How to Spend a Weekend in Copenhagen?

A weekend in Copenhagen is always a great experience, no matter if you’re visiting for the first time or have been to this Danish gem before. This little city has so much to offer that it can be hard to figure out the best places to visit and activities to do in the limited time you have. Whether you have limited time or looking for some inspiration to make the most of a weekend in Copenhagen, here are a few of our favorite activities to do while in the city.

Explore the City and Visit Hot Spots

For a quick and easy introduction to Copenhagen and its sights, opt for a sightseeing tour of the city. Get around on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses, tour by foot, boat, or bike to explore some of the hotspots in Copenhagen. Learn more about the city’s history while visiting some of the different Royal Palaces, the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront, the charming streets of medieval center, the iconic Little Mermaid sculpture, and the Carlsberg brewery.

Go Shopping

If you love shopping, you absolutely have to visit Strøget, one of the busiest pedestrian streets in all of Europe. Strøget offers an abundance of shops for every budget, ranging from international luxury brands to Danish designer labels. Copenhagen is also full of independent boutiques, vintage stores and markets. The Paper Market has a large selection of secondhand books and records, while Torvehallerne houses over 60 market stalls selling everything from flowers to Danish delicacies like Hot Dogs and Smørrebrød.

Museums and Galleries

Copenhagen has a lot of art galleries and museums to offer. You can learn more about the city’s past in The National Museum, the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum or visit the Golden Days rememberance at the Royal Library. Explore modern art in galleries like V1 or The David Collection. Moreover, many of Copenhagen’s museums offer museum nights with extended opening hours and special events like parties and live music.

Eat Well

Nordic cuisine has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years. Eat your way through Copenhagen by visiting some of the finest and hippest restaurants such as Restaurant Kiin Kiin and Kødbyens Fiskebar and try some amazing Danish classics like Smørrebrød, Flæskesteg and Stegt Flæsk. Copenhagen also offers some great vegan restaurants such as Banh Mi Bar, Vege-Terranean or Soho.

Relax

Don’t forget to chill out during your weekend in Copenhagen and enjoy a few moments of Danish lifestyle. Enjoy the sun on one of Copenhagen’s beaches or relax in one of the HAVEN Hotels located close to many attractions on either Nyhavn or Christianshavn Quays. Or take a brewery tour at Carlsberg Experience – famous for their iconically labeled beer bottles –to learn more about Carlsberg’s history and culture in an entertaining atmosphere.

In summary, there is something for everyone during a weekend in Copenhagen – no matter if you like sightseeing, shopping, eating great food or chilling out. Each activity will show you another side of this cozy little capital and make you fall in love with the Danish lifestyle.

Insider’s Guide to Spending a Weekend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is known for its beautiful canals, maritime history, and of course, the Little Mermaid statue. But beyond these tourist attractions lies a vibrant and eclectic city with much to offer visitors. Keep reading to discover how to spend a weekend in Copenhagen, including insider tips on local attractions, dining, cultural experiences, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Exploring Local Attractions

To truly experience Copenhagen, start by exploring some of its most unique and iconic attractions. These include:

– Nyhavn: A picturesque canal lined with multi-colored buildings that make for a perfect photo-op. Here you can find overpriced tourist restaurants and cafes and enjoy a drink by the waterside, watching boats glide by.

– Tivoli Gardens: Located in the heart of the city, is the world’s second-oldest operational amusement park, which offers a range of roller coasters, historic buildings, traditional Danish architecture and light displays in the evening. A trip to Copenhagen is incomplete without visiting Tivoli Gardens.

– The Little Mermaid Statue: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, the statue is one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist spots. You can find it at the Langelinie promenade, which is an excellent spot to enjoy harbour views and watch the sunset.

Dining Spots

Copenhagen is a city of gastronomic wonders, and no trip is complete without indulging in Danish cuisine. Some of the must-visit spots include:

– Noma: World-renowned restaurant, is known for its new Nordic cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to book reservations at least one or two months in advance, as it’s frequently fully booked.

– Torvehallerne: An amazing food hall that offers a vast array of food options, such as gourmet hot dogs from the John’s Hot Dog Deli, open-faced sandwiches from Hallernes Smørrebrød, and fresh seafood from Fiskerikajen.

– Gemyse: Situated inside Tivoli Gardens, Gemyse offers diners a cozy, rustic atmosphere and serves delicious vegetarian dishes made from locally grown vegetables sourced from their own farm.

Cultural Experiences

Copenhagen is rife with cultural experiences for visitors. Some of the must-visit cultural spots include:

– The National Museum of Denmark: An expansive museum featuring exhibits on Danish history, culture, and lifestyle. The museum is free to enter, has an audio guide to walk you through various exhibits, and is accessible for children and adults.

– Designmuseum Danmark: Here you can find exhibits on Danish design, including furniture, home accessories, and fashion. It is a unique experience to discover Denmark’s design aesthetic and heritage, ranging from modern interpretations to ancient art.

– Glyptoteket Museum: This museum holds an extensive collection of sculpture and art, with particular emphasis on the sculptures of Auguste Rodin. The serene atmosphere of the inner garden provides a refreshing break to the visitors and is a must-visit spot.

Local History

Copenhagen has a rich and complicated history, which can be explored through various museums and landmarks:

– Rosenborg Castle: A 17th-century castle with beautiful gardens, home to Denmark’s royal family for centuries. Visitors can learn about Denmark’s monarchy, visit the crown jewels of the monarchs and walk through history in the castle’s refurbished interiors.

– Christiania: Established in 1971, this neighborhood of Copenhagen is known for being an alternative social experiment. Visit Christiania to learn about its history, culture, and unique lifestyle and browse the quirky and vibrant art shops tucked throughout the streets.

– Amalienborg Palace: Home to Denmark’s monarchy since the 18th century and is a symbol of Denmark’s long-standing history. You can witness the breathtaking changing of the guard ceremony at the palace every day at noon.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

There are several lesser-known attractions in Copenhagen that offer unique experiences to tourists.

– Assistens Cemetery: The final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr.

– The Round Tower: A 17th-century tower that offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop.

– Christianborg Palace: This palace serves as the current seat of the Danish parliament and also houses the Supreme Court.

Wrap up

There’s something unique and magical about Copenhagen, from its stunning architecture, delicious food to its history and culture. So, go ahead and explore the city’s lesser-known spots and make some unforgettable memories!