What to see in Copenhagen

Whether you’re looking for at cultural experience or just a stroll through the streets of Copenhagen it is a good idea to have a faint idea of what the city has to offer during daytime.

City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen): Here you can admire the building of the City Hall or go up in the tower to have a general overview of Copenhagen. If you see many people in front of the City Hall holding flags and screaming, don’t get scared; someone of the royal family has birthday or a Danish national team won a medal. If you see very few people holding a banner, that’s probably a demonstration.

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Strøget: Is the main shopping street of the city. Danes will proudly tell you that is the longest pedestrian street in Europe. Usually it is a crowed street so everyone is there. Be careful with the running bikes, pick pockets and other cheaters trying to get your attention and you wallet. Pay attention instead to street artists and beautiful Danes who will make your day.

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Tivoli: Tivoli is an amusement part situated in Copenhagen City Center and is without a doubt Denmark’s most famous attraction. You will find a bunch of fun, daring and romantic rides, local and international restaurants and concerts and theater plays throughout the year. Every Friday from mid-April to mid-September Tivoli holds concerts at their open-air stage called ‘Plænen’. National and international bands will rock the park these nights.

Are you in Denmark during end-November and December don’t miss Christmas Tivoli! The entire amusement park will be decorated with Christmas ornaments, lights and pixies and the smell of ‘Glögg’ and roasted almonds takes over the park.

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The Little Mermaid: For many the symbol of the city for others an overrated small statue; you will find her in the east of the city behind hordes of tourists trying to get a picture with her. If she is not on vacation, she may have her head off or some paint on her body. You will find copies of her in shops around the city ranging from really good to ridiculous bad.

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The Royal Palace: If you want to feel a royal for a while go to Amalienborg. It is a set of four identical buildings that do not look as a castle or palace. You probably won’t see the Queen but you will see some tall hot guards in funny hats.

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Christiania: Maybe the most famous attraction of the city together with the Little Mermaid. Go and explore this unique neighborhood and relax by the nature and the products you can find there. If the weather is good stroll around the lakes and enjoy a small walk in the nature while in the heart of the city. Check out Bøssehuset (The Gay House), a place where artists perform different kind of stuff.

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Kongens Have (The Royal Garden): if you like palaces and jewels you will love it but if you like men in army clothes you will adore it. Kongens Have is a big park in the middle of the city with a small but beautiful castle (Rosenborg) that hosts the jewels of the royal family. It also includes the Rosenborg Barracks home of the Royal guards. When the weather is good you cannot find a place to put your blanket as the place gets full. If it’s sunny and you are lucky you will see many hot Copenhagener’s getting hotter and getting their t-shirts off.

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The lakes: the most unknown for tourists’ sight is probably the best. Get a bit out of the center and go towards the north part of the city (Nørrebro), here you will find five lakes. They used to be artificial aqueducts but now they give an extra charm to the city as you can really see and feel every season year round. If you are romantic you will enjoy the ducks, the swans and the colors of the sunset. If you are cynic you will enjoy the sweaty joggers in tight clothes.

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Assistens Kirkegård (Assistens Cemetery): do not be scared you can enjoy this cemetery without being necrophile. If you go inside you actually feel you are in a park rather in a cemetery. You can find some famous Danish people lying in there like H.C. Andersen, Søren Kirkegaard or Natasja. During summer time, you will find also many cute Danes lying here and having a sun bath or a picnic.

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Smart tip:  Two of the biggest museums in Copenhagen, the National Museum and the National Gallery are always for free, while other museums are for free once a week. Museums are interesting places to visit, especially if the weather is not very good to walk around.

Don’t be fool tip: Transportation can be expensive in Copenhagen, if you want to use Metro and buses is better to buy a ten ride travel card for 2 zones (2 zoner klippenkort) but is even better to use a bike. You can rent them from many places per day or per week, while between April and October you can find city bikes for free around the city.

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Author: Evangelos Ialos