COPENHAGEN

INTRODUCTION TO COPENHAGEN

Sprawling over the Danish islands of Zealand and Amager and oozing with Scandinavian style, Copenhagen has come a long way since its days as a sleepy fishing village of the Vikings way back in the 10th century BC. Nowadays its contemporary culture and progressive ideals are omnipresent, from the well-dressed 20-somethings cycling near Amalienborg Palace to the striking architecture of Arken Museum of Modern Art. At first Denmark might present as a methodic, even regimented, apparatus of a city, one that's hard to truly submerge into. But a spot of gallery hopping in the Meatpacking District or a night amidst the bar scene of Vesterbro should quickly change that. Essentials on the Copenhagen to-do list include admiring giant tapestries and chandeliers at Christiansborg, and rediscovering your inner child at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest and most beautiful theme parks in the world. A day of shopping on Strøget may drain your financial resources, but you can easily ease the pain with a bout of beer tasting at Visit Carlsberg. In a city full of solutions, there's also an answer for too much beer tasting, with Pølsevogn hotdog stands found on every corner of the city. By the end of your time in Denmark's capital you'll understand why so many adore this city, and why it ranks so highly on many livable city lists. From the free-spirited anarchists of Christiania to the Danish royal family and their harras of horses, your Denmark stint is sure to leave you a little head-over-heels yourself.

FAST FACTS
Language: Danish
Currency: Danish krone
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Denmark.
Dialing Code: +45
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

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Explore nautical Nyhavn

Once home of Hans Christian Andersen, the harbourside region of Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s biggest draw cards. Join the masses that amble around the coloured buildings, ogling at the prices of the food at nearby restaurants and admiring Geyser Rev, an 1895 lighthouse ship that’s now a museum ship. Just a short stroll from the centre of Copenhagen, it’s an essential thing to do in Copenhagen even if you’re one for avoiding the crowds. Top it all off with a visit to the local ice-creamery of Rajissimo.
Marvel at the views from Christiansborg

Before William and Harry found their other halves, the world’s royal love story was set in Denmark. Visiting Christiansborg Palace will give you an inside glimpse at the life of Danish royalty under the dazzling charisma of Frederick and Mary. Giant tapestries, chandeliers, and perfectly manicured gardens pale in comparison to meeting the horses of the Prince and Princess. Found on the islet of Slotsholmen right in the middle of Copenhagen, the views and beauty found at Christiansborg Palace make this one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
Discover a life less ordinary at Christiania

Home to almost 1,000 free-spirited anarchists, Christiania is an 84-acre space in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district used by the military prior to its transformation to a hippie town in the early 1970’s. The people of Free Town Christiania have declared political autonomy from the Danish Government, but that hasn’t stopped difficulties over the years resulting in protests and unrest. These days visiting Christiania is a peaceful, cultural affair, with the “green light district” and cannabis trade seemingly gone. Instead, visitors are welcomed by a skate-park, live music venues, numerous restaurants, a cinema, shops and more.
Visit one of the world’s oldest theme parks - Tivoli Gardens

Opening in August 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest theme park in the world, and arguably the most beautiful. From high-tech rides like a flight stimulation through ancient China to a wooden roller-coaster built in 1914, the park is successfully embracing the new whilst retaining the charm of the old. A 4-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station, stick around after sunset to see the iconic Chinese Tower sparkling in lights. Tivoli Gardens is yet another great reason to visit Copenhagen.
Go shopping on Strøget

Dust off the credit card and take a stroll down Strøget, Copenhagen’s shopping hub and the embodiment of Danish style and elegance. From high-end international brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, to popular local designer names like Ecco and Mads Nørgaard. Walking down Strøget is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen, even if burning money isn’t your activity of choice, with the Guinness World Records Museum, plenty of restaurants and hours of people shopping all there to be enjoyed. Not to mention the cocoa bar and open-kitchen dedicated to chocolate at Roast + Conch Hotel Chocolat.
Have a right royal time at Amalienborg Palace

The creamy commanding building of Amalienborg Palace is one of the most essential Copenhagen attractions. The palace’s museum invites guests to explore the lives and traditions of the Danish monarchy, with entrance to the Gala Hall and regal Piano Nobile available on most days. Timing your visit around 12noon daily can ensure you witness the perfectly traditional and well-choreographed changing of the guards. It’s a sophisticated activity just a short stroll from the Opera House and numerous other museums, and there’s always the chance of spotting Mary and Frederick.

Things to do in Copenhagen

Roskilde Festival
Culture

Originally the brainchild of two idealistic high-school kids, Roskilde Festival has grown to be Northern Europe’s largest music festival. Held over 4 days in Summer on the outskirts of the Danish island of Zealand, attendees are invited to camp out and soak up 9 stages of international and local musicians and DJs. All topped off with a naked run (available for the truly free at heart).
3 Days of Design
Design

Denmark has long been known for its sophisticated style and cutting-edge design, and 3 Days of Design brings all of it together under one roof. Internationally adored architects and designers present inspiring concepts in lifestyle, lighting, furniture and interior design in workshops, exhibitions, talks and more. Kinfolk is the event's media partner – that pretty much says it all.
Copenhagen Distortion
Music

For almost two decades the streets of Copenhagen have been sent into a frenzy for a week in June in a celebration of music and dance known as Distortion. Now raking in over 100,000 revellers each day, it’s become one of Europe’s biggest events and an icon of Denmark.
CLICK Festival
Art, Science & Technology

Musical performances, literary sessions, art installations and technology workshops are just some of the events that collide together for CLICK Festival in Copenhagen. Investigating the exciting field between art, science and technology, CLICK answers the whys, whats and wows of tomorrow.
Strøm Festival
Music

You don’t need to be in Southern Europe to experience a music festival on the beach complete with creamy sunsets and tropical cocktails. Not when Strøm Festival is on the calendar. Held in Tisvildeleje known as the Danish Riviera, this 3-day event is all the excuse needed to take an hour drive north of Copenhagen.

Top 5 Festivals in Copenhagen

Often touted as a world capital of sophistication, Copenhagen’s festivals reflect this reputation. With days dedicated to minimalist furniture design and the arts, and music festivals that involve creamy sunsets and cocktails on the beach. There’s a bounty of festivals to choose from in the country’s capital.

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is a collection of buildings scattered across the city of Copenhagen and its outskirts in dedication to cultural history. From Vikings to music, arsenals to submarines, a wealth of knowledge awaits its visitors. Just don’t miss the 18th century palace of Liselund and its surrounding lakes and gardens sure to romance you to no end.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The art collection of beer royalty can be found in the museum of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of Carlsberg Breweries founder, it’s a surprisingly sophisticated collection for experts in drinking booze.
Thorvaldsen Museum

Danish neoclassical artist Bertel Thorvaldsen gets the ultimate signal of respect with his very own museum. Quite nice considering he dashed off to Italy for most of his life. Thorvaldsen Museum can be found by a canal near Christiansborg Palace, the resting place of Bertel’s marble and plaster statues.
Arken Museum of Modern Art

Occasionally looking like a plane ploughed into a field of snow, the obscure modern building of Arken Museum of Modern Art is a mind-boggle inside and out. Holding Danish, Nordic and International contemporary art, its colour and pizzazz offer a joyous change from the muted hues of many other museums in Copenhagen.
Frilandsmuseet

Found just to the north of central Copenhagen, Frilandsmuseet is an open-air museum comprising of over 100 buildings sprawling across more than 40 hectares. Including mills, a farmhouse, a manor house and workshops, the space allows visitors to step back in time and truly understand past living conditions of the Danish.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Copenhagen

Offering a perfect blend of old, new, cultured and fun, the museums in Copenhagen could fill a full week in the city. Flamboyant artworks and neoclassical buildings. Submarines, breweries and pretty lakes. You’re guaranteed to find a museum in Copenhagen that speaks to you.

Smørrebrød
This classic Danish open sandwich comes in endless varieties, but classic toppings include leverpostej (liverpaste) and røget ål med rørægsmoked (smoked eel with scrambled eggs).

_{Best eaten at
Schønnemann, Hauser Plads 16, 1127}
Pølsevogn
Denmark has a love affair with the hotdog, and you'll see pølsevogn (hotdog stands) on street corners throughout the country. Try the classic topping combo of pickled cucumber, crispy onions, mustard, ketchup and sweet mayonnaise.

_{Best eaten at
DØP Pølsevogn, Købmagergade 52, 1150}
Stegt Flæsk
This traditional dish of fried fatty pork strips is served with potatoes, parsley sauce and red beets. It's hugely popular throughout the country – a must-do when visiting any part of Denmark.

_{Best eaten at
Restaurant Klubben, Enghavevej 4-6, 1674}
Wienerbrød
Funnily enough, the Danes don't refer to their pastries as 'Danish'. Here, it's wienerbrød ('Viennese bread'), and there’s a huge variety to choose from. Try the classic spandauer, a flaky pastry filled with almond paste and topped with custard or raspberry jam.

_{Best eaten at
Lagkagehuset, Strøget, Frederiksberggade 21, 1459}
Flødeboller
Flødeboller (loosely, 'cream balls') are chocolate covered marshmallow treats, often with marzipan or liquorice, and Denmark folk just can't get enough of them. These indulgent delights pair perfectly with an afternoon cup of coffee.

_{Best eaten at
Simply Chocolate, Østergade 52, 1001}

Food in Copenhagen

Stepping into the city of Copenhagen means more than just custard filled pastries when it comes to food. This is a city where you’ll find all manner of international culinary delights as well as traditional Danish food. From mustard smothered hotdogs to fried pork with potatoes, wearing loose fitting clothes wouldn’t be a bad idea.

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