If you imagined Copenhagen to be all gorgeous men and women, bicycles galore and a foodie heaven, you would be right.
But there’s more to the Danish capital than meets the eye. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Walk the Nyhavn
Back when 17th century waterfront was newly completed it was known as Nyhavn, the new harbour. Once buzzing with rowdy bars and seedy brothels, the colourful townhouses still line this promenade but they’ve since been turned into expensive cafes, restaurants and pubs.
While it’s incredibly atmospheric – outdoor seating with live entertainment from A+ jazz musicians busking along the waterfront – expect to cough up more than four times what you’d pay for a beer anywhere else in Denmark capital, ouch!
So save those kroners and do what the locals do and go to the supermarket for your beverage of choice and stroll along the wharf. Don’t miss the former homes of Master of All Fairytales and Inspirer of Hollywood films, Hans Christian Andersen, and the oldest tattoo parlour in the country at No. 17.
Go on a Free Walking Tour
The best way to see Copenhagen is by foot, especially if you’re too uncoordinated to ride a bicycle. Fast-track to the city’s highlights with Grand Tour of Copenhagen and learn about the Danes and Swedish rivalry, why the Danes are so tall and why everything costs so much.
Kicking off at the Town Hall Square, walk through medieval Copenhagen and wrap up at Amalienborg Palace where members of the oldest monarchy in Europe reside, including Tassie gal, Princess Mary – if you’re lucky you’ll spot ferrying her children around on a Christiania cargo bike.
Don’t forget to tip your friendly guide at the end. These guys do it out of the kindest of their hearts and rely on more than your excess change.
Visit Copenhagen’s Amsterdam
Down the beaten track approximately a 20-minute walk from Copenhagen city centre is Freetown Christiana, an alternative commune. It aims to be as self-sustainable as possible – and therefore looks more Berlin-meets-Amsterdam than the Scandi-cool.
In this self-governing area where around 1000 residents live, you’ll stumble upon the arts and crafts workshops, munch at organic eateries and the self-built homes. Here you’re free of Danish legislation, so as the signs demand (not request) put your cameras away, and even if only to take a look, head down to Pusher Street where hash and weed are sold and smoked openly.
Get in touch with your inner-child
Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest amusement park in the world and is a spectacle you cannot miss.
Entry will set you back 99DKK or 209DKK for entry and a multi-ride pass – go on 100-year-old rollercoaster if you dare. We played it safe and roamed around the themed gardens and were transported to China, Japan and Moorish Spain.
Tivoli is renown for their lights display, so if you’re in town for from mid-November from when the Halloween horror begins, stay until dusk and make your way to the glass pavilion for decently priced modern Danish fine dining at Brdr. Price at Tivoli to view the illuminations over the lake.
There’s more to Copenhagen food than Noma
If you forgot to book Noma 6 months in advance, there are plenty options to keep you from going hungry.
Start your day with a naughty kanelsnurrer or cinnamon roll from Meyers Bageri in Jægersborggade. The owner of the rapidly expanding business is the Claus Meyer a.k.a the co-founder of Noma, the voted best restaurant in the world in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 (what happened in 2013, guys?!), so you know it’s good.
Want a quick bite? Try Atelier September café. This welcoming white space not only serves up amazing meals using seasonal produce, but it’s great for people watching or gawking at the beautiful willowy locals. We tried the poached eggs on rye bread with porcini mushrooms and shaved artichoke and are still dreaming about it.
But you need a feed on the go, walk (or run) straight to your nearest hot dog stand. Go all out and get all the trimmings including bacon, fried onions, gherkins and mustard for 45DKK. While they look small they’re surprisingly filling.
For a pre-dinner glass of red, hit up bar and restaurant Clarrods and Co. The baby sister of minimalist furniture store Clarrods Interior serves internationally sourced drops and hearty stews in an industrial space. And of course, it’s filled with their own furniture.
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience you won’t forget, look no further than Geist. Like most restaurants in Copenhagen you have to book a few weeks in advance but the meal is well worth the couple minutes of admin. The menu is littered with odes to the scenic Nordic landscape – from Norwegian lobster to the country’s biggest export, pork in form of suckling pig.
Eat
Clarrods & Co.
Store Strandstræde 19, 1255 København
+45 22828784
Atelier September
Gothersgade 30, 1123 København K, Denmark
Geist
Kongens Nytorv 8
DK – 1050 København K
+45 3313 3713
Meyers Bageri
Jægersborggade 9, 2200 København N
+45 25101134
Tivoli Gardens
Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
+45 33151001
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