Copenhagen Travel Guide

I've been planning this trip (and eventually this post) for summer 2020, and here we are. My lesson learned along this journey over the last couple of "unprecedented" years: Never EVER postpone your trips on your travel bucket list, because you will never know when you can actually make it.

So, when I found time for a quick long weekend escape, I finally and super excitingly made this journey come true—regardless of the fact that the weather was unusually cold and it even snowed, but it was totally worth it! Here are my travel notes and itinerary for the lovely city of Copenhagen—enjoy :)

Areas to Explore

Copenhagen is one of those cities that is just enjoyable to walk around and explore (or by cycling, as it's a haven for bike lovers with convenient cycle paths spanning around the city). I'd suggest kicking off the tour around the city center and wandering around the streets with many shades of colorful houses.

Snaregade and Magstræde are two of the oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen that you wouldn't want to miss. Gråbrødretorv is a lovely public square in the city center with cafes with charming patios; Højbro Plads is another area connecting the pedestrian shopping district with canals surrounded by historical landmarks - such a pleasant area to explore, take the cameras out!

Also, Vesterbro is a district on the west side of the central station, a popular neighborhood, and it's apparently the newest "cool and hippie" area to hang out, including the Meatpacking District that has many independent restaurants and art galleries. On the northwest, Nørrebro is an area worth visiting, as it is Copenhagen's most culturally diverse district.

Christianshavn is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods as it's made up of a group of islands and colored houses by the canals. It's also home to the Freetown Christiania, a former military space and now an anarchist community of ~1,000 people that has its own rules and regulations, completely independent of the Danish government. It's such a unique experience to wander around in this quirky and rebellious area, full of graffiti and wall art.

Places to See

Nyhavn is unarguably the most famous street in Copenhagen. You probably have already seen many pictures of it - the one with colorful townhouses by the canal. "Nyhavn" actually means "new harbour" or "new port," even though it was built around the 17th century and has been a working maritime area for a long time.

There are many cafes and restaurants full of tourists on the colorful northern side of the canal (actually called the "Sunny side"), which is nice to walk around and take many, MANY pictures! You can also take a scenic boat cruise from here: It takes around an hour, and it's a great way of seeing the city along the waterways and canals - highly recommended!

20 min walk from Nyhavn waterfront, you can visit the Little Mermaid - the smallest but one of the most photographed statues in the world (and yes, just like "Manneken Pis" in Brussels, it's famous but so small in size that it makes you think "Really?!" But you just cannot leave without seeing it because you know "FOMO" will track you down... as well as the ghost of Hans Christian Andersen, the author of our childhood's fairy tales, so think of this as a tick on the bucket list and enjoy all the tourists queuing to take dozens of pictures).

ANYHOW, this tiny sculpture on the rocks, looking over the harbor, is a gift from Carl Jacobsen - who fell in love with the character after watching the ballet performance and asked Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture of the mermaid.

On your way back from this tiny landmark, you can pass by the Kastellet, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe that was constructed in the form of a pentagram with bastions in its corners (check your Google map, it has quite an interesting shape) and it's also nice to walk around. You may also get the chance to see Frederik's Church, or Marble Church, one of the city's most impressive historical architectures.

In a few minutes further down, check out Amalienborg Palace, Denmark's version of Buckingham Palace: the official residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of four palaces, built around an octagonal courtyard (Is it me, or don't you also think Danes are a bit obsessed with geometry, with these highly symmetrically shaped areas? LOVE it!) Similarly, there is even a changing of the guards ceremony, if you're really into royals. Be careful though, if you want to get a sneak peek through the windows of the palace buildings, they run towards and shout at people (true story!).

You can also wander around Christiansborg Palace, which used to be the home for royals (from one palace to another) but now houses the Danish parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State; as well as Rosenborg Castle, the 400-year-old Renaissance castle that preserves the crown jewels and coronation chairs (hope it has proper insurance?!) Its rose garden filled with sculptures and a pavilion is great to walk around with coffee.

You also cannot miss the Tivoli Gardens: the world's second-oldest amusement park (1843), including many roller coasters and lush gardens. Even though this is THE place I'd probably spend my entire day, it was closed during my late-March visit: another reason to come back to Copenhagen! Rumor has it that Walt Disney was inspired by Tivoli for building his own Disney world.

If you'd like to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, you have two options: Round Tower is an interesting one, as you need to walk all the way to the top through a spiral path - which provides not only nice views of the different angles of the streets, but also transports you to medieval times by reading the stories along the path. The observatory at the top is outdoors, and you can get a 360-degree view, even spot the famous Øresund Bridge (connecting Denmark and Sweden) and lovely architectural landmarks around!

Church of Our Savior is another option, with its unique serpentine spire at the top of the church that you need to climb 400 stairs "outside" the tower (not a winter activity!)

While wandering in the city, take a closer look at the iconic City Hall building right at the heart of the city; Børsen (Danish stock exchange) and its Gothic-style four intertwined dragon tails of the dragon spire, topped by three crowns - symbolizing the Scandinavian empire – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; the unique design of The Royal Danish Opera House at the shore of the harbor; and my personal favorite Black Diamond (Royal Danish Library) - the nickname is based on the angular polished black marble structure with a stunning interior - and it's free to visit. (Even to take your book/journal and spend time around, just like I did!) You can also see the Circle Bridge from the glass window facing the waterfront.

Art & Museums

If you have limited time, say 2-3 days, the National Museum of Denmark is definitely the one I'd suggest prioritizing to visit. It's a great time travel through Denmark's history, showcasing the Vikings in a comprehensive exhibition area that allows you to explore, read, and watch interactive videos about how they departed from a small village called Ribe in the 700s and traveled across the world for centuries, eventually shaping the history of many countries, including the UK.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art and sculpture museum with a glass-domed winter garden filled with palm trees and a fountain - it gives a tropical break from the cold weather outside for sure! It displays marble statues from ancient and modern collections of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.

If you have more time to explore, SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery for Danish and international art/paintings), Design Museum (works of famous Danish designers and architects), and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (located 35 km north of Copenhagen, focuses on modern and contemporary artworks including Picasso, Warhol, and Monet) are great options for art lovers!

Food & Drinks

Try the famous Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches built on sourdough rye bread) at the Torvehallerne Market, which is a buzzing indoor food hall; or alternatively at Aaman's Deli. If you're a burger fan (who isn't?), head to Gasoline Grill, the most hyped hamburger place, which is actually in a gas station!

You'll also see many hot dog stands around the city serving the Danish version: remoulade sauce, fried onions, and pickles. DØP, the organic hot dog stand, is the perfect place to get one (or two!). You can also visit the Meatpacking District in Vesterbro for another food market in the hipster hood!

Also... of course, here comes the Danish bakery! It's *not* called "Danish" here (expectedly), but this doesn't change the fact that they are the yummiest pastries ever, and it's heaven in your mouth for breakfast or brunch. Sankt Peders Bageri is the oldest and most traditional bakery in Copenhagen; their cinnamon buns and almond croissants will give you tears of joy... Buka Bakery is another great option; try their cardamom buns, or Lagkagehuset (you'll see many of them around the city, named Ole & Steen in London - which is actually my favorite bakery!).

For coffee, please do yourself a favor and head straight to Coffee Collective - it is THE best coffee in Copenhagen. Also, if you like to enjoy a coffee with a view, visit Original Coffee (top floor of Illum) and sip your coffee on their rooftop while watching the city from above.

I LOVED every single moment I spent in Copenhagen! The more I walked around, observed the daily lives of people, and read more about Danish culture—especially their highest happiness index in the world, their hygge and lykke concepts of living—the more I'm intrigued by how to take lessons from Denmark. Food for thought to bring home with me and lots to think about!

“Hygge is about having less, enjoying more; the pleasure of simply being. It is generous and celebratory, a way to remember the importance of the simple act of living itself.”

“Lykke is the word for joy and happiness.”

Hope you had a "happy" reading and enjoyed the beautiful Copenhagen!

Secil