Royal Library (Kongelige Bibliotek), Copenhagen

One of the most impressive of its kind in Nordic countries, the Royal Library in Copenhagen boasts countless historical treasures collected meticulously from the 17th century – including the first ever Danish book, printed in 1482. Generous donations through ages have helped sustain this institution, which became a part of the University Library in 1989.

If the day is nice, the library's "hidden garden" is definitely worth finding. Plenty of areas to walk or lie down in the grass, plus a small pond with a path around it and flowers blooming in the summer make it among the nicest outdoor places in the heart of Copenhagen. Seldom crowded, too, but you will find people reading on the benches and might even meet an elected politician.

Tip:
Entrance is through the library's modern extension – the adjoining Black Diamond. From there you can take an escalator up which takes you towards the old section, worth visiting just to admire the interior. Public tours of the Black Diamond are offered every Saturday at 3pm for a fee. The on-site café is good, with seating outside on sunny days (there is also a nice restaurant, "Søren K"), and you can buy something special in the small shop.