— travel —

Copenhagen, Denmark

May 7, 2018
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stephan_deutsch / Pixabay

I was looking for a new spot to visit, and came across Copenhagen.  There was a direct flight for less than $400, so why not? My friends and I visited in the spring versus the summer, but we traded in rain for colder weather.  It’s a clean and beautiful city – lots of history mixed with bursts of modern charm.  People are generally really nice and willing to offer travel tips.  Copenhagen is definitely a city you can lose yourself in.

In no particular order, here are some things to do on a short trip to Copenhagen.

  1. Tivoli Food Hall
Adrega / Pixabay

This is adjacent to the Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, but there is free entry to the public.  I’d say it’s more than a food court – there were a bunch of little restaurants, from delicious traditional Danish fare to fresh sushi to locally brewed beer.  It’s great to try a little bit of everything when you’re lower on time.   You can grab food and drink from any location and enjoy in the common dining areas.   Prices vary overall, but I wouldn’t really consider this a ‘cheap eats’ place.

 

Traditional “smorrebrod” – Danish opened face sandwiches

 

  1. Pub Crawl Copenhagen

This is always an easy and great way to meet people, and learn the nightlife.  Don’t forget to tip your guide or buy him a drink!

 

  1. Nyhavn

 

 

 

sharonang / Pixabay

The famous Nyhavn canal is lined colorful painted buildings.  Check out the bars and restaurants in the area, offering traditional Danish food and fresh seafood.  Below was my one of my favorite meals in Copenhagen.

 

  1. Open container? No problem. 
Carlsberg (Danish Beer)

Denmark apparently has very lax drinking laws.  The legal age to consume alcohol is 18 and it’s legal to drink out on the street. There is no additional fee to take a drink to-go.

 

  1. Art in Freetown

This was definitely the most unique find on our trip.  Also known as Christiania, this town is filled with bars and restaurants converted from abandoned military barracks.  Enjoy the day checking out unique graffiti art and people watching.  The town was established in the 1970’s by hippies who developed their own rules of society.  Do not take photos unless there are signs to that explicitly allow photos.  Bring cash.

Other random tips

  • Credit cards are widely accepted, except in Freetown.
  • Food and drink prices include service charges. Therefore, most bars and restaurants don’t provide a separate line to leave a tip.  Pull out some Danish Krone from the ATM so you can tip if you receive amazing service.
  • English is commonly spoken in Copenhagen.
  • Ubers pulled out of Copenhagen effective April 2017, use taxis instead.
  • Download the TripAdvisor app for on-the-go tips.
  • I traveled there in April.  Some packing essentials:
    • Jacket with a hood – the weather was in the 50’s (Fahrenheit)
    • Beanie – it did get windy around Nyhavn
    • Comfortable, flat shoes for walking through the cobblestone streets
    • Travel adapters and converters – our hotel did not have any U.S. outlets
  • April is “cherry blossom” month.  You can find beautiful cherry blossom trees throughout the city.
  • Don’t order cocktails, it is 99% water/mixer. Opt for shots and/or beer instead.
  • Nightlife suggestions (although most of these are suggestions and we didn’t make it!):
    • Stereo Bar
    • Lusso
    • Clubs in Meatpacking District
    • HIVE
    • Culture Box
    • Chateau Motel