The Best Guide for Exploring Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most magical cities in all of Europe, with a rich history, delicious food, and plenty of attractions to keep visitors engaged. Not only is it located in the heart of Denmark, with easy access to Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo, but it also has an enjoyable climate, with temperatures rarely breaking long-term averages. With so much to do and see, planning a trip to Copenhagen can be exceptionally exciting – but also a bit daunting.If you’ve been racking your brain trying to figure out what’s the best way to explore Copenhagen, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a guide that will show you what to expect and offer some actionable advice on how to get around the city. We’ll run through popular tourist attractions, gastronomic delights, apartment rentals, transport options and more. So, let’s get started!

What to Expect in Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment, no matter your preferences. Centuries old architecture stands next to modern buildings – striking a harmonious balance. But there is more to the city than its impressive skyline. Copenhagen’s people are some of the most welcoming in Europe and you will come across open-mindedness and progressive thinking everywhere you go.If you’re planning on visiting in winter, you needn’t worry. The temperatures rarely take a dip below zero because of the gulf stream – meaning Copenhagen experiences warm winter days and cool summer evenings.

Attractions

Copenhagen has an extensive offering in terms of attractions. Below, we’ve put together a list of our favourites:

• Tivoli Gardens: An amusement park located in central Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is such a beautiful place that it’s even been used in films such as Alice in Wonderland, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musicals and Lorentz og Sakarias. On the grounds there are multiple shops, gardens and cafes to enjoy.
• Nyhavn: One of the signature attractions in Copenhagen is the 17th century canal district Nyhavn. This picturesque harbour bustles with ferries, colourful boats and locals/tourists drinking beer in outdoor cafes.
• Amalienborg Palace: This grand building houses the royal family of Denmark and is worth visiting to admire its stunning architecture. Guards can be seen walking around the grounds in their traditional clothing and there is even an old navy ship by the side of the palace.
• The Little Mermaid: This bronze sculpture stands 4 feet tall (1.25 meters) on an artificial rock in the water at Langelinie promenade. The Little Mermaid is Denmark’s most famous symbol and is based on the fairytale about a mermaid who dreams about living on land.
• Kastellet Copenwgan: Kastellet is an old star fort from the 17th century still fully intact with a living area in the center. Because of its moat and defensive walls, tourists often refer to this place as a “Danish stronghold” and it’s definitely worth going for a stroll.

Staying in Copenhagen

If you plan on staying in Copenhagen overnight, you may want to consider renting an apartment through Airbnb or Booking.com. You can easily find a cosy place that caters to your preferences – whether you prefer something modern or traditional. Below are three links to rental companies we suggest:

• Airbnb

: Airbnb Copenhagen has plenty of budget friendly options for those who want to experience the city on a budget.

• Booking.com

: This rental platform provides plenty of top-rated accommodation options for those who prefer a comfortable experience away from home.

• Homestay

: Homestay Copenhagen offers room-only accommodations at competitive rates.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is generally quite accessible and getting around the city shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The most common mode of transportation that locals use is taking public transport; buses, trains and Metro are available across most parts of the city. You can plan your journey in advance on Rejseplanen , their official transport website. If you plan on using these services daily, we suggest investing in Copenhagen cards – these come with prepaid transport cards that can be used on buses and Metro services for unlimited travel during their specified period (daily/weekly). You can also purchase tickets from automatic machines at bus stops or via their mobile application “Mobilbilletter’ (available on iOS/Android). Personalized tickets are also available at kiosks dotted around the city – just make sure you validate your ticket at the start of your journey (check for signs at each entrance) and keep hold of it until you reach your destination. Cycleways are also available throughout the city – this is an extremely popular mode of transport amongst locals and tourists alike– but can easily become daunting when coupled with Copenhagen’s typically wet climate and heavy traffic. For those who prefer exploring in a car, car hire companies are available at both the central station and airport (Billund). Those who want to explore with greater freedom may prefer renting out an electric bike – these can be rented out at most bike shops located across the city centre and will set you back around 5-7 EUR/hour.

Gastronomic Delights

• Chlorophyll

: Ranked amongst one of the best restaurants in Denmark, Chlorophyll serves up fresh seafood that has been caught using sustainable methods.

• Feeling Copenhagen

: Located close to Nyhavn, Feeling Copenhagen offers sun filled outdoor area where customers can order delicious Danish food under shady trees.

• Kokkeriet

: This Michelin starred restaurant offers innovative dishes using local ingredients that have been sourced from organic producers.

Lastly, if you’re after something quick and on-the-go, we recommend seeking out one of Copenhagen’s local street food markets – these tend to be spoilt for choice and provide customers with delicious traditional Danish cuisine – think hot dogs topped with smoked salmon, fried fish served with pea purée or cinnamon buns with rhubarb jam!

Conclusion