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 town for its class, 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’m going! I’m additionally in awe of how pleasant and well-dressed the locals are and the way I at all times really feel like a way of life journal after I’m simply wandering round its immaculate-looking streets and scenic harbours!
The Danish capital truly began off as a humble fishing village method 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 significant buying and selling hub although!
Once I visited I discovered a really stunning, progressive, well-kept and (very!) bike-friendly metropolis crammed with fantastic squares and nice elegant-looking streets lined with eating places, museums, cafes, fashionable bars, galleries, retailers, 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 at all times admire the way it frequently strives to be as eco-friendly as attainable; 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 procuring 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 procuring streets in Europe!). It was lined with an eclectic combine of retailers, cafes, and avenue performers – it gave me a beautiful glimpse into native metropolis life!
On one finish, it began with the cheaper typical memento retailers and on the different it ended with attractive shops. I particularly beloved the boutique retailers which showcased the unimaginable Danish design and craftsmanship and the bakeries which have been overflowing with tasty pastries. Total, my favorite retailers 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 fascinating 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 an expensive spot, it was an ideal 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 fantastic 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 smooth black granite facade mirrored the rippling waters of the harbour showcasing 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 largely 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, an enthralling little sq. hidden away from the standard vacationer hustle. The native vibe of this spot completely enchanted me – it actually felt like I’d found a secret a part of town!
I additionally stumbled upon an area market that was crammed with artisanal crafts and an ideal vary of culinary delights. Sampling Danish pastries, grabbing a espresso, and chatting with the pleasant distributors, I soaked up the laid-back ambiance 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 wanting 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 retailers, hip boutiques, nice eating places and charming canals. I had at all times beloved this space’s intimate native really feel and spent a contented few hours wandering round and dipping out and in of the intriguing retailers.
One well-known stand-out space was “Freetown Christiania”, the self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood. It was a very 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 wanting locals!
It’s simply that at the moment, it has a a lot edgier vibe, so I’d counsel households with younger children may wish to give this one a miss—or possibly simply verify 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 inventive neighbourhood of Vesterbro. The previous industrial space turned hipster haven, one among my favorite areas within the metropolis, and I actually beloved the youthful vibe and buzz this place had.
It was crammed with fashionable bars, dwell DJs, cafes, and energetic nightclubs, and it was an ideal place to have enjoyable and meet locals. I used to be additionally an enormous fan of the various 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 e-book. 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 Resort
I stayed at The Andersen Boutique Resort which situated within the funky Vesterbro district. It was a classy lodge, however it didn’t really feel too intimidating or overpriced like a few of the lodges primarily based within the metropolis. It truly made an ideal inexpensive base for exploring Copenhagen’s sights and was handily inside strolling distance of Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District.
It was nice combine of recent comforts and a unusual design impressed by Hans Christian Andersen! I personally thought it was a comfy and really welcoming spot with fabulous (and brilliant pink!) retro-style decor, tasteful picket 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 go away, however as at all times, Copenhagen had utterly 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!
