Tivoli Gardens opened to the public in 1843 and is the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park, with rides suitable for everyone from young children through to ageless thrill-seekers. It’s not just a place for the adventurous though; try your hand at archery and old-school fair games, wander the themed gardens, browse the shops and enjoy daily shows from performers and musicians.
Autumn is a great time to visit. As the nights draw in, the illuminations switch on earlier, fairly lights guide your way along the paths and there’s a magical buzz in the air. Halloween, in particular, brings a special feel, with ghosts, bats, spiders and over 20,000 pumpkins setting the scene. There are tricks, treats and decorations available at the stalls, along with a children’s treasure hunt and themed activities, and from 28th-30th October artist Malik Mabe will be carving giant pumpkins to display in front of The Nimb Water Fountains.
To complete your magical experience, why not stay overnight in the gardens and head over to one of our favourite restaurants for lunch or dinner?
Nimb is the only hotel that sits within Tivoli Gardens. It’s a beautiful place with an ornate Moorish style exterior dating back to 1909 and large, luxurious bedrooms. Take in views over the rooftops from the heated pool situated on the roof terrace or kick-back in the rustic wine bar which offers over 2,000 different bottles. To celebrate Halloween, families of 4 can book a special offer room which includes decorations, a pumpkin kit and a spooky bedtime story, along with admission to the gardens and unlimited rides.
Belonging to the hotel but in a separate building is Gemyse, a spacious restaurant set within a greenhouse and filled with plants (you enter via the gardens, so admission must be paid). Raised beds welcome you, garden tools decorate the walls and the 7 course plant-based menu showcases 100% organic vegetables. Attractively presented, creative dishes reveal the full potential of their humble ingredients.
Just over the road from Tivoli is Trio, owned by the same team as Two Michelin Starred AOC. It’s located on floors 9 and 10 of the striking Axel Towers building and is the highest restaurant in the city. It’s a futuristic-looking place comprising a series of round towers of various heights linked by a central outdoor atrium, and comes with dark, moody décor. Sip a cocktail while taking in great views over the city, before moving to the upper floor to enjoy accomplished dishes which combine classic French and modern Nordic influences.
Sister to One Michelin Starred Formel B, Uformel is a lively spot and its bar offers an impressive range of wines, beers and cocktails. A black and gold theme runs throughout and you can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. Dishes are a mix of traditional flavours and some more unusual combinations; all are uniformly priced tasting plates, with 3-5 per person about the right amount. The set menus include water, wine and coffee.
10mins walk from the gardens you’ll find Meille, a friendly bistro set over two levels, with shelves packed full of cookbooks, wine bottles and jars of preserved, fermented and marinated produce. Come at lunch for a classic selection of smørrebrød or in the evening for a 3 or 5 course set menu of attractively presented, creative Nordic dishes which are full of colour.
Just around the corner from Meille you’ll find sister Mes, a sweet little restaurant which is passionately run by a tightly knit team. The frequently changing set menu comprises classic dishes – some of which are pepped up with modern techniques. The wine pairings are carefully thought through and the wines are looked after in a 120 year old German cooling cabinet.
Dining outside ‘inside’ is the theme at Vækst and its quirky style suits this bohemian area. As well as garden furniture, you’ll find a full-sized greenhouse at the centre of the room and plants hanging down into the lower floor. Attractively presented, interesting Danish dishes follow the seasons and are light, stimulating and full of flavour.
Brace’s name is a reference not only to the external structure of this brightly painted building but also to the solidarity of its team, who will make sure you leave with a smile on your face. It might be set in the heart of the city but it’s a tranquil spot and the chunky varnished tables help to bring nature inside and give it a country feel. Modern Italian dishes have a refined style and are eye-catchingly presented.
For some truly exceptional Italian wines head for the passionately run L'Enoteca di Mr Brunello, a restaurant and wine shop 5 minutes’ walk from Tivoli’s south entrance. Refined, classic Italian cooking uses good quality produce imported from Italy and the good value Italian wine list offers over 150 different Brunello di Montalcinos.
Halloween at Tivoli Gardens runs from 9th October-1st November 2020.
You can purchase a ticket for admission only or buy all-inclusive ride packages.
Tivoli Gardens
Vesterbrogade 3,
1630 København V,
Denmark.
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