Copenhagen sits on the east coast of Denmark's largest island, Zealand (Sjælland). A prominent point of orientation in the city is the main rail station, Central Station (Hoved Banegården), which is bordered to the west by the primary hotel precinct and to the northeast by the longstanding entertainment attraction of Tivoli. Just north of Tivoli is Rådhuspladsen, the central city square and the main terminus for the local bus network. To the east is the city's waterfront, including the canal-riddled district of Christianshavn.

Copenhagen boasts Europe's longest mall, Strøget, which is an amalgamation of five streets - Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv and Østergade - running right through the centre of the city between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, the square at the head of the Nyhavn canal.

Copenhagen doesn't have the traffic snarls of many European cities, and it's quite flat, so it's eminently suited to walking and biking.

The city's extensive public transport system comprises a rail network called S-train, with 10 lines passing through Central Station, and a bus system called HT (or Hovedstadsområdets Trafikselskab, for those who like tongue-twisters) that uses Rådhuspladsen as its main terminal. Fares for both are charged according to a zone system, with a variety of single, multiple-ride or daily tickets available.

There's also the one- to three-day Copenhagen Card, which entitles you to free and unlimited travel by bus and rail, discounts on crossings to and from Sweden, and free admission to sights around the city. Get one of these from most tourist offices and at the airport.