We did a four-day trip (three full days of activities) to Copenhagen as the start of a girls’ trip. Our goal was to explore the city like first-time visitors (as most of us were) and experience nice restaurants, museums, activities, and sites. We were not shopping focused on this trip. We did not have time for everything the city offers, but we had a wonderful time and loved the city!
Copenhagen has charm, friendly people, great food, tons of attractions, is a manageable size, and is a terrific destination. The weather was chilly, with a bit of rain during our visit so packing included a puffer, jeans and sweaters to layer. Don’t forget gloves for a bike ride as warm hands make all the difference. We did not do some activities that would be warmer weather appropriate, like the boats on the river or the hot tub boats!
Hotel:
Nyhavn 71, Copenhagen: Phone +45 33 43 62 00. Located (as the name says) on Nyhavn Street, which is the heart of the ‘old city’, right on the water. It’s a good central location as we could walk easily to the metro and many of the sights/areas we wanted to visit. The hotel is a bit pricey for what it offers, with small rooms, but it’s a historic old building with a great location, a super helpful staff, and a good breakfast!
General Notes:
Copenhagen Card:
You can buy the Copenhagen Card at the airport which pays out if you plan on using public transport and visiting the popular museums/castles etc. On their site ahead of time you can click on what you plan on doing and it’ll tell you if you’ll save money by purchasing the card or not. Plus it’s very convenient not to have to purchase tickets at the train/metro stations and museums and have a ‘one and done’ option.
Cafes:
Bakeries and cafes are everywhere! The baked goods (ie…Danish!) are amazing, and you will never be at a loss for carbs or caffeine in this city whether it’s from a small cafe or a larger chain like Lagkagehuset, which is terrific (and has the best little cookies with licorice)! Juno and Hart bakeries seem to get the top picks from people.
Meals:
There is a wide range of dining options, including some super-fancy Michelin star choices. Best to book ahead of time – some (like Geranium) needs months ahead bookings.
Day 1: Arrive!
From the airport, we took the metro to the hotel (super easy) – see note above about the Copenhagen Card which you can purchase in the airport before you get on the train.
After check-in, we wandered through Nyhavn street (where all the old colorful houses with outdoor cafes line the canal) and the sidestreets (less touristy cafes and stores) and we had dinner at Bistro Royale.
Day 2:
Morning:
- Walked through the Amalienborg Slot (Palace) grounds.
- Toured the Design Museum. The Design Museum was a major disappointment (some was closed for a new display, and what was open was not impressive or at all what we had envisioned in terms of curation or display).
- The Marble Church (next to the Palace).
- Saw the changing of the guards at the Palace (at noon).
- Visited the Little Mermaid statue.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the Torvehallernekbh food markets for a great open-faced Smorgesborg sandwich and glass of wine.
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit which was on tour at the Natural History Museum (amazing exhibit from London that we’d seen in past years there and LOVED).
Dinner:
Popl Burger, which is a quick walk across the river from the hotel and is operated by Noma (voted Best Restaurant in the World). This is their casual dining option and the veggie burger was out of this world good! Reservations needed.
Day 3:
This was the day ‘out of the city’ to visit a castle and a museum. We took public transport, using Google maps to guide us (and having the Copenhagen Card for this makes it easier than worrying about purchasing tickets as you go). The trip to the castle is straightforward and the travel between the two locations is a bit trickier (involved switching from a train to a local bus).
Bulit in the early 17 century, this famous castle is surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens and is home to the Museum of Natural History. A visit here lets you explore the castle, its beautiful church, and see the many many paintings within.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
This beautiful modern art museum is housed within a beautiful setting and is a pleasure to visit!
Dinner: Selma Restaurant Copenhagen 2023 Michelin Star restaurant (book ahead). Small, cozy atmosphere with emphasis on Smørrebrød with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
Day 4:
Morning:
Biking Day! A bike trip is a terrific way to see the city. The hotel offered bikes to rent for a very reasonable rate, and there are also public bikes to rent. This is a BIKING CITY! We had planned to do this the first day to get a lay of the land but swapped due to weather.
We booked our 3 hour guide with Sine (+45 50582824), who we loved. We found a guided version worked better for us than self-guided given the efficiency of her knowing where to go and the history she told us along the way. We loved it! It went all over the city, including around Tivoli gardens, the meatpacking area, to the great Hart bakery near the meatpacking area, and through Christiana and Freetown Christiana which we loved.
Afternoon:
Some went to Tivoli and others went to the Rosenborg Castle tour (enjoyed!).
Dinner:
The BIG DINNER! We went to Geranium, voted the best restaurant in the world in 2022. It was a 17-course, 3+ hour dining experience. It was the big splurge of the trip for sure, but the food was amazing, the presentation beautiful and creative, and the service impeccable. Once in a lifetime dinner for sure.
Day 5:
Onward! To the airport and to the next stop….Berlin!
