Hi Everyone,
Five years ago my daughter visited Copenhagen for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the city. So much so that she has been wanting to go there with me ever since. This Summer we finally made it!
As soon as we stepped off the plane and entered the Copenhagen airport I realised too that this is a special city. Even the airport shops have a special design and forward thinking flair to them. The food in the restaurants/cafes at the airport also looked absolutely delicious.
I was super curious as to what the city itself would be like. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the diverse culture, beautiful design stores, architecture, super wide bike paths and delicious pastries and food! Everything just seemed so much more advanced than in other places of the world – even 70% of all taxis are electric.
We spent 3 days in total in Copenhagen and these tips are pretty much a summary of what we did. There’s still so much more to discover that I can’t wait to return.
Prelude:
You can pretty much get by without cash. Do take bike compliant clothing as it’s one of the best ways to see the city.
When it comes to hotels – there are a number of very cool hotels to choose from. We stayed at the Scandic Spectrum and had a beautiful view over the canal. It was lovely and new, great rooms but lots of people so very busy in the mornings and you have to pay extra if you wish to use the pool. Next visit I’m planning on staying in one of the Guldsmeden eco hotels – more about these further down.
Keep reading for “Copenhagen – 10 Top Tips for this Amazing Hip City”
Copenhagen – 10 Top Tips for this Amazing Hip City
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Bakery lunch like a local
The first thing we had to do after checking into our hotel was to go and have lunch at the Anderson Bakery. This was where my daughter had been having breakfast each day on her previous trip.
The mouth watering pastries were even more delicious than they looked. You could also choose to simply buy supplies to take away and then turn the corner towards the canal nearby and picnic on a rentable solar-powered boat. No prior sailing experience needed.
2. Visit the concept store Stillmind
After the bakery we strolled along Christianshaven and discovered the cutest concept store Stillmind.dk.
Both Cassia and I were totally captivated by the silk dresses made out of used saris. Bought from women in India to help them finance other things they need and also made by women in India – a beautiful sustainable and women helping women project.
Each dress is unique – see some more available online here.
Extra special about discovering Stillmind though was meeting dear Charlotte Bom, owner of the store. Such an inspirational woman who also has a creche, and specialises in yoga and meditation – having even written books about these topics. Like me she has a real passion for New Zealand and it felt like kindred spirits connecting.
ps: Of course I am not really taller but standing on a wall – haha!
3. Christiania
Any trip to Copenhagen would not be complete without visiting the self governing freetown Christiania. It began in 1971 as a squatted military base. Its Pusher Street is famous for its open trade of cannabis, which is illegal in Denmark.
Whilst visiting we witnessed a police raid of the cannabis stalls. They came with several trucks, saws and a container truck. All the cannabis stalls were destroyed and carted off in the container truck. 15 minutes later everything gets built up again just as it was before. We were told these raids happen every day and this has been the case for over 15 years now.
Despite this there are also lots of pretty artisan stalls selling locally made products and loads of tourists. You are not allowed to take photos inside the middle of Pusher Street and only cash is accepted throughout.
4. Vor Frelsers Kirche
Vor Frelsers Kirche was built in 1696 but the tower only added later in 1752. You can go inside and climb up the very top of the tower for a fabulous view over the city. Entrance is free if you have a Copenhagen city card.
5. Ansvar Greenery Lab – enjoy a delicious Vegan dinner with view over the canal
As mentioned in the introduction, we stayed at the Scandic Spectrum hotel. Whilst the hotel was extremely busy and full there was almost no one at the Ansvar Greenery Lab, the vegan rooftop restaurant.
The food was delicious and reasonably priced with a fabulous view for us to enjoy at the same time.
6. Norrebro
The most fun way to get to the Norrebro area is by bike. This corner of the city is less about sights and more about independent craft stores, galleries, chocolate shops and pretty cafes.
In particular I recommend parking at the end of Jaegesbourggade and walking up and down the street on differentt sides, taking time to explore the artisan shops and have a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
7. Lunch at Manon les Suites
Lunch at the roof top bar of Manon les Suites was delicious and great fun watching the city pass by beneath us. Not to forget the lovely rooftop views.
However the real reason we went here was to check out at least one of the Guldsmeden Hotels. The first of which was built in 1999 with a total sustainable concept. Left over food is picked up by DAKA refold and turned into bio fuel.
Ordinary shower systems have been replaced with a revolutionary orbital system, originally developed for the Mars mission.
Decor is outside of trends using natural materials that can bear a little wear and tear.
Then to really top it all off Manon les Suites has to have the most picturesque pool I have ever seen. I truly believe we are moving towards the hotel of the future here.
8. Designmuseum Danmark
The Designmuseum Danmark just reopened in 2022 after a 2 year redesign. It houses a fabulous applied-art collection in a converted 18th century hospital. If you are interested in design at all you will love this museum.
Even if you don’t go into the museum itself the museum shop is also worth spending time in with a fabulous collection of design books, unique ceramics, glassware and jewellery.
My favourite was the Backstage exhibition in the courtyard which was still left from the recent Copenhagen fashion week.
9. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a 17th century harbour lined with chalk coloured houses that look as if they could illustrate a storybook.
It’s ever so fitting to note that Hans Christian Andersen lived at number 20 and wrote several stories there including “The Princess and the Pea” amongst others.
Beware however this is definitely one part of Copenhagen that gets very busy and where you will find the most tourists.
10. Tivoli Park
Copenhagen has to be the only city I know with a fun park smack bang in the middle of it. More than just a fun park Tivoli also has beautiful gardens, a luxury hotel inside and plenty of places to stop for delicious food.
Tivoli is the world’s second-oldest amusement park, opening in 1843. Walt Disney visited in 1951 for inspiration and then opened Disneyland 4 years later. Events change according to the seasons and there really is something for everyone in the park.
Wishing you lots of fun on your trip to Copenhagen.
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