A First-Timer’s Guide to Copenhagen, Denmark

Day One

Start your walk at Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress founded in the 1600s that is now used as military barracks and offices. The working grounds double as a public park. From there, walk to the Little Mermaid Statue (Den Lille Havfrue), which is an ode to the fairytale by Danish author, Hans Christian Anderson. Walk along the water toward Amalienborg (the official residences of the Royal Family) and Frederik's Church... While roaming around, you may have the pleasure of walking past the Royal Life Guards Music Band putting on a show in the streets. From Amalienborg, head to Kongens Nytorv, the King’s Square. In December, there will be a large Christmas market, an ice rink, and festive-looking buildings lining the square (I’m looking at you, Hotel D'Angleterre and Magasin du Nord). Nyhavn, the picturesque row of colorful boats and houses on the water, is located just off the King’s Square. This area is arguably the most iconic image when thinking about Copenhagen.

From Nyhavn, cross the Inderhavnsbroen bike and pedestrian bridge to Christianshavn where you’ll find the Opera House and Church of Our Savior (you can climb the gold spiral staircase to the top for an incredible view of the city). After weaving through the streets, cross back over the inner harbor using the Knippelsbro bridge which will lead you to Christiansborg Palace. Once you finish at Christiansborg Palace, stroll up through Højbro Plads (in December, you’ll find another Christmas Market here) to the Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, a multi-story building that is part fine China retail store and part museum. During the holiday season, you can view Royal Copenhagen’s Annual Christmas Tables Display where a group of cultural figures have set their specifically-themed Christmas tables. I highly recommend dropping by this dreamy flagship store.

Day Two

On the second day, take the metro to the Nørreport stop and walk a few blocks to the Round Tower (Rundetaarn) where you can and should walk up the spiral ramp to the lookout point at the top. If you’re staying at 25Hours Indre By, the Round Tower is a stone's throw away so no need to hop on the metro. After the Round Tower, head to the DØP Hot Dog Stand (more on that below) located right next door. Once you’ve secured your hot dog, walk to Rosenborg Castle... Even if you don’t go inside the Castle, the grounds are nice to walk around. From Rosenborg Castle, take yourself to The Lakes (shoutout to my fellow Swifties), which is a row of rectangular lakes in the city center where you can stroll around, bike or bring a book to read on the benches peppered throughout.

If you don’t feel like you’ve walked enough yet, head up to the hipster Nørrebro neighborhood on foot or by metro to where you’ll find cafes, bars and local shops buzzing with people. If you’re ready for a break and you’ve worked up an appetite from all the walking, head to TorvehallerneKBH food market where you could spend hours roaming around (the free samples from the various booths give Costco a run for its money). Since you’ve probably just eaten yourself in a food coma at TorvehallerneKBH, take a load off by heading back to enjoy some of the amenities offered at your hotel. Once you’ve recharged, head to Tivoli Gardens. Even if you’re not the type to ride rides at an amusement park, it’s still a fun atmosphere to walk around with a solid variety of food stalls (and FYI, the crispy pork belly sandwich that you’ll see offered throughout is a must order). There are also a lot of great international food options at Tivoli Food Hall which is open to the public and does not require a ticket to enter (you will need to pay for admission to Tivoli Gardens).

Day Trips:

Want to check another country off your list while you’re in Denmark? From København H (Copenhagen Central Station), you can be in Malmö, Sweden in 45 minutes. Taking the Øresund Line train via the Oresund Bridge is an adventure on its own!

Kronborg Castle, aka the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is an hour by train from Copenhagen Central Station to the town of Helsingør (Elsinore). Once off the train, you’ll walk 15-20 minutes to reach the castle. The castle is located on the coast at the narrowest point of the Øresund strait, offering a great view of Sweden across the water.

Ma Me Mi:

Copenhagen is a food paradise that attracts chefs from all over the world. When walking into Ma Me Mi, you’ll be greeted in Italian by the lovely staff who will then treat you to an authentic Roman pizza experience. I can’t say enough good things about the food, the atmosphere and the people at Ma Me Mi.

Rufino Osteria:

Located in the basement of a corner building with a unique table layout (some communal, some high tops, some bar seating… I sat at what felt like a desk, facing a wall lined with empty wine bottles and I loved everything about it). The food is different from what you’ll find at any other Italian restaurant, it’s adventurous and based on seasonal ingredients. Pro tip: Make a reservation ahead of time (it’s always packed) and order the bread basket to accompany your meal.

Aamanns:

There are various Aamanns locations throughout Copenhagen, all of which are serving an excellent smørrebrød, the classic Danish open-faced sandwich. I encourage you to order multiple smørrebrød and (if you’re a meat-eater) I highly recommend that one of them be the beef tartare smørrebrød.

DØP:

The 100% organic hot dog stand. One stand is located next to The Round Tower on Købmagergade pedestrian street, and the second stand is located by the Church of the Holy Spirit on Strøget pedestrian street. Their most popular hot dog (and for good reason) is the roasted hot dog served with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, fresh and fried onions, and pickles. I’ll be back for another one on my next trip to Copenhagen.

Rug Bakery:

If you’re staying at Villa Copenhagen (where Rug Bakery is located), you’ll get your fill of fresh breads and pastries from Rug during breakfast (complimentary when booking through me!) or at one of their on-site restaurants. If you are staying elsewhere then you should definitely make it a point to stop by for some freshly baked goods.

Jernbanecafeen:

Located next to Copenhagen Central Station, The Railway Cafe is a dive bar that is decorated in a perfectly kitschy way, complete with a model train that makes its rounds every so often. There is live music on occasion and it’s always packed with tourists and locals alike. If you’re in town during the holidays, Jernbanecafeen is a must… The excessive Christmas decorations hanging from the walls and ceiling were everything I wanted and more.