Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is a city full of fun opportunities, and picking where to go might be difficult! Copenhagen has a lot to offer, ranging from the lovely old town, royal palaces, and food markets to well-known attractions like Nyhavn, Tivoli, and the Little Mermaid. After I found out my boyfriend’s family wanted to take the train to Copenhagen after Stockholm, I spent a lot of time planning. This is the post for you if you want to have a fantastic time in Copenhagen while gaining a sense for the local lifestyle, some touristy things, and doing more than simply skimming the surface. Again, we were fortunate to have had 5 full days to explore the region plus 1 travel day.
How We Got There
We planned to take the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, since it was supposed to be a beautiful ride. I booked the tickets in advance, but we had to get to Copenhagen on May 26th: Ascension Day. Thankfully, there were only 4 tickets left on this train. We bought the direct train, since we didn’t want to get lost.
Arriving at the station, there were not many signs pointing where to go. We also didn’t see our specific track. Our ticket said track 6, but the signs said 6a, 6b, etc. I asked someone if we were in the right section, but every person we asked told us a different answer. All of their tickets had a specific area to stand in. Someone asked where we were going and I said “Copenhagen,” and they were surprised to hear about a direct train with all the construction going on. That made me a little nervous. Eventually, the train arrived and we were assigned to Cabin 3. Cabin 3 was missing. We saw Cabin 1, 2, and then 4. Asking for help, they eventually told us that Cabin 3 was actually Cabin 2, but they didn’t make any announcement. If we didn’t ask, we wouldn’t have known. It was very strange.
Once the train started moving, we learned that there is no direct train to Copenhagen anymore, and we had to transfer from Malmo to Copenhagen. This was all very stressful, but we bought another train ticket (they said we would be reimbursed, but we are still waiting). The train was about 5 hours to Malmo and then the next train was 15 minutes to Copenhagen. We got off at the airport and took a taxi to the hotel, thankful to have made it.
Our Copenhagen Hotel
Again, my boyfriend’s family used points to stay at a Marriott hotel. This time, we stayed at The Moxy Hotel. This breakfast was good, but not as great as the previous one, but that was expected. Also, we again had a drink credit, but it was half of the amount as Stockholm. The real downside to this hotel was the distance from everything. We were not able to walk anywhere from here. However, this hotel looked so fun in terms of the decor, including the bathrooms.
How We Got Around
Unfortunately, Ubers are not available in Copenhagen and our hotel was far from the attractions. Therefore, we took taxis to the first site on the itinerary and then tried to walk from there. This made transportation cost a lot more than Stockholm due to the prices not being set like Uber. In addition, there was lots of traffic and construction that added to the price. In addition, for some reason, taxis in Copenhagen are all luxury, electric cars. Therefore, you only have the options of Mercedes or Teslas. It was crazy!
The Specifics of My Trip to Copenhagen
Again, I didn’t plan anything specific for the first day (thankfully) as we arrived later than anticipated. However, it was difficult to find a place available during Ascension Day. I found one reservation available on a boat called Vandvid, which was a 20 minute walk away. We arrived a little early and they were not ready for us, but they did seat us at a table. It took a very long time for us to order food and get water as they were very busy, but once we got the food it was great. I shared a few dishes with my boyfriend while his parents split dishes between themselves.
Day 1
Morning
Earlier that month, I reserved tickets to explore the canals of Copenhagen. If you’re interested, I definitely recommend getting there early and booking this in advance as there were long lines, and they sold out of tickets. A guided canal tour on a boat is one of the finest things to do first in Copenhagen since it provides you an entirely new view of the city. The excursions leave from Nyhavn or Ved Stranden in the city’s heart and take you to some of Copenhagen’s most well-known structures. I booked the one in Ved Stranden. These excursions have extremely engaging and experienced tour instructors who can tell you a lot about the city’s past. However, as soon as we took off, it rained. Thankfully, they supplied us with rain ponchos. It made the experience quite the adventure. Adding to this adventure, there were a lot of low bridges to travel under, so we had to duck and hold our heads in our laps about 14 times.This was a very memorable start to the trip!
Afternoon
I made a lunch reservation at a nice place called Restaurant Carl Nielsen to sample some smørrebrød. Even after visiting Denmark, I still have trouble pronouncing the term “smørrebrød,” which loosely translates to “butter and bread.” It is the most well-known dish from the country’s traditional cuisine. A slice of rye bread is topped with a variety of delicious ingredients to make an open-faced sandwich. Restaurant Carl Nielsen serves up excellent Danish smørrebrød with a modern spin in a beautiful old structure. We had a nice meal and the quality was excellent. It’s really worthwhile to eat here as it was my favorite meal. They may convince you to order some extra drinks, so be ready! They gave us free akvavit with our meal, which the owner said is a custom to warm us up. The owner also created her own legendary beer that tells the story of Carl Nielsen. I honestly miss the taste of my food, it was that good. The only downside to this was I didn’t expect to be soaked from the rain when walking into this nice restaurant.
After this, we walked to Magstræde and Snaregade. The Old Town of Copenhagen has these two streets, which are among the city’s oldest. They are cute, bright, and little. The original cobbling is still there. We also stopped for some coffee on the way 🙂
The most well-known pedestrian street in Copenhagen is Strøget, however there are others as well. Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian avenues in Europe and a veritable shopper’s paradise, lined with both high-end boutiques and low-cost brands, home décor stores, make-up shops, etc. My favorite store was Moss Copenhagen.
Next up was the famous Little Mermaid statue, but we stopped at a cute Boba shop on the way.
Evening
We were astonished by the Little Mermaid’s size. We passed it on the boat, but of course, we had to see the front side of it. The Little Mermaid monument, which is based on the well-known fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, is another significant tourist attraction in Copenhagen. This is the most disappointing major attraction, but you have to experience it once. We also passed pretty fountains and structures on the way there.
For dinner, we had street food at Reffen. Reffen, which occupies the site of a former shipyard, has turned the industrial district into a trendy urban neighborhood with more than 40 food booths serving international street food. A skatepark, several artisan stores, creative workshops, and a stunning view of Copenhagen Harbor are all nearby. The food was delicious, but the drinks were sooo strong.
Day 2
Morning
We started Day 2 exploring Jægersborggade to treat ourselves to some Danish pastries at Meyers Bageri. Luckily we went when it first opened, so there wasn’t a line. You should come here for your morning kanelsnurre (cinnamon twist)!!! We took these over to The Coffee Collective where we ordered a coffee since there was more seating there. This was my favorite coffee in Copenhagen. Around 40 art galleries, organic vegetable stores, vintage clothing, jewelry designers, wine bars, coffee shops, and restaurants can be found on the modest residential street today. We also stopped in Ro Chokolade for some sweet souvenirs and samples for us as well. These chocolates really were to die for. I definitely recommend going to this street and exploring!
Next, we walked through Assistens Cemetery: a cemetery, a lush oasis, and a cultural asset. Numerous well-known Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, are buried in Assistens Churchyard, the most well-known cemetery in Denmark.
Afternoon
For lunch, we enjoyed some delicacies at Torvehallerne. Torvehallerne is a bustling food market packed with sellers offering high-quality cheese, nuts, whiskey, chocolates, pastries, local vegetables, fresh fish, and a variety of other international delights. Torvehallerne is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Copenhagen for foodies! I got smørrebrød again while they got sushi.
Afterward, we visited Rosenborg Castle. Built in the 1600s in Renaissance architecture, the castle today houses a museum showing the palace’s well-preserved interior as well as a collection of glittering Crown Jewels of Danish history. You may also see the coronation thrones, royal portraits, one of the world’s best Venetian glass collections, and even the king’s bathroom if that’s your thing! The tickets were sold out when we arrived, but we went back on a different day. We got lost trying to enter the King’s Garden because the main gate was closed. To my surprise, one of the guards, who I thought wouldn’t speak, pointed me in the right direction.
So, we relaxed in the King’s Garden. Copenhageners were everywhere, enjoying picnics, jogging, sunbathing, and playing ball. Some were even attending a wedding reception. The park was also in full bloom at this time, making it the ideal place to stroll about and take in the splendor of nature. We sat at a small cafe where I found a Buzz Lightyear popsicle (I’m a HUGE Disney fan).
After this, we walked to the Round Tower for some pretty views at the top of the spiral path. We also hung outside City Hall and took a break in a coffee shop to charge our phones.
Evening
For dinner, we ate at Grød. I ordered the Mushroom Barley-otto and they all ordered the Chicken Congee. The food was excellent, as well as prompt, so we decided to try breakfast there the next day. I liked the dinner better as I didn’t love the Overnight Oats, but the Acai Bowl, iced coffee, and lemonade were good.
Once we arrived in Copenhagen, we decided to visit the Opera House. A remarkable architectural marvel, the Copenhagen Opera House is among the world’s most contemporary opera houses. The A.P. Møller and Chastine McKinney Møller Foundation, a company established by a local shipping tycoon, made the private gift to the Danish government.
The only show available that day was Don Juan at 7:30 pm. We didn’t understand the language, but I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Also, I didn’t necessarily have proper opera attire, but we sat in the back, so it didn’t matter. I wore pants over my dress all day to stay warm and packed them in my jacket pocket after I took them off in the bathroom.
Day 3
Morning
After breakfast at Grød, we got an adrenaline kick at Tivoli Gardens. Even if you have no interest in the rides, like my boyfriend’s parents, Tivoli is such a wonderful site to stroll about with its wonderfully adorned gardens, attractive restaurants, romantic walks, and unique architecture. We ate lunch at the Tivoli Food Hall inside the park. Although there is a significant wait for certain items and the area is busy, the cuisine is tasty. I tried steak and french fries while they ate more sushi. Tivoli Gardens was my favorite part of the trip! Make sure to stop by the Lego store and create your own customized Lego. I made one for my brother and myself as a souvenir! I got my mom a cute tote bag from one of the stores here, too!
Afternoon
On our way to the Botanical Gardens, we passed by a gorgeous movie theater called Nordisk Film Biografer Palads. Then we explored the Botanical Gardens. The city’s center is where the Botanical Garden of Copenhagen is located. In addition to 27 glasshouses, the garden has a lake, large lawns, and more than 13,000 different plant species organized into distinct areas. We didn’t buy tickets to the Butterfly House or the Palm House, but we enjoyed walking around.
Evening
For dinner, I originally planned on another smørrebrød place, but it was unexpectedly closed. Nearby, we found a dumpling place that was fine.
Day 4
Morning
We started Day 4 by seeing the view from the Church of Our Savior. The Church of Our Savior, which is in the Christianshavn area and is visible from many parts of the city, is noted for its twisting black and golden spire. We climbed 400 steps and were very tired after this.
Then we wandered around Freetown Christiania. The atmosphere is what makes the place so unique. Christiania, which is situated on the grounds of a former military installation, has car-free streets, unusual homes, nice cafés, and a few odd personalities. Christiania has its own laws and ordinances since it is a self-governing community, separate from the Danish government.
Afternoon
For lunch, we ate at Broens Gadekøkken. There is a wide variety of street food, and the food we ate there was excellent, but the costs are high. I ordered a chicken sandwich from Poulette.
Then we took photos at Nyhavn. Nyhavn, a district of Copenhagen lined with colorful 17th-century homes and antique sailing vessels, is perhaps the city’s most popular tourist attraction and frequently photographed location. I bought my dad a shirt from a store in one of the colored houses next to Hans Christian Andersen’s old home. We also hung out at the Black Diamond Library for a bit as I had a bad stomach (IBS problems 🙁 )
Then we walked to Amalienborg. The Danish royal family’s home is Amalienborg Palace, which is situated in the heart of Copenhagen. It comprises four similar structures encircling the main palace plaza, where you are free to roam. You can see the guards protecting the royal family there in their stylish uniforms and fluffy helmets. Then we admired the Marble Church located next to Amalienborg. It’s a good idea to see Amalienborg Palace and this lovely rococo-style church, also known as Frederik’s Church, on one trip.
Evening
For dinner, I made a reservation at a restaurant on the Copenhagen Lake called Kaffesalonen. I made sure to book the open-air floating platform rather than inside. Be warned that they bring the food from inside across the street to the platform. Also, the bathrooms are located in that building across the street. The waiter did take a long time to take our order and give us our water, and the food was only okay. The place is best for the views.
Day 5
Morning
Before coming back to the U.S., we needed to get COVID tested, so we went to the airport at 9 am. We all tested negative 🙂
Afternoon
We had lunch at a DOP Hot Dog Cart. It was premium quality for a hot dog sold on the street. When we left, both residents and tourists were waiting in a large queue. The preparation of each hot dog was done with attention and love! After, we wanted another.
This was the day we went back to actually go inside Rosenborg Castle. On our way out, we passed a street called Landemærket Street full of old colorful houses. We also stopped in a great coffee shop that had amazing almond pastries.
We decided to actually go inside City Hall, so we explored that area a bit. Then my boyfriend had one request for the trip. He wanted to eat at McDonald’s. So, I granted his wish to see the different menu items at McDonald’s. They had a cool conveyer belt delivering the food. After that, we went shopping and explored the Vesterbro neighborhood, which had really cute shops and cafes.
Evening
For dinner, we celebrated our negative COVID tests with a 10 course meal at Gorilla. We initially considered paying 425kr for 10 tiny meals to be a bit excessive, but we decided to go through with it anyway, and it was well worth the money. The wait staff and kitchen personnel did an excellent job of describing each meal and were always on the go. One was not as friendly, but overall a good experience. However, they charge one bottle of water per person. Since it was a tasting menu, I was pretty adventurous for myself and ate roe and squid. Not my favorite part of the meal, but I was proud of myself for trying.
Final Observations on Visiting Copenhagen
Although it is true that Scandinavia has a reputation for being pricey, there are still many inexpensive activities to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was lucky that I didn’t have to worry as much with the budgeting aspect. However, I tried to keep a good range of prices in terms of activities and food. Again, I don’t think you need a full 5 days to do all the activities in Copenhagen, but it was nice to have extra time to try more food.
I listed my top activities and experiences in Copenhagen above. Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time or have been there previously, I hope this post has given you some ideas for organizing the right vacation for you.
Have you been to any of these places? What other locations or activities should have been included in our trip, in your opinion? Comment below and let me know!
P.S. If you’re visiting Copenhagen, you might want to consider adding a trip to Stockholm! Read my piece on my trip to Stockholm here!