Weekend Guide to Copenhagen

Why Take a Weekend Trip to Copenhagen?

I’ve always known Copenhagen for being one of the best cities for food and fashion. Which being two of my top 3 interests in life after travel wasn’t a hard sell for me to explore. What I did find more is that the Danes have a mentality that you can do anything you like or become anything you like and there are equal rights and opportunities for all. Based on research and local recommendations there’s truly something to do for everyone and during the weekend (Thursdays – Sunday) the city is at its liveliest so the perfect place for a long weekend getaway.

Experiences and Things to Do

Sightseeing Activities

Walking Tour – If you’re short on time and want to see as much from a sights and historical places perspective, I would definitely recommend taking New Europe Tours’ free walking tour. They offer free tours throughout the day and meet at City Hall. They take you to lots of the main spots of Copenhagen, including where the Queen of Denmark and her family live. With any walking tours, I prefer doing this first things to get my bearings or just not do it at all as I’m sure you’ll see loads you want on your own (I’ve also marked up key sights to see on the google map if you would rather pick and choose). Rosenburg Castle and Botanical Gardens – The Rosenberg Castle is a beautiful renaissance castle in the middle of the city. It’s beautiful to visit from the outside and if you opt to take the tour, you can see the Danish Crown Jewels. Right across the street from Rosenberg Castle is the Botanical Gardens, a large public green space with beautiful antique glasshouses and lakes. It’s a great spot for a nice walk. Round Tower – If you like views, I highly recommend exploring the Round Tower. This structure was originally built as an observatory and has fantasic views of the city and of the bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Tivoli Gardens -This amusement park filled with rollercoasters, games, on-site restaurants and food stands is another famous spot of Copenhagen that the Danish are quite proud of. I paid to go for the unlimited rides on a kind of rainy day and managed to fit in 9 rides in 2.5 hours to get my money’s worth which were a lot of fun. If you go inside, do experience the world’s oldest rollercoaster – it’s still functioning and such a good time. If you’d rather peer in that pay to go inside, go to the food hall on the side of the Tivoli main entrance and head out to the terrace for a view of the park, including a Taj-Mahal like structure. Nyhavn – Don’t miss taking some of the infamous harbour photos of Nyhavn and it’s colourful houses that were once taverns and brothels. From this area you can also hop on a canal boat tour of the city from its lakes.

Neighbourhood Exploration

Torvehallerne – One thing Copenhagen is famous for is it’s food halls and this one is walking distance from city centre. With over 60 stands selling everything from gourmet hot dogs to sweets to organic vegetables or flowers, there’s plenty of options for everyone. Stroget – If you’re up for some shopping, this is your place. Stroget has the longest pedestrian shopping street where you can find everything from high street, budget stores and luxury designers. Some famous shops to see include LEGO ,which is a Danish brand that most people get souvenirs from, and Illum, a departments store that has been open since 1891. Freetown Christiana – This neighbourhood is a bit of a ways east from the main city centre and is essentially a self governing and free commune exempt from law enforcement. Expect lots of cannabis and graffiti but do not take any photos at it is forbidden and people will yell at you for it.

EAT

Start Your Morning

Sankt Peders Stræde – Known as one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen and the oldest. Come here for any and all pastries including buttery kringle to bread and sticky cinnamon rolls, known as “onsdagssnegle.”

Mid Day Eats

Smørrebrød – This classic Danish staple consists of an open face sandwich on buttered rye bread with a variety of toppings. The menus of the various types and toppings at places like Restaurant Schønnemann and Restaurant Palægade can be overwhelming, but expect to be heartily full after having two kinds. Definitely a dish that’s great for sharing and trying with friends. Danish Hotdog – A Danish hotdog is the staple street food of Denmark. John’s Hot Dog Deli in the meatpacking district serve delicious variations of hotdogs with an add you own toppings bar. Be sure to try the traditional way with Danish remoulade and French fried onion.

Time to Dine

Frank Restaurant – A small and cosy restaurant with an amazing 7-course set menu that is a delightful gastronomic experience with good portions and great wine pairings. Michelin quality food without the stars (yet). As it’s small, do ensure you email for reservations ahead of time. Restaurant Zeleste – Located right next to Nyvhan, this restaurant is housed in a 17th-century offers an old cobblestone courtyard in the rear of the restaurant that has a charming old world atmosphere.

DRINKS

The Jane – This dual nightclub and cocktail bar is right in the heart of the city. Expect a large fireplace and book shevles when you walk down that leads to a bar and a modern hallway leading into the night club dance floor. Dandy – A beautiful cocktail bar that’s bright and colourful with an old Hollywood 1960s art deco lounge vibe. This bar is adored by locals for afterwork and pre dinner cocktails to late night drinking on the dancefloor. Warpigs Brewpub – For the beer lovers, look no further than this large brewpub in Copenhagen’s buzzing meatpacking district. With over 22 brews on tap and American Style BBQ dishes it’s a great place for any time of the day.

STAY

Kobenhavn K (Central) and Kobenhavn V (Meatpacking District) are ideal central areas to stay. It’s cheaper and more of a local vibe to stay in the Meatpacking District so we got a cool airbnb in that area. It was also close to some good restaurants and bars so great for a night cap before going home. Just be aware that you will likely have to walk or take a taxi into the central parts of town depending on your time constraints for seeing things (there is no Uber in Copenhagen).