TIVOLI
Famous for its magical fairy-tale ambience, exotic buildings, gorgeous landscaped gardens, and upmarket entertainment and restaurants, Tivoli Gardens is more than an amusement park. The atmosphere is magical enough to merit a visit even if you are not interested in the excellent rides on offer. Founded in 1843, Tivoli has long been a favorite with royalty. It also proved to be a great source of inspiration for Walt Disney, who visited in the 1950s and is said to have been fascinated by Tivoli’s atmosphere.
NEED TO KNOW
Vesterbrogade 3 • 33 15 10 01 • www.tivoli.dk • Open summer: 11am–11pm Sun–Thu (until midnight Fri & Sat); winter: 11am–9pm Sun–Thu (until 10pm Fri & Sat; hours can vary, check website before visiting) • Adm varies (check website for details)
- Go on the thrill rides during the day, as long lines can build up in the evenings.
1. Gentle Rides
For children and the faint-hearted, there are plenty of fun, gentle rides. The Ferris wheel is an observation wheel that offers great views over Tivoli. You could also enjoy a trolley-bus ride, a carousel ride with exotic animals and music, a waltzer in the shape of a pirate ship, and several charming kids’ rides, such as flying dragons and miniature classic cars.
2. Thrill Rides
Day or night, Tivoli rings with the shrieks of people whizzing along on thrill rides such as Aquila, The Demon, Vertigo, and The Starflyer, which reaches a height of 262 ft (80 m).
Thrill Rides
3. Tivoli Concert Hall and Open-Air Stage
The hall hosts varied performances. There is music daily in the Harmony Pavilion, and free rock concerts on Friday nights (May–Sep).
4. Pantomime Theater
Built in 1874, this theater has an exotic Chinese design and a spectacular stage curtain styled like a peacock’s tail. It is known for its very enjoyable mime shows.
Pantomime Theater
5. Dragon Boats
These boats are very popular rides at Tivoli. Kids love floating on the lake during the day. In the evenings, the setting turns romantic.
Dragon Boats
6. Tivoli at Night
At night Tivoli is utterly magical, sparkling resplendently with thousands of lights and Chinese lanterns. You can catch the dazzling Tivoli Illuminations over the lake, an exuberant, late-night show with fireworks, lasers, music, and water jets.
7. Traditional Rides
Tivoli’s current Ferris wheel dates from 1943. The Roller Coaster was built in 1914 and is one of the oldest of its kind. It reaches speeds of 36 mph (58 kph). The classic carousel is also very popular, perfect for adults looking for a dose of nostalgia.
Traditional Rides
8. Tivoli Akvarium
Don’t miss the amazing aquarium in the foyer of the Concert Hall. Based on a tropical coral reef, this extensive saltwater aquarium is home to more than 1,600 fish of over 500 varieties. Among the popular attractions are the eels.
9. Tivoli Youth Guard
A tradition since 1844, the Youth Guard parades through Tivoli—complete with instruments, coach, and horses—forming a delightful picture.
10. Nimb Hotel
This splendid hotel, housed in the Nimb building, offers a variety of culinary experiences, such as a vinoteque, the Cakenhagen (bakery), a Bar’n’Grill with primed steaks, and a brasserie.
Nimb Hotel
CHRISTMAS AT TIVOLI
For six weeks between mid-November and the end of December Tivoli transforms into a winter wonderland: an exciting, no-holds-barred, Santa Claus–strewn, elf-driven, illuminated extravaganza that you and the kids aren’t likely to forget in a hurry!
