I completely love all issues Scandinavian! Amongst my favourite cities in Europe are Berlin, Prague, and Copenhagen, which I’ve visited 4 occasions now!
I really like the town for its magnificence, its very distinctive outlook on life, its superior idea of “hygge”, and the way I can stroll into an upscale restaurant and even only a backstreet espresso store and discover distinctive design wherever I am going! I’m additionally in awe of how pleasant and well-dressed the locals are and the way I all the time really feel like a way of life journal after I’m simply wandering round its immaculate-looking streets and scenic harbours!
The Danish capital really began off as a humble fishing village means again within the tenth century. Nestled alongside the jap coast of Zealand, proper on the bustling crossroads of the Baltic and North Seas, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than it blossomed into a serious buying and selling hub although!
Once I visited I discovered a really stunning, progressive, well-kept and (very!) bike-friendly metropolis stuffed with great squares and effective elegant-looking streets lined with eating places, museums, cafes, fashionable bars, galleries, outlets, theatres, and immaculately preserved historic structure.
It additionally had a thriving arts and design scene and world-renowned culinary choices (Noma was named one of many world’s finest eating places though sadly it’s now closing!). I additionally all the time admire the way it frequently strives to be as eco-friendly as doable; I personally assume they’ve simply so many issues proper right here, and the consequence, in my view, is an immaculate-looking utopia in metropolis kind!
1. Beginning on the well-known purchasing avenue Strøget
My journey started on the buzzing streets of Strøget, Copenhagen’s well-known pedestrian thoroughfare, which was a really lengthy 1.1 km (it’s one of many longest pedestrian purchasing streets in Europe!). It was lined with an eclectic combine of outlets, cafes, and avenue performers – it gave me a beautiful glimpse into native metropolis life!
On one finish, it began with the cheaper typical memento outlets and on the different it ended with attractive department shops. I particularly beloved the boutique outlets which showcased the unimaginable Danish design and craftsmanship and the bakeries which have been overflowing with tasty pastries. Total, my favorite outlets included Mads Nørgaard and the sprawling ILLUM.
2. Visiting Nyhavn
Subsequent up was Nyhavn, which was one of many metropolis’s most well-known and picturesque spots. It was a charming space with felt like one thing out of a postcard with vibrant Seventeenth-century townhouses and boats gently bobbing within the canal and a really relaxed, zen-like vibe!
Though I’ve to confess it was a dear spot, it was an awesome place to cease for a beer and a conventional Danish smørrebrød on the quaint cafes and bars. We sat exterior to people-watch – everybody was so nicely dressed Copenhagen!
3. Wandering across the Riverside and The Black Diamond
I beloved simply wandering across the metropolis, particularly close to the riverside, and taking in all of the great and distinctive structure, a few of which was actually quirky and colourful!
It was nice to see the historic and trendy buildings sitting side-by-side and I particularly beloved the ultra-modern and aptly named Black Diamond constructing which was the putting waterfront extension of the Royal Danish Library. It’s modern black granite facade mirrored the rippling waters of the harbour showcasing the town’s dedication to design innovation!
Christian IV’s Brewhouse was one other stand-out constructing which dated again to the early Seventeenth century however was principally used for exhibitions and cultural occasions. I actually appreciated its Renaissance structure, full with ornate gables.
4. Discovering Kultorvet
From Nyhavn, I strolled over to Kultorvet, a captivating little sq. hidden away from the same old vacationer hustle. The native vibe of this spot completely enchanted me – it actually felt like I’d found a secret a part of the town!
I additionally stumbled upon a neighborhood market that was stuffed with artisanal crafts and an awesome vary of culinary delights. Sampling Danish pastries, grabbing a espresso, and chatting with the pleasant distributors, I soaked up the laid-back environment of this hidden gem.
On the way in which again, only a 2-minute stroll from Kultorvet, I handed the imposing and spectacular Seventeenth-century Spherical Home Tower (Rundetaarn) which had been constructed by Christian IV of Denmark as an astronomical observatory.
5. Visiting Christiansborg Fort
Wanting to delve into Denmark’s royal historical past, I ventured to Christiansborg Fort, residence to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court docket, and Prime Minister’s Workplace.
I assumed the grand and regal trying constructing was very spectacular, however the impaled polar bear sculpture “Insufferable in Copenhagen” particularly caught my eye. The sculpture was there to remind us that we’re slowly destroying the planet and nature!
6. Exploring Christianhavn and Christiania
Because the solar set, I crossed the bridge to Christianhavn, a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with canal-side cafes, quirky outlets, hip boutiques, effective eating places and charming canals. I had all the time beloved this space’s intimate native really feel and spent a contented few hours wandering round and dipping out and in of the intriguing outlets.
One well-known stand-out space was “Freetown Christiania”, the self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood. It was a extremely fascinating place, and I beloved the unique bohemian idea of the place, in addition to its vibrant murals, eclectic-looking buildings and really attention-grabbing trying locals!
It’s simply that immediately, it has a a lot edgier vibe, so I’d counsel households with younger children may need to give this one a miss—or perhaps simply test and take pictures at its Instagram-worthy entrance as a substitute!
7. Vesterbro and The Meatpacking District
To spherical off my weekend journey, I headed to the artistic neighbourhood of Vesterbro. The previous industrial space turned hipster haven, considered one of my favorite areas within the metropolis, and I actually beloved the youthful vibe and buzz this place had.
It was stuffed with fashionable bars, stay DJs, cafes, and full of life nightclubs, and it was an awesome place to have enjoyable and meet locals. I used to be additionally a giant fan of the numerous hip natural eating places they’ve right here my favourites have been the Mad & Kaffe and Neighbourhood.
The hipster-packed Meatpacking District was proper right here too, taking a leaf out of New York’s legendary guide. As soon as residence to, yikes, slaughterhouses and meat-packing warehouses, it’s now remodeled into an ultra-trendy hotspot and I actually loved hanging out at this distinctive buzzy space!
8. A Keep in Andersen Boutique Lodge
I stayed at The Andersen Boutique Lodge which situated within the funky Vesterbro district. It was a stylish resort, nevertheless it didn’t really feel too intimidating or overpriced like among the motels based mostly within the metropolis. It really made an awesome inexpensive base for exploring Copenhagen’s points of interest and was handily inside strolling distance of Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District.
It was nice combine of contemporary comforts and a unusual design impressed by Hans Christian Andersen! I personally thought it was a comfortable and really welcoming spot with fabulous (and brilliant pink!) retro-style decor, tasteful wood flooring, a hearty buffet breakfast, and pleasant, laid-back workers who have been dressed all in black.
I personally beloved the expertise of sipping on cocktails within the peaceable courtyard backyard, the very helpful loaner bikes, the lovable Honesty Bar and people-watching from my bed room window!
It was ultimately time to depart, however as all the time, Copenhagen had fully captivated me – from its historic landmarks to its hidden gems. I completely adore this metropolis, and hopefully, I’ll be again once more for the fifth time!
