Did you know that København has over 250 miles of bike lanes including a cycling ‘super highway’?
Keep your eyes peeled in this beautiful Scandinavian city, the chance of being run over by a local cyclist is fairly high!
TIME FRAME?
I adore this city. Whether you are with friends or exploring alone, Copenhagen feels incredibly safe.
There are many sights to visit in the city centre so a weekend is the minimum amount of time you will need.
WHERE TO STAY?
I chose to stay in the city centre (København K) as I like to walk as much as I can around the city without wasting time figuring out the public transport system. That said, Copenhagen’s train system was simple and straight forward.
Accommodation in Christianshaven, Holmen, Frederiksberg and Nørrebro are also very central and trendy neighbourhoods.
Visit the official tourism website of Copenhagen for extensive information on the city’s neighbourhoods and their local recommendations for each area.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
Click here to read full list of sights in and around Copenhagen
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS IN COPENHAGEN
Once a notorious cargo dock known for brawling sailors and prostitution, this 17th century waterfront is the most popular and colourful spot to soak up the sun. Lined with restaurants, pubs and buskers, a visit to Copenhagen isn’t complete without a visit to Nyhavn.
Surrounded by moat on three sides, this 17th century Dutch-style castle was the former summer residence of the Danish Royal agents built by Christian IV.
Take a guided tour through the opulent rooms and see the Royal Collection exhibition which has the Crown Jewels and the Danish throne Chair on display. Have a picnic in the vibrant green gardens surrounding the castle – it is a perfect place to rest your feet in the heart of the city.
The Castle’s opening hours are fairly limited compared to other sights in town, the castle is closed most Mondays’ from November – April, please check their website before planning your visit.
Click here to visit the official website of Rosenborg Castle.
The official Royal residence, this was my favourite place to photograph in the city, from the central courtyard you can see all four opulent palaces.
The changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 12:00 noon daily, and two of the four palaces, Christian VII’s and Christian VIII’s palace are open for guided tours.
Click here to visit the official website of Amalienborg Palace
Like majority of the buildings in Copenhagen, this astronomy observatory tower was also built in the 17th century. Puff your way up the corkscrew path to the observatory platform, 36 metres high for views across the city.
There are exhibitions and night observatory sessions throughout the year. Visit their website for updated information and programs.
They have installed a floating glass floor since my last visit to Copenhagen, if you were able to experience this vertigo attraction please leave a comment below and tell us all about it.
A vintage style amusement park founded in 1843 and said to be the second oldest in the world, Tivoli Gardens sparkles beneath a blanket of colourful Christmas lights year-round.
For those thrill-seekers with a love of rollercoasters, the Vertigo ride has previously been voted Europe’s best ride and reaches speeds of 100km. The latest full sensory rollercoaster ride, the Demon, was installed in 2017.
MY BEST ADVICE…
Look in very direction for a kamikaze bicycle rider! They will run you down!
If you are intending to hire a bike and ride around, there is an entire website dedicated to the Danish road laws for cyclists… maybe you should give it a read?
Visit Copenhagen’s Central Station at some point during your visit, the interior is beautifully restored with great wrought iron arches.
The airport train takes just 15 minutes!
The official currency is Danish Kroner (DKK), and cents are referred to as Øre.
Currency exchanges in airports never offer a fair exchange, I would suggest withdrawing cash from an ATM once you are in the city instead of exchanging money. The smallest amount you can withdraw is DKK 100.
If you are visiting in the summer months there is a free open air cinema in Fælledparken, the movies are shown in their original language with Danish subtitles. Pack a picnic and a blanket and join the locals!
Visit the Facebook page for information on what is playing (but this is in Danish). You can also check the official Copenhagen tourism website during the summer months for more information.
INTERESTED IN BUYING PRINTS?
I have been on the road for ten years accumulating an absurd number of images that I would love to share.
Head over to my photography site, IndiaParishPhotography.com to browse prints from across the globe.
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
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