Just before Christmas I had the opportunity to add a new country to my list, Denmark. Copenhagen in Denmark has been on my list for a while and when a friend asked to join me on a trip and with cheap flights how could I refuse? Here’s how to spend 5 days in the 2nd happiest Country and the wonderful city, Denmark.
During my visit I stayed at Next House Hostel, this was probably one of the most sociable hostels that I’ve stayed at. Really good price for private rooms and great location.
Address: Bernstorffsgade 27, 1577 København, Denmark
Day one
Catch the train into Copenhagen from the airport, it’s super easy!
See the Crown Jewels at Rosenborg Castle
The castle was built 1606-34 by Christian IV as a pleasure palace and has over 400 years of royal history inside. It’s also home to the Crown Jewels that you can visit in your entry fee.
Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark
Cafe det vide hus
Enjoy the best hot chocolate of your life at this little gem
Address: Gothersgade 113, 1123 København, Denmark
Time for Lunch at Torvehallerne
A really great food court with so many food options. A foodies haven for fresh produce and delicious meals.
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København, Denmark
Dinner: It’s Pizza night at Next house Hostel
Day Two
Learn more about Copenhagen with a FREE tour
Wherever I go, I always try to take a free walking tour to learn more about the city and meet new people. Next House Hostel offered Walking Tours which was done with Politically Incorrect. They did a great job of showing us the sights and teaching visitors about the city in a fun and informative way. This is a free walking tour with the option to tip at the end if you enjoyed the tour.
Lunch at Lillians Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is a typical Danish dish which is basically an open sandwich, you’ll find it in a lot of places. But, I definitely think that Lillians Smørrebrød is one of the best and great value for money. Don’t leave it too late as they’re not made to order and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Address: Vester Voldgade 108, 1552 København V, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens
This is a must for anyone visiting Copenhagen! Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 and was visited by the fairytale author H. C. Andersen and rumoured to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney and his parks. Tivoli gardens isn’t just a fun theme park for any age, you can also enjoy the gardens themselves through all seasons. Visiting after lunch means that you have the best of both worlds visiting in daylight and the evening. You can grab tickets beforehand, but you can also pay on the door. Check seasonal opening times!
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark
Dinner at Tivoli Gardens Food Hall
What’s great about the gardens is that there’s plenty of food vendors including the Tivoli Food Hall. Enjoy street food from around the world with a variety of food stalls. My favourite was the tacos from Zacolo, but I had my eye on La Baracca and Gorms. You might struggle grabbing a seat as this place is popular among tourists and locals. You don’t have to visit the gardens to enter the food hall.
Day Three
Explore Nørrebro District
Explore, shop and mooch around the Nørrebro district which is popular amoung students and creative types. In particular Elmegade street is known for creative boutiques and bars, Jægersborggade has been described as vibrant, colorful, casual, and young at heart.
Assistens Cemetery
Wander down the path of Assistens Cemetery, the burial place of famous Danish creatives including Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
Address: Kapelvej 2, 2200 København
Lunch at Mirabelle Spisería
The pasta dishes and home-made crusty bread is fabulous! Definitely a firm favourite for lunch or brunch.
Address: Guldbergsgade 29A, 2200 København N, Denmark
Glyptoteket Museum
A fabulous art museum in the heart of Copenhagen, the museum houses the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries.
Address: Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark
Dinner at The Meat Packing District
A really cool place to grab some dinner, it’s one of Copenhagens famous ‘going out’ spots. There’s a variety of restaurants in this ex industrial venue. Particular favourites are Gaza Grill and Mother.
Address: Sønder Boulevard, 1700 København V
Day Four
Explore Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen’s Hippy Town
Tours are available on a Saturday from Freetown locals or politically incorrect offers a tour around the outskirts of Freetown. It can be a little intimidating going around in some areas as a woman, make sure you pay attention to the rules of no photos and no running. Spot the wooden troll trail whilst you’re there.
Address: Prinsessegade, 1422 København K
Lunch at Broens Gadekøkken- food court
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the various food vendors with a view of the harbour. In the winter months, this spot welcomes Copenhagen’s best-located ice rink.
Address: Strandgade 95, 1401 København, Denmark
Boat tour in Nyhaven to see the little mermaid statue
Head to the famous Nyhaven to marvel at the brightly coloured buildings. Catch a boat tour and check out the Little Mermaid statue from the boat. I used the company Stromma.
Dinner and drinks at the Meat Packing District
Day Five – Home time
Explore Vaernedamsvej
This little spot has been described as ‘Little Paris’, a really sweet area with cool brunch places and boutique shops.
Brunch at Granola
A lovely spot for brunch and people watching.
Address: Værnedamsvej 5, 1819 København, Denmark
Central Hotel og Café
One for instagram! This is the world’s smallest hotel, but also a lovely coffee shop. Grab a coffee before you head off to the airport as it’s almost home time.
Address: Tullinsgade 1, 1618 København V
I can see why Denmark has been named the 2nd happiest country in the world. Danish people take pleasure from small joys and that’s exactly what I tried to do during my trip. Whether I was enjoying a delicious coffee outside or just marvelling at the beautifully coloured buildings, Copenhagen has made me appreciate the small joys in this lovely city.
Fave coffee and Drink spots
- Paludan Bogcafe (Beer amongst books)
- Coffee Collective
- Parterre Christianshavn