Copenhagen
Copenhagen the capital city of Denmark is situated on the islands of Zealand & Amager in the area known as The Sound.
Modern Copenhagen is the epitome of Scandi cool and is a city that offers the visitor much to see and experience.
How to get there
By Air
Copenhagen Airport also known as Kastrup is situated on the island of Amager beside Copenhagen the airport actually serves two cities the other being the nearby city of Malmo in Sweden.
It is smaller than most European capital city airports however it still enjoys good connections to all European countries and many other international destinations.
The Airport enjoys good transport links to Copenhagen City center with bus train and metro links all available. The metro is situated within Terminal 3 and runs ever 5 or 6 minutes during the daytime with departures ever 20 minutes outwith these times.
The train link to the airport is on the main line between Copenhagen and Malmo. The main station in the city is Copenhagen Central Station which is situated in the heart of the city.
There is also a frequent bus shuttle to the city from the airport.
Train
Copenhagen also has good railway connections to much of the surrounding European countries via the DSB rail network which has a main hub situated at Copenhagen Central Station.
Cruise Ship
The city is also a popular destination on many Northern European cruise itineraries, cruise ships arriving in the city dock at one of four Terminals with most turnaround ships using Nordhavn Quay there is also Langelinie which is used by some of the smaller cruise ships.
There are also berths at Freeport and Toldbod which are seldom used these days.
If your ship docks at one of the 4 quays at the popular Nordhavn terminal there is good train links from there into the city center as well as taxi services.
From the smaller Langelinie terminal, which is in fact close to the Little Mermaid statue, you can easily walk into the city centre in no more than 30 minutes. Again taxi services are available.
Note: It should be noted the authorities have given permission for a large purpose build cruise Terminal/Port to be built to serve both Copenhagen and Malmo which was intended to open late 2020 however due to the Covid Pandemic this is now not expected to be ready for operation until 2022.
Copenhagen Central Station
Accommodation
Copenhagen has a wide range of accommodation to choose from to suit all budgets as well as outlets from the vast majority of International brand hotels. There is also a substantial choice of self catering options including Airbnb availability.
I do however have a personal recommendation for a good moderately price hotel that is situated less than 5 minutes walk from the Copenhagen Central Station and also close to the Tivoli Gardens. The hotel is called Absalon Hotel and it has comfortable rooms, excellent friendly staff and a very welcoming and decent bar. Check it out for yourself here; Absalon Hotel
Our room at the Absalon Hotel
What to see and do
Tivoli Gardens
This is possible the most famous attraction not only in Copenhagen but in the country as a whole, this historical Theme Park one of the oldest in the world was designed over 175 years ago as a European vision of the Orient, it has been redesigned a number of times since but keeps to its original traditions with many of the rides are designed to suit the park. It is home to the world's oldest wooden roller coaster but it should be noted it also has plenty to offer modern thrill seekers as well. However Tivoli is not all about thrills there are also flower displays, fountains, Carousels and some interesting bars and cafes.
We were lucky to visit in December when it takes on a different winter wonderland / Christmas feel and that is something that is well worth seeing. The Gardens are situated in the city centre next to the Central Station and are a must do on any city visit here.
Tivoli Gardens entrance
Tivoli Gardens winter landscape
Christmas display in Tivoli Gardens
Logistics Manager in Tivoli Gardens
Lake in Tivoli Gardens
Logistics Manager on boardwalk at the lake in Tivoli
Little Mermaid
Tivoli may be the most famous attraction but there is no doubting the most famous site and statue in the city and that is the Little Mermaid.
This instantly recognisable statue sitting on her rock next to the Langelinie Promenade was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen as a tribute to famous Copenhagen resident and author Hans Christian Andersen and it is inspired by one of his best known fairytale's
One thing you will be surprised to see when you visit and I know we were is just how small it is.
That said it is something you do want to see.
Little Mermaid
Logistics Manager on a windy day visiting the Little Mermaid
Nyhavn
Nyhavn or in english New Harbour is the historic waterfront area next to the 17th century canal where old wooden traditional boats are still moored.
Both sides of the canal are flanked by tall painted houses that date back to the 16th & 17th century, these days the ground floors of these buildings are home to bars, cafes and restaurants all with outdoor seating making this a lively and interesting place to visit.
From a historical point of view you will also see plagues at No's 18, 20 & 67 as these were at different times the home of the aforementioned Hans Christian Andersen.
Nyhavn area
Yours truly next to the canal in Nyhavn
Christiansborg Palace
Set on a inlet at Slotsholmen is home to the Danish Parliament, Prime Ministers Office and the Danish Supreme Court.
Its ornate rooms are also used by the Danish Royal family for formal meetings with guests.
You can visit the Palace and tour these rooms as well as the attached Riding School.
Christiansborg Palace
Church of Our Saviour
This baroque Church built in the mid 1700's has been voted to have the best view of the city.
But its not for the faint hearted or vertigo suffers.
You can see its striking and unusual spire from a distance the spire appears to have a gold ribbon wrapped around it all the way to the top. However it is in fact the handrail for a stairway to a viewing platform 400 steps above the ground and the last 150 of those steps are outside the building. But if you go up there it gives fantastic views of the city and the harbour.
Church of our Saviour
Church of our Saviour spire and walkway
Stroget
If you enjoy shopping you will love Stroget it sems to run and run without any end... and no matter if your looking for high street or high end shopping you will find it here.
It is one of the largest pedestrian malls/streets in the world if your looking for some independent shopping follow Stroget to the Old Town and try some of the small side streets there you will find some unique shops.
Stroget
Christiania
So this is a bit alternative but Copenhagen is home to the self styled community of Christiania.
It occupies old military barracks and was created in 1971 on the back of the counter culture movement who promoted a alternative lifestyle. The community has at numerous times clashed with the authorities and Danish Government as they tried to gain more autonomy.
It is described by some as a peace loving park taken over by artists studios and organic shops restaurants and theatre's. But as a toursist you can visit this alternative culture however know the community rules before you do and one important one is they don't like you taking photographs. Ok it may not be for everyone but it is a attraction and a stop on the Copenhagen Hop on Hop off bus route.
Christiania
Nationalmuseet
This is the National museum and it is home to a staggering amount of artifacts that tell the history of Denmark it also covers the history of the Vikings you really could loose yourself in this museum and if you like history you will love the Nationalmuseet.
Nationalmuseet
Jaegersborggade
This once less than friendly area is now home many independent shops, craft shops and ceramic workshops. It is also home to some excellent restaurants and bars as well as some unique and enjoyable coffee shops. It is also home to the Assistens Kirkegard which is a leafy picturesque cemetery where famous Danes such as Soren Kierkegaard & Hans Christian Andersen are buried.
Jaegersborggade
CopenHill
Possible one of the cities strangest and quirkiest attraction is this Ski Slope built on top of a waste recycling plant. This artificial slope and hiking area is the ultimate offbeat way to enjoy the city at this impressive structure .
CopenHill
Harbour and Canal Boat trip.
I can personally recommend this as a relaxing informative and unique way to see the city including some bits you may miss by walking or driving around the city. We picked the boat up at Nyhavn and thereafter toured the canal and out further into the open water of the harbour where the guide onboard gave us a informative talk of what we we were seeing. It lasted just over a hour and was a good way to experiance parts of the city.
Canal and Harbour tour boat
Eating and Drinking Possible one of the first things you think of when you are talking about Danish foods is Smorrebrod which in fact means butter and bread . However the reality is much more exciting as it is in fact anything from cheese, seafood, cold cuts, eggs all topped of with seasoning and garnishes.
Smorrebrod
Copenhagen is also becoming the center of a food style known as Nordic cuisine which centers on molecular processes with a big emphasis on regional ingredients. So do also give this a try if you visit the city.
On a more personal and down to earth recommendation if you want to enjoy some good affordable food of different styles alongside some local Danish beers then one area you should head for at night is the Meat Packer District. This is a revitalised industrial area that is now home to some trendy and affordable restaurants alongside side some excellent nightlife. Many of the establishments are meat or fish based and they are all within old industrial buildings. It is well worth a visit on one of your nights in the city.
Some of the venues in the Meat Packer District
On a personal note we enjoyed a excellent meal at Restaurant Gorilla which is found in the Meat Packing District, its menu is based around a sharing idea and the food was excellent. To add to that they did some equally good drinks and cocktails so I do recommend you give it a try. Have a look at its website here, Gorilla
Other areas to enjoy a meal or a drink are Stroget which was mentioned earlier as the main shopping area however at night it also becomes another area where you can enjoy a excellent meal or a beer alongside the locals who gather more here than in tourists centered area of Nyhavn which also has a wide selection of bars and restaurants to choose from.
So no matter your own personal preference on a visit to Copenhagen you really won't be short of choices to enjoy some Danish hospitality.
Conclusion
So that is my suggestions and recommendations for you to consider on a visit to the city of Copenhagen a city that has much to offer the visitor.
If the blog has been of interest or help to you then please do check out some other locations o
I have covered previously and please do share on social media or like and follow my page on Facebook at Travel the world and Smile Happy travelling with Davie
