Copenhagen: The Ultimate Weekend In The Danish Capital

This buzzing capital, mixes royal history, modern architecture, loads of culture with sustainable living, and a mouthwatering scene. And all this, makes the Danish capital a very popular city to explore.

Copenhagen is charming, clean, green and is definitely one of the prettiest cities across Scandinavia; if not across Europe.

Denmark has been voted multiple times as one of the best and happiest countries in the world and visiting Copehnagen will definitely make you understand why. Quality of life is superb!

THINGS TO SEE IN COPENHAGEN

Christiansborg Palace:

This palace is situated right at the heart of the city and is surrounded by canals. It houses the Danish parliament and also accommodates rooms of the monarchy.

Everything is preserved to perfection here and you can easily imagine royalty roaming these halls. Christiansborg palace is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Copenhagen

Rosenborg Castle & the Botanic Garden:

Built 400 years ago (17th c.) Rosenborg is a stunning palace with very well-preserved interiors and rooms filled with royal details and paintings. The palace is also home to the glittering crowns of the Danish kings and queens.

In front of the palace you can admire the King’s garden, a popular picnic spot for locals in the summer. Today the gardens are visited by approximately 3 mill people per year!!

Besides the palace and the King’s garden, this district is also home to the city’s botanical garden. Copenhagen’s botanical garden is home to one of the largest plant collections in Denmark and it spreads over 10 hectares. Here you will find a beautiful butterfly house and a tropical palm house dating back to 1874. You can visit the gardens all year round and there are many exhibitions, activities and guided tours you can join.

Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK):

Just 5 min walk from the Rosenborg palace you will find SMK. This gallery is Denmark’s largest art gallery. Here you can admire paintings dating back to Denmark’s golden age and much more!

Nyhavn:

This waterfront canal is definitely one of the most scenic parts of Copenhagen.

Picturesque, colourful townhouses, cafes and restaurants make it the perfect spot to take a break and admire the views. Nyhavn is the new harbour of Copenhagen, once used to be the neighbourhood of Hans Christian Andersen.

Tivoli Gardens:

This amusement park is situated right at the heart of the city. Here you will find a ferris wheel, plenty of roller coasters and many more games. It is definitely worth a stop if you have some extra time when visiting Copenhagen. Unfortunately, when I was visiting, Tivoli park was closed. It is only open to the public throughout summertime as well as during Halloween and Christmas.

Kastellet:

Kastellet is a major historic Danish site that also serves as a public park. Dating back to 1600, it is one of the most well-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe! This park is admission free and is definitely worth a visit. It is open daily from 6am to 10pm.

Little Mermaid:

This little statue is one of Copenhagen’s most visited attractions! The statue is a tribute to the author Hans Christian Andersen who wrote the story of the little mermaid.
Did you know that the original story was actually a sad story? When disney created its own version, it adapted the ending so that there would be a happy ending!

Amalienborg Palace:

This palace is the official residence for the Danish royal family. It’s definitely worth visiting to watch the changing of guards which takes place daily between 11:30 and 12:00.

Amalienborg also hosts today a museum where you can have access to the private interiors of the most recent kings and queens of the country.

Strøget:

Strøget is the main shopping street of Copenhagen. It stretches for over 1.1km between the City Hall square and Kongens Nytorv (King’s new square).

Here you can find all big international brands.

Church of our Saviour:

This beautiful baroque church is located in the neighbourhood of Christianshavn.
It is definitely one of Copenhagen’s major tourist attractions and is famous for its long twisted spire which you can see from many parts of the city.

Christiania:

Christiania is a freetown right in the middle of the city of Copenhagen. It is an autonomous community that is operating outside the laws of Denmark! Christiania is home to many artists and artisans who have given the area a hippy, bohemian vibe.

Stroll around its colourful streets which are full of cosy cafes offering some top-notch craft beers. It would be advisable to visit during daytime as well as make sure you keep your phone/camera away.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Food Places:

Meatpacking District
POPL Burger
The Bridge Street Kitchen
Restaurant Carl Nielsen
Undici
La Banchina

Bars:

Centralhjørnet
Balderdash
Strøm
N.30
La Fontaine (Jazz Bar)
Jernbanecafeen

WHERE TO STAY

If you are a first timer in Copenhagen, Indre By (Inner city) would be a good option. Bordered by the port and lakes, this neighbourhood has the closest proximity to most major attractions in the city.

Copenhagen: The Ultimate Weekend In The Danish Capital