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 like its magnificence, its distinctive outlook on life, its 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 once I’m simply wandering round its pristine streets and scenic harbours!
Copenhagen truly began off as a humble fishing village approach again within the tenth century. Nestled alongside the japanese 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!
I discovered a really lovely, progressive, well-kept and (very!) bike-friendly metropolis stuffed with great squares and superb streets lined with eating places, museums, cafes, stylish 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 greatest eating places!). I like the way it additionally strives to be as eco-friendly as doable; I personally suppose they’ve simply so many issues proper right here, and the outcome, for my part, is a utopia in metropolis kind!
1. Beginning on the well-known purchasing road Strøget
My journey started on the bustling 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 retailers, cafes, and road performers; I like that Strøget provided me a glimpse into native metropolis life.
On one finish, it began with cheaper typical memento outlets and on the different it ended with attractive shops. I particularly cherished the boutique outlets which showcased Danish design and craftsmanship and the unimaginable bakeries stuffed with tasty pastries. General 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 iconic and picturesque spots. It was a charming space 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 important place to cease for a beer and a conventional Danish smørrebrød on the quaint cafes and bars. We sat outdoors to people-watch – everybody was dressed so effectively and elegantly in Copenhagen, it was price seeing!
3. Wandering across the Riverside and The Black Diamond
I cherished 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 very quirky!
The historic and fashionable buildings have been fantastically juxtaposed. I particularly cherished the ultra-modern and aptly named Black Diamond constructing which was the putting waterfront extension of the Royal Danish Library. With its smooth black granite facade reflecting the rippling waters of the harbour, to me the constructing was a testomony to Copenhagen’s dedication to design innovation!
Christian IV’s Brewhouse was one other stand-out constructing which dated again to the early Seventeenth century. It was a putting and attention-grabbing constructing that showcased Renaissance structure, full with ornate gables. Right this moment, although, it was principally used as a venue for exhibitions and cultural occasions.
4. Discovering Kultorvet
From Nyhavn, I strolled over to Kultorvet, an enthralling little sq. hidden away from the same old vacationer hustle. The native vibe of this spot completely enchanted me – it felt like I’d found a secret a part of town!
I additionally stumbled upon a neighborhood market that was a treasure trove of artisanal crafts and attractive 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 Fortress
Desperate to delve into Denmark’s royal historical past, I ventured to Christiansborg Fortress, dwelling to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court docket, and Prime Minister’s Workplace.
I assumed the opulent and regal 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, superb eating places and charming canals. I had at all times cherished this space’s intimate native really feel and spent a joyful 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 captivating place, and I cherished the unique bohemian idea of the place, in addition to its vibrant murals and eclectic buildings.
It’s simply that at present, 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 try its Instagram-worthy entrance as an alternative!
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, considered one of my favorite areas within the metropolis, and I actually cherished the youthful vibe and buzz this place had.
It was stuffed with stylish bars, dwell DJs, cafes, and vigorous nightclubs, and it was an important 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 ebook. As soon as dwelling to, yikes, slaughterhouses and meat-packing warehouses, it’s now reworked into an ultra-trendy hotspot!
8. A Keep in Andersen Boutique Resort
I stayed at The Andersen Boutique Resort which situated within the funky Vesterbro district. It was a stylish lodge, but it surely wasn’t intimidating or overpriced like a number of the resorts primarily based within the metropolis. It truly made an important reasonably priced base for exploring Copenhagen’s sights and was inside strolling distance of Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District.
It provided a superb mix of contemporary comforts and a unusual design impressed by Hans Christian Andersen! I personally thought it was a comfy and really welcoming spot with fabulous (and vivid pink!) retro-style decor, tasteful picket flooring, a hearty buffet breakfast, and pleasant, laid-back employees.
I personally cherished the expertise of sipping on cocktails within the peaceable courtyard backyard, the very useful loaner bikes, the lovable Honesty Bar and people-watching from my bed room window!
It was finally time to go away, however as at all times, Copenhagen fully captivated me – from its historic landmarks to its hidden gems. I completely love this metropolis, and hopefully, I’ll be again once more for the fifth time!
