Copenhagen is a city booming with fantastic restaurants, bars, and energy. With its vibrant houses and welcoming people, it brings something different to the table. I went in January of this year, and while it was chilly, it was still lively and colorful.
Starting with must-see sights, Kastellet is a fortress that dates back to the 1600s and is one of Europe’s most well-preserved fortresses. Admission is free only for the grounds because it is still an active military. It is a great activity when the sun is out, and if you’re in the mood for a stroll. However, if it is too cold outside, an indoor activity that still features Denmark’s beauty is the National Gallery of Denmark. It showcases many of Denmark’s established artists and many international works dating back to the Renaissance era.
If you are still looking for an opportunity to get vitamin D but want to stay warm, you must check out The Louisiana. It is a modern art museum where the artwork is displayed outside, and you admire it from inside glass hallways. It was such a memorable experience. Lastly, you must see Copenhagen’s iconic, colorful waterfront street, Nyhavn. Filled with restaurants, shops, and people, it felt as though I was in a fairytale. We bought a boat tour on the canal at the last minute. This was an excellent way to see all parts of the town. The vibrancy of this block really encapsulates Denmark’s unique architecture.
Another thing the Danish do right is shopping. Strøget, a street in Copenhagen, was named one of Europe’s longest shopping streets. It offers a variety of stores, from luxury brands to budget-friendly. You name it, this block had it! If you’re into thrifting, you’re in luck! The city is loaded with vintage and thrift stores. Some of my favorites were Keiko, Decades, and Crush. All these stores had different vibes and styles, ensuring something for everyone. If you are into designer bags, you must stop by Collectors Cage, which presents a large selection of second-hand designer bags.
Moving on to food—which is arguably the most important part—there were a plethora of options! For brunch, Sidecar is different from your usual experience. They do a buffet style with items laid out on a shared table. It was a great way to meet people over some tasty food and pastries. Mad & Kaffe is another unique experience with a set menu, and you get to pick different things you want to create your own spread.
Pro tip: Make a reservation a week in advance for both Sidecar and Mad & Kaffe. They were insanely busy but worth the wait!
For Italian lovers, you must try Cantina, a moody restaurant with pasta so good you NEED seconds. Bottega Barlie is another vibey spot for dinner with a large selection of wines from around the world. If you’re in the mood for fish, The Asian Market is a trendy sushi restaurant with lobster rolls I think about to this day.
Copenhagen’s nightlife has everything, whether you want to go to the club or chat at a pub. For bars, PS Bar and The Socialist were my tops. When we were there, we got the chance to meet locals, and they shared their favorite things about the city (most are on this list)! A staple bar is the Dubliner, which can be found in other European cities. Here, you are encouraged to dance on tables holding a Carlsberg beer while singing along to the music. Personally, I enjoy a good pub more than a club, so I don’t have much to offer on that subject. However, I stopped by Hive, a smaller club blasting 2000s hits with tons of young locals and students abroad and had a great time.
Pro tip: Check the age requirements! It was common for places in Copenhagen to be 21+ or 23+. So, just be sure to double-check before you make the trek!
After all this, I hope I have convinced you to book that ticket to Copenhagen. This adorable city will make you fall in love with life and Denmark. When you leave, it will have you questioning if you should learn Danish and move in! And again, thank you for reading about my adventures. Be sure to leave a comment and follow me for more journeys and travel tips.
Farvel!