I absolutely love all things Scandinavian. Among my favorite cities in Europe are Berlin, Prague, and Copenhagen, which I’ve visited four times now!
I love its elegance, its unique outlook on life, its concept of “hygge”, and how I can walk into an upscale restaurant or even just a backstreet coffee shop and find exceptional design wherever I go! I’m also in awe of how friendly and well-dressed the locals are and how I always feel like a lifestyle magazine when I’m just wandering around its pristine streets and scenic harbours!
Copenhagen actually started off as a humble fishing village way back in the 10th century. Nestled along the eastern coast of Zealand, right at the bustling crossroads of the Baltic and North Seas, it wasn’t long before it blossomed into a major trading hub though!
I found a very beautiful, progressive, well-kept and (very!) bike-friendly city filled with wonderful squares and fine streets lined with restaurants, museums, cafes, trendy bars, galleries, shops, theatres, and immaculately preserved historic architecture.
It also had a thriving arts and design scene and world-renowned culinary offerings (Noma was named one of the world’s best restaurants!). I love how it also strives to be as eco-friendly as possible; I personally think they’ve just so many things right here, and the result, in my opinion, is a utopia in city form!
1. Starting at the famous shopping street Strøget
My journey began on the bustling streets of Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian thoroughfare, which was a very long 1.1 km (it’s one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe!). It was lined with an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street performers; I love that Strøget offered me a glimpse into local city life.
On one end, it started with cheaper typical souvenir shops and at the other it ended with gorgeous department stores. I especially loved the boutique shops which showcased Danish design and craftsmanship and the incredible bakeries filled with tasty pastries. Overall my favourite shops included Mads Nørgaard and the sprawling ILLUM.
2. Visiting Nyhavn
Next up was Nyhavn, which was one of the city’s most iconic and picturesque spots. It was a captivating area with colourful 17th-century townhouses and boats gently bobbing in the canal and a very relaxed, zen-like vibe!
Although I have to admit it was a pricey spot, it was a great place to stop for a beer and a traditional Danish smørrebrød at the quaint cafes and bars. We sat outside to people-watch – everyone was dressed so well and elegantly in Copenhagen, it was worth seeing!
3. Wandering around the Riverside and The Black Diamond
I loved just wandering around the city, especially near the riverside, and taking in all the wonderful and unique architecture, some of which was very quirky!
The historic and modern buildings were beautifully juxtaposed. I especially loved the ultra-modern and aptly named Black Diamond building which was the striking waterfront extension of the Royal Danish Library. With its sleek black granite facade reflecting the rippling waters of the harbour, to me the building was a testament to Copenhagen’s commitment to design innovation!
Christian IV’s Brewhouse was another stand-out building which dated back to the early 17th century. It was a striking and interesting building that showcased Renaissance architecture, complete with ornate gables. Today, though, it was mostly used as a venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
4. Discovering Kultorvet
From Nyhavn, I strolled over to Kultorvet, a charming little square hidden away from the usual tourist hustle. The local vibe of this spot totally enchanted me – it felt like I’d discovered a secret part of the city!
I also stumbled upon a local market that was a treasure trove of artisanal crafts and tasty culinary delights. Sampling Danish pastries, grabbing a coffee, and chatting with the friendly vendors, I soaked up the laid-back atmosphere of this hidden gem.
On the way back, just a 2-minute walk from Kultorvet, I passed the imposing and impressive 17th-century Round House Tower (Rundetaarn) which had been built by Christian IV of Denmark as an astronomical observatory.
5. Visiting Christiansborg Castle
Eager to delve into Denmark’s royal history, I ventured to Christiansborg Castle, home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office.
I thought the opulent and regal building was very impressive, but the impaled polar bear sculpture “Unbearable in Copenhagen” especially caught my eye. The sculpture was there to remind us that we’re slowly destroying the planet and nature!
6. Exploring Christianhavn and Christiania
As the sun set, I crossed the bridge to Christianhavn, a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with canal-side cafes, quirky shops, hip boutiques, fine restaurants and charming canals. I had always loved this area’s intimate local feel and spent a joyful few hours wandering around and dipping in and out of the intriguing shops.
One famous stand-out area was “Freetown Christiania”, the self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood. It was a fascinating place, and I loved the original bohemian concept of the place, as well as its colourful murals and eclectic buildings.
It’s just that today, it has a much edgier vibe, so I’d suggest families with young kids might want to give this one a miss—or maybe just check out its Instagram-worthy entrance instead!
7. Vesterbro and The Meatpacking District
To round off my weekend adventure, I headed to the creative neighbourhood of Vesterbro. The former industrial area turned hipster haven, one of my favourite areas in the city, and I really loved the youthful vibe and buzz this place had.
It was filled with trendy bars, live DJs, cafes, and lively nightclubs, and it was a great place to have fun and meet locals. I was also a big fan of the many hip organic restaurants they have here my favourites were the Mad & Kaffe and Neighbourhood.
The hipster-packed Meatpacking District was right here too, taking a leaf out of New York’s legendary book. Once home to, yikes, slaughterhouses and meat-packing warehouses, it’s now transformed into an ultra-trendy hotspot!
8. A Stay in Andersen Boutique Hotel
I stayed at The Andersen Boutique Hotel which located in the funky Vesterbro district. It was a trendy hotel, but it wasn’t intimidating or overpriced like some of the hotels based in the city. It actually made a great affordable base for exploring Copenhagen’s attractions and was within walking distance of Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District.
It offered a fine blend of modern comforts and a quirky design inspired by Hans Christian Andersen! I personally thought it was a cosy and very welcoming spot with fabulous (and bright pink!) retro-style decor, tasteful wooden floors, a hearty buffet breakfast, and friendly, laid-back staff.
I personally loved the experience of sipping on cocktails in the peaceful courtyard garden, the very handy loaner bikes, the cute Honesty Bar and people-watching from my bedroom window!
It was eventually time to leave, but as always, Copenhagen completely captivated me – from its historic landmarks to its hidden gems. I absolutely love this city, and hopefully, I’ll be back again for the fifth time!
