I completely love all issues Scandinavian! Amongst my favourite cities in Europe are Berlin and Copenhagen, which I’ve visited 4 occasions now! I like the town for its magnificence, its very distinctive outlook on life, its superior 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 used to be in awe of how pleasant and well-dressed the locals are and the way I all the time really feel like a way of life journal after I’m simply wandering round its immaculate-looking streets and scenic harbours!
I came upon the Danish capital truly began off as a humble fishing village means 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 significant buying and selling hub although!
Right here is my lovely weekend within the elegant metropolis with my personal images, and private after which remaining ideas in regards to the metropolis. I’ve additionally included what I didn’t like on the finish simply so as to add some steadiness…
After I visited I discovered a really lovely, progressive, well-kept and (very!) bike-friendly metropolis stuffed with great squares and fantastic elegant-looking streets lined with eating places, museums, cafes, stylish bars, galleries, retailers, 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 though sadly it’s now closing!).
I additionally all the time admire the way it frequently strives to be as eco-friendly as potential; I personally suppose they’ve simply so many issues proper right here, and the outcome, in my view, is an immaculate-looking utopia in metropolis type!
1. Beginning on the well-known purchasing avenue Strøget
My journey started on the buzzing 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 outlets, cafes, and avenue performers – it gave me an exquisite glimpse into native metropolis life!
On one finish, it began with the cheaper typical memento retailers and on the different it ended with beautiful department shops.
I particularly liked the boutique retailers which showcased the unbelievable Danish design and craftsmanship and the bakeries which had been overflowing with tasty pastries. Total, my favorite retailers included Mads Nørgaard and the sprawling ILLUM.
2. Visiting Nyhavn
Subsequent up was Nyhavn, which was one of many metropolis’s most well-known and picturesque spots. It was a fascinating space and to me it felt like one thing out of a postcard 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 an expensive spot, it was an important place to cease for a beer and a standard Danish smørrebrød on the quaint cafes and bars. We sat exterior to people-watch – everybody was so properly dressed Copenhagen so it was value it!
3. Wandering across the Riverside and The Black Diamond
I liked 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 actually quirky and colourful!
It was nice to see the historic and trendy buildings sitting side-by-side and I particularly liked the ultra-modern and aptly named Black Diamond constructing which was the hanging waterfront extension of the Royal Danish Library.
Its modern black granite facade mirrored the rippling waters of the harbour showcasing the town’s dedication to design innovation!
Christian IV’s Brewhouse was one other stand-out constructing which dated again to the early Seventeenth century however was principally used for exhibitions and cultural occasions. I actually favored its impressively preserved Renaissance structure, full with ornate gables.
4. Discovering Kultorvet
From Nyhavn, I strolled over to Kultorvet, a captivating little sq. hidden away from the standard vacationer hustle. I liked the native vibe of this spot – it truly felt like I’d found a secret a part of the town!
I additionally stumbled upon a neighborhood market that was stuffed with artisanal crafts and an important vary of 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 Citadel
Wanting to delve into Denmark’s royal historical past, I ventured to Christiansborg Citadel, house to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Courtroom, and Prime Minister’s Workplace.
I believed the grand and regal wanting 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 retailers, hip boutiques, fantastic eating places and charming canals. I had all the time liked this space’s intimate native really feel and spent a contented few hours wandering round and dipping out and in of the intriguing retailers.
One well-known stand-out space was “Freetown Christiania”, the self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood. It was a very fascinating place, and I liked the unique bohemian idea of the place, in addition to its vibrant murals, eclectic-looking buildings and really attention-grabbing wanting locals!
It’s simply that at the moment, 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 verify and take photographs at its Instagram-worthy entrance as a substitute!
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, certainly one of my favorite areas within the metropolis, and there was a youthful vibe and buzz in regards to the place which I liked!
It was stuffed with stylish bars, reside DJs, cafes, and vigorous nightclubs, and I believed 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 had 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 guide. As soon as house to (yikes!) slaughterhouses and meat-packing warehouses, I used to be impressed on the way it had remodeled into an ultra-trendy hotspot and I discovered myself saved getting drawn again to this distinctive vigorous space!
8. A Keep in Andersen Boutique Lodge
I stayed at The Andersen Boutique Lodge which positioned within the funky Vesterbro district. It was a classy resort, however it didn’t really feel too intimidating or overpriced like among the resorts primarily based within the metropolis.
It truly made an important reasonably priced base for exploring Copenhagen’s points of interest and was handily inside strolling distance of Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District.
It was nice combine of recent comforts and a unusual design impressed by Hans Christian Andersen! I personally thought it was a comfy and really welcoming spot with fabulous (and shiny pink!) retro-style decor, tasteful wood flooring, a hearty buffet breakfast, and pleasant, laid-back employees who had been dressed all in black.
I personally liked the expertise of sipping on cocktails within the peaceable courtyard backyard, the very helpful loaner bikes, the lovable Honesty Bar and people-watching in any respect the properly dressed stylish varieties from my bed room window!
It was ultimately time to go away, however as all the time, Copenhagen had utterly captivated me – from its historic landmarks to its hidden gems. I completely adore this metropolis, and hopefully, I’ll be again once more for the fifth time!
What I Didn’t Like about Copenhagen!
I liked this metropolis, however each metropolis has it’s downsides! I’ve to confess Copenhagen is unquestionably not the most affordable metropolis to go to – the meals, drinks, and even informal espresso stops can shortly add up, particularly in vacationer haunts equivalent to Nyhavn.
Whereas I believed the vibe of Christiania was actually distinctive, I did discover it had a bit extra of an edgy really feel this time round, which could not be superb for everybody (particularly households with younger children).
And whereas the design-forward resorts and eating places are lovely, typically I did really feel a tiny bit underdressed on some events and all of the ultra-beautiful folks wandering round so elegantly dressed and styled was a typically just a little intimidating! Even the bus drivers had been higher dressed than most workplace staff I noticed within the metropolis of London, severely!
My Ultimate Ideas…
After 4 visits, I can actually say Copenhagen simply retains getting higher with every journey! From the colourfully postcard-perfect canals of Nyhavn to the buzzing inventive vitality of Vesterbro, I’m all the time struck by how this metropolis effortlessly mixes magnificence with edge, historical past with innovation, and calm with cool.
Whether or not I used to be sampling Danish pastries at a hidden market in Kultorvet, admiring world-class design on each nook, or sipping cocktails within the quirky courtyard of my resort, I felt utterly immersed of their distinctive life-style!
I actually imagine that Copenhagen is greater than only a metropolis – it’s a vibe, a mindset, and a masterclass in model and sustainability!