What To Do in Denmark – 3 Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen Days!
Denmark wasn’t top of my list, but it was certainly on the list.
I’m thrilled I got their earlier than anticipated!
When shopping around for flights, don’t always go for the easy option. The nearest airports and direct routes are not always the best way to grab a bargain. They aren’t always the cheapest either.
I’ve now got in a habit of looking around. Why bother?
A while ago I planned a trip to Greece. (Previous post about that trip here) I’d spent a few hours trawling flight sites, switching to incognito mode and trawling again.
At first I wasn’t sure I was reading things right. After double checking I realised I’d discovered a real treat.
I could get a flight via Rome for a much cheaper price, so I ended up having a ‘free’ weekend in Rome on the way home! RESULT!
Now I don’t know about you but I’d rather have a couple of nights in a humble hotel, than spend that money on an exaggerated price for a seat on a bargain basement airline!
Why not add a city break onto every trip?
I now make it a habit to call in somewhere on the way out or way back from a trip. This is how I ended up booking a few nights in Copenhagen after a week in Iceland.
My blog post about gorgeous, extra cool Iceland is HERE!
So if you fancy a few days in gorgeous cycle packed Denmark, I’m happy to share a few highlights. First of all, taxi from the airport, I know, you can probably get a bus but it’d been a long day!
So, bags down in the most amazing hotel…possibly my current favourite city hotel.
Too busy to read more – you can download and read it later HERE!
citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
The staff are amazing, friendly, knowledgable and can’t do enough. They made us feel at home immediately! It’s in a perfect location, with a fab small very high tech room. Do it! Brilliant! If only all hotels had this model.
Don’t even get me started on the gorgeous art, designer furniture and generous owner who allows us to read his amazing book collection. Totally unique artwork, even the door key (that you can keep) is artistic and locally relevant.
The cafe on site is a brilliant place to work, chill, look out at the view of the city, and catch up with friends.
Food spot on, healthy. I literally can’t criticise ONE thing about this place, and that’s even when they were decorating the outside.
I dream of being a secret shopper for this brand – they’re amazing!!
All city breaks should be done this way! Enjoy!!
So dragging away from the hotel cafe, it’s time to explore.
In new cities the quickest way I’ve found is to use the tourist route, at least initially. They’ve become popular because the model works!
So, jumped on the bus!
Red Buses Hop-on Hop-Off Copenhagen
They’re a great way to see a city and get your bearings before diving in deep to the places you’ve been past. The tour guides tell you things you can get from the guide books, but in bitesize relevant chat.
I love these, and have used them across the globe. However in Copenhagen they need to give out accurate maps or install better signage for bus stops. Sadly we missed one bus opportunity as we couldn’t find the bus stop.
The boat tour that went alongside the bus tour was excellent, and worth the small extra cost. Great photo opportunities from both the bus and boat, so wrap up with a scarf (or sun cream) and hat and sit outdoors.
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Worth a look, she’s iconic, and she had her head on!
Did you know she’s been decapitated 3 times? No me neither but that shows the value of going on a hop on/off bus tour.
You can jump off the bus and have a coffee and a walk near the mermaid. Or see her from the water on the boat tour, that accompanies the bus tour.
You’ll get a photo, she’s luckily safe, in the water, from tourists jumping on her for insta shots.
I wanted to see her, you have to I guess, she’s lovely but maybe some people expect a huge exhibition.
She’s lovely but looks lonely. I’m betting she gets blooming cold, so take a warm sweater and your of course your camera.
Danish Jewish Museum
This small museum should be on everyone’s itinerary, a must see! Sadly I don’t think many people even know it exists.
The obvious history for Jews in Europe is something never to be forgotten. This humble beautiful, tragic display is displayed here in a gorgeous old building. When you go inside you’ll be stunned by the gorgeous new award winning architectural renovation.
Breath taking.
Make time to enjoy this small but important monument and informative, educational museum.
Rundetarn
Wow, what a joy. Wide accessible easy to walk up, and down, tower. Great tall tower and amazingly, weirdly, no narrow stairs to tackle! Result!
It’s fun, beautiful, historic and definitely worth visiting.
There was a temporary exhibition half way up, some walked right past which is a shame, it was great! Always look through small doorways should be a law or tourism!!
Don’t miss the tiny glass ‘hole’, you can go in and look down the deep tower, if you don’t get vertigo.
A real surprise, and totally recommended. There’s a lovely cafe downstairs (opposite) for you to restock on coffee or healthy snacks afterwards.
Frederiks Kirke (Marmorkirken)
Known as the Marble Church.
Definitely got the WOW factor, yep, you walk in, look up and literally WOW!
It’s a stunning building in a humble location, so it’s hard to get great photos outside but the interior will take your breath away. Gorgeous.
Make sure you make time to see it.
Whilst I was there, the builders outside explained that one of the towers at the front was missing, as the builders ran out of money. See if you can spot which is missing!
Amalienborg
Royal Palace
A lovely accessible location, good to get so close to tradition. To be honest it isn’t massively obvious, having visited royal palaces elsewhere in Europe it’s very humble. Typically Scandinavian. OK, so it’s still impressive but subdued and no obvious signs of wealth. Maybe the interior is more elaborate, but Scandi style is very simple compared to other culture’s ostentation.
You can watch the guards, but there’s not too much else around. It was good to see, but not a huge spectator event, other than the guards.
Worth a look, but don’t expect a grand vista.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
In contrast this is a ‘must see’ gallery, take time to enjoy it.
I’d been fairly rubbish at research prior to this trip, so hadn’t got this on my list. Luckily the hop on bus drove past it (see, the value of the bus again!) and I knew I had to make time for it.
This is a truly an amazing gallery and collection, breath taking. I think it was donated or sponsored by Carlsberg family.
I love art, and this gallery has some excellent pieces and they’re really well presented, a total surprise of a joyful day.
Wear comfy shoes, take your time and enjoy the place as a leisurely pace, beautiful history at your finger tips.
Our Saviour’s Church
What a weirdly stunning building. So clever to see the tower twist like that.
It was hard work navigating this one, as I’m scared (no longer cry but still shake quite a bit!) of heights.
I made it to the first balcony via internal stairs. I bottled climbing up the last part of the external stairway. Apparently it was where the king used to ride up on his horse! Wow, must have been a small horse.
It’s actually harder coming back down due to the steep stairs, but the thrilling views are well worth it.
You might need to queue so allow time for that.
Afraid of heights, just go half way up – go up and see ‘The Bridge’ made famous on TV crime shows! I love seeing things you know from TV.
Trinitatis Church (Kirke) Organ
I love visiting places of worship, no matter what the beliefs it’s a fascinating way to understand the local culture and history. This church, one of very many in Copenhagen (Rumour says there’s at least 50 in this gorgeous city of spires and towers.)
The inner peace of this church is decorated with intricate chandeliers and a legendary organ. Check the dates as you may be able to attend a concert if that’s something that inspires you.
So you’ve done some cultural stuff, now let’s shop!
I’ll not list all the amazing stores here, it’s a city in Europe so the usual stores, with local additions pack the shopping streets. Take a wander, call in at coffee shops and chill. Buy an ice cream or cake, yes the fridge magnet store is there too!
Coffee and cake is the unwritten law of city breaks.
Lego Store
Of course, had to be done! It’s the birthplace of Lego!
There’s two stores, only one was open, but it’s got to be seen! Yes! Make the time to visit the store and pick up some gifts.
There are huge displays and yes you’re allowed to do the selfie shots.
The kids will love it, no matter what age.
Don’t miss this one, there’s lego for everyone.
Time to eat?
The hotel had an amazing breakfast, and they’re loads of cafes and coffee shops, and restaurants. Take your choice, or if you fancy a quick street food option I can help on that one!
Momo Wok Box
You can choose what ever you like, they’ll give you whatever you want. They have loads of set menus or customised noodle bowls.
Busy, friendly, it really feels like an Asian street outlet, on the Copenhagen high street.
I’m thrilled I discovered this little gem, it’s a great place to meet friends and down a filling bowl of fresh spicy noodles. I’m a veggie and I love it when I find somewhere where this isn’t a big deal.
Love Asian food? Don’t miss this one!
So there’s my whistle stop tour of this lovely, bike filled, friendly city.
I love its vibe, relaxed, with city workers commuting in chilled out clothes on high handled pushbikes. Mum’s with children in bike boxes, and tourists cycling between the cafes and iconic sights.
Not sure which souvenirs to pick up? Top 5 Copenhagen Souvenirs:
Royal Copenhagen – Iconic blue and white pottery
Scarves – it’s an all weather city, breezy and bikes mean fresh air
Lakrids (licorice) – the most random flavours you’ve ever seen
Viking inspired – from jewellery to fridge magnets – it has to be done in Scandinavia
Danish Elf – Nisse – anytime of year, but madly popular around Christmas
Now go and see it for yourself, it’s a great city to spend a relaxed long weekend.
Let me know your favourite spot!
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