Copenhagen Zoo, adjacent to Frederiksberg Gardens, is one of the oldest in Europe (founded 1859) and one of the best. The collection is impressive — elephants, polar bears, hippos, gorillas — but the zoo's reputation rests partly on its enclosures, which are notably spacious and well-designed by European standards.
The elephant house, designed by Norman Foster, is a striking contemporary addition to the historic zoo grounds. The zoo occupies a hillside with views over Frederiksberg, and the layout is pleasantly varied. Best visited with children, but serious enough about animal welfare and breeding programmes to keep adults interested. Allow half a day. The adjacent Frederiksberg Gardens, which are free, make a natural addition.