Copenhagen, Denmark Travel Guide
Copenhagen is well known for their bikers. Not the Harley Davidson motor bikers that cruise in packs. These bikers have ten speeds, handlebar break controls (unless you’re a beach cruiser biker, then you back pedal to stop) and may or may not wear a helmet. It was 50/50. It is a lively city of the happiest people on earth who eat the freshest grown food and sit on really small furniture. I recently visited my cousin who lives in Copenhagen and have found my people.
Things to Know
They speak Dutch (which is not similar to the German language). Most people will speak English. Their currency is in kronos but it is called crowns. If something costs 300,000 kronos it likely converts to around $50 USD. Crazy right? This was my experience after I paid for something and checked my balance to see what it came to #stickershocked.
Denmark is known for being one of the happiest places to live. It may be confusing because you won’t see people smiling. What it means is that the people of Denmark are the most content with their lives, which leads to their happiness. Got it?
Denmark is also known for the Hygge aesthetic. Cozy vibes. Lots of candles. Dim lighting. Blankets.
Oh also, danishes. And pastries in general. But man, was it hard to find a pastry shop!
I almost forgot! Most places do not take American Express (don’t know why) but they accept Visa and Mastercard as forms of payment. I didn’t see anyone pay with cash. Ever.
How to get around Copenhagen
There are many ways to get around Copenhagen. Most people ride bikes everywhere. There are bike rental stations scattered throughout the city and I believe there is an app you can download to find where the bike rentals are located.
Renting a car is likely the most convenient way to get around but parking can be a doozy. Not all the parking signs were clear whether it was public or private parking. The “parking ninjas” as my aunt calls them will likely ticket you ASAP if you’re in an incorrect spot. I recommend renting a smaller car. My aunt had a large SUV and it was difficult on some of the narrower roads and tight parking lots. Also watch out for all the lanes. There are bike lanes, bus lanes, walk lanes, car lanes. It can be stressful/overwhelming to drive.
The metro is an easy way to get around. Just make sure you are going in the right direction and paying attention to the stops. You’ll need a metro ticket. I did not ride the metro in Copenhagen but it was my sole means of transportation when I went to other parts of Europe. It was easy to use as long as you understood the maps.
My cousin has used car sharing. Her only complaint is some people will say the car is available when in fact it is not. How lame! She’ll go to the lot it is supposed to be parked and it will not be there. Be honest people.
Where and what to eat
Honestly, I can’t recommend any delicious places to eat. There are restaurants along the popular Nyhavn Street and sprinkled throughout Strøget Street. I was not impressed with their food. It’s all organic and very expensive.
Now, what I can recommend is Mikkeller. Mikkeller is a lovely, cozy brewery. They have all kinds of beers from pale ales, lagers, IPAs, witbiers, belgiums etc. I’d go back there.
What to wear
Take me back to the 90s all freakin day. Everyone wears straight jeans with tees or sweatshirts. Running shoes. Occasionally I saw a chick in a dress, riding a bike. A rare sighting.
It tends to rain at some point throughout the day. It’s unpredictable whether it will be a light sprinkle or a torrential downpour. I experienced both. Bring rain gear such as a jacket with a hood and rain pants.
Things to do in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home of the author Hans Christian Andersen. You can visit his grave at the Assistens Cemetery. It is a lovely cemetery—very peaceful and beautiful to walk through. One of the world’s most popular tourist spots is The Little Mermaid statue from Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale.
Other fun activities to do in Copenhagen include:
shopping along Nyhavn or Strøget Street and stopping for lunch at a cute café
Waterway tours takes you through the canals where you’ll learn about their military, neighborhoods, Paper Island, The Little Mermaid statue, and see their ski slope.
If you want to get onto the canals, swan paddle boats are available for rent.
Bike around Copenhagen through one of their bike rental stations.
Interested in history? The Christianborg Palace offers tours of the home, kitchen, church, and stables.
For the nature lovers, you will fall in love with the botanical gardens and butterfly house.
Tivoli Gardens is the oldest amusement park in the world. It is a nice place to play some games, go on rides, have dinner, and stroll around.
Holm was recommended by a local as having the best coffee and pastries. Order to go and walk around the shopping streets or get out of the rain and have a seat in their small seating area.
Where to stay
My aunt stays at The Comwell. So that is where I stayed as well. Their breakfast is pretty good. They have all kinds of juices, fruits, pastries, breads, meats, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, coffee. You only have access to your own floor. The elevator will deny you if you attempt to go to another floor.
My cousin’s in-laws said they liked the hotel called The Stay. It is an apartment style hotel. That is all I know.
Airport
Dump all your liquids unless they can all fit inside a tiny plastic bag they give you at security. I skipped the bagging station because I thought my stuff was fine since it was in a toiletry bag. Once I got to security I had to bag everything. I used five bags! The security man said, “You only get one.” I said, “ONE?!” I was only willing to part with the shower toiletries. Prescriptions are fine.
APPs to download
Easy park is the parking app to use for lots and zones. There will be signs that say “Easy Park” with the code for the lot or zone. Then spin your dial and your time is set. Some parking lots will scan your license plate when you enter and exit which makes it even easier.
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