town hall started in 1402 and was completed by 1420. However, there were numerous restorations made on and within the building during the 19th century, but today it is a historical monument and a part of the Grand Place UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Museum of the City of Brussels
During our tour, we will not be entering the museum, but the building is extraordinary to look at, and just like the town hall, it is located on the Grand Place and thus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building is in the Gothic Revival style, and the museum is dedicated to the history and folklore of Brussels with paintings, photos, engravings, sculptures and more.

4. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
Constructions on the Gothic style, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral on top of the Treurenberg Hill started in the 13th century and took almost 300 years to complete. The Belgian royals use the cathedral for weddings, funerals, and coronations. 

5. Les Galeries Royals Saint-Hubert
This 19th-century gallery was designed by Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer in an Italianate Cinquecentro style, and it’s one of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades. The design was an inspiration to other famous shopping arcades in Europe. The gallery is split into two significant halls; Kings Gallery and Queen's gallery, and the smaller side section is called Gallery of the Princes. The Gallery attracted people of fashion with its luxury outdoor cafés and retailers. Today, the Gallery is on UNESCO’s “Tentative List”.
 
6. Manneken pis
Tthe quirky peeing little boy statue is probably the most famous attraction in Brussels, and the people of Brussels like to dress him up and he has been the recipient of about 800 different costumes. Many of those customs are on display at the Museum of the City of Brussels (mentioned above). Most of the people of Brussels see Manneken Pis as a representation of their sense of humor and their independent minds. They also refer to him as “the oldest citizen of Brussels”.
 
7. Palais Royal (the Royal Palace)
The Royal Palace is the official palace of the Belgian royal family, but the family resides in the Royal Palace of Laeken. The Neoclassical style palace is a very photogenic place, and we recommend being there at 2:30pm as a ceremonial “Changing of the Guards” takes place. Today, the Palace is used to host royal weddings, and the suites are at the disposal of visiting heads of states and ambassadors. New Year’s receptions are held for Ambassadors of the EU, politicians, and NATO.

8. Parc de Bruxelles
Parc de Bruxelles is the largest public park in central Brussels, and it was designed in a Neoclassical style by Gilles-Barnabé Guimard and Joachim Zinner. In the south of the park, you will find the Royal Palace, but the main entrance is in the north.
 
9. Notre Dame du Sablon
The church of Notre Dame du Sablon is a late Brabantine Gothic style church built in the 15th century. Although the church might be beautiful on the outside, just wait until you get a glimpse of the interior inside. The interior is marvelous stained glass, and the best-known part about the church is its two Baroque chapels, which were built on both sides of the choir.
 
10. Mont des Arts
Mont des arts or Mountain of Arts was a populated neighborhood in Brussels between the 15th and 18th century. However, King Leopold II had a dream of seeing constant sophisticated cultural settings happening outside of the window of his Royal Palace. Because of the lack of finance this didn’t go as planned, but his designers managed to create a garden on the hill which became a well-appreciated green area. With time, new buildings and structures were built, and the garden on the main square got redesigned into a new geometric garden. ​

Other must-see attractions in Brussels
 
The Atomium is probably one of Brussels’s best-known landmarks and even though you have to take the tram to get there, but it is worth the while. The 102-meter-high steel and aluminum structure was built for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition, or World Fair, and designed by André Waterkeyn. The landmark hosts many different exhibitions dedicated to various aspects of Belgian culture, from science to art.
 
Do you wish to back-pack through all of Europe and see some of its magnificent monuments? There is no need to travel all those distances because next to the Atomium is Mini-Europe. However, the monuments have been shrunken down to 1/25th of their size. Both Mini-Europe and Atomium are great to visit with children.
 
If you truly love music, then the Musical Instrument Museum should be on top of your to-do list in Brussels. Inside you will find 1,200 mechanical and electrical instruments from around the world, and you will even get a chance to hear what these instruments sounded like. The concert hall in the museum also hosts many events throughout the year so please make sure you look at their calendar before you go here. 
 
Another great museum to visit is MIMA, Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art and inside you will find showcases from graffiti to digital and subculture arts. The Belgian Comic Strip Center is another excellent place to visit. It is devoted to the history of cartoons and hosts exhibitions of 200 original comic drawings from Belgian and French artists. As many of you might know, Belgian is the country that introduced the world to The Smurfs and Tintin.