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Must-Sees in Copenhagen: Bikes, Hygge, Mermaid

October 2024


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Copenhagen - City of Spires

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is known for its blend of historic charm and modern innovation. This eco-friendly city is famous for its picturesque waterfronts, colorful townhouses in Nyhavn, and bicycle-friendly streets. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid Statue, the grand Christiansborg Palace, and the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. With a strong culinary scene, renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma, Copenhagen offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and world-class dining.


I’m used to most Europeans just being polite and minding their own business (as I do), but I’m happily surprised that the Danes are so smiley and friendly. It’s always them offering a smile before I do. Enjoyed our time there.

Copenhagen:

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (entrance fee €16.76)
Nationalmuseet (entrance fee €22.25)
Christiansborg Slot (entrance fee €33.38)
Brand Space Studio (clothing store)
Strøget (notable street)
Stork Fountain
Nikolaj Art Gallery (entrance fee €13.40)
Guinness World Records Museum (entrance fee €22.65)
Kongens Nytorv (plaza)
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
Nyhavn (a must-visit!)
25Hours Hotel Paper Island
The Playhouse (entrance fee €20.10)
Ofelia Plads
Copenhagen Opera House
Amalienborg (entrance fee €16.75)
Frederik's Church
St Alban's Church
Kastellet (fortress)
The Little Mermaid
The King's Garden
TorvehallerneKBH (fresh food market)
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst (entrance fee €22.28)
Storkereden (Danish restaurant) - I love this place so much! Everything we ate here tasted amazing. The owners and staff were very kind, and even the other people eating there smiled at me. Danish people are so kind and friendly. 80 DKK for 3 types of Smørrebrød for all three — so affordable! And the dessert was delicious!

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Parking in the city center of Copenhagen cost us 119.80 DKK (16 euros) for 4 hours and 9 minutes.


The Copenhagen Card

Copenhagen offers the Copenhagen Card, which provides access to over 80 attractions and unlimited public transport within the city. There are two main types of cards available, each with different pricing based on duration:

Copenhagen Card - Discover:

Access: Over 80 attractions, including popular sites like the National Museum, Rosenborg Castle, and Tivoli Gardens.

Transport: Unlimited use of public transport (metro, buses, and trains) throughout the validity period, including to/from the airport.

Prices:

24 hours: 479 DKK (approx. 64 EUR)
48 hours: 699 DKK (approx. 94 EUR)
72 hours: 879 DKK (approx. 118 EUR)
96 hours: 1,019 DKK (approx. 137 EUR)
120 hours: 1,149 DKK (approx. 154 EUR)​

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Copenhagen Card - Hop:

Access: Similar attractions but focuses on the city's Hop-on, Hop-off bus service instead of general public transport.

Prices:

24 hours: 545 DKK (approx. 73 EUR)
48 hours: 745 DKK (approx. 100 EUR)
72 hours: 910 DKK (approx. 122 EUR)​

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Where to Buy:

You can purchase the Copenhagen Card online or at various tourist information centers and hotels throughout the city. After purchase, you can choose a physical card or a digital version that you can use through a mobile app​.

This card is a great option if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it can provide significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets​.


17 of Copenhagen's Must-visit Spots

1. Nyhavn

A picturesque harbor lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses, bustling restaurants, and historic wooden ships.

2. Tivoli Gardens

One of the world's oldest amusement parks, offering rides, concerts, and beautiful gardens.

3. The Little Mermaid Statue

A famous bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, located by the waterfront.

4. Christiansborg Palace

Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's Office, with stunning views and historical tours.

5. Rosenborg Castle

A Renaissance castle housing Denmark’s crown jewels and royal regalia, surrounded by the King's Garden.

6. Strøget

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, packed with international brands, local boutiques, and cafes.

7. Freetown Christiania

A unique, self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its alternative lifestyle and street art.

8. Amalienborg Palace

The royal family’s residence, where you can witness the changing of the guard and visit the Amalienborg Museum.

9. The National Museum of Denmark

A deep dive into Denmark’s rich history, from prehistoric artifacts to Viking treasures and more.

10. The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, offering panoramic views of the city from its spiral ramp.

11. Frederiks Church (The Marble Church)

A striking 18th-century church with the largest dome in Scandinavia, offering an awe-inspiring interior.

12. Torvehallerne Market

A bustling food market offering fresh produce, gourmet products, and a variety of street food.

13. The Copenhagen Opera House

A modern architectural masterpiece with stunning views across the harbor.

14. Carlsberg Brewery

Visit the birthplace of the famous Carlsberg beer, with tours of the old brewery and tasting experiences.

15. Superkilen Park

A unique urban park featuring art and installations from around the world, representing the diverse culture of Copenhagen.

16. The King's Garden

A beautiful parkland and garden with tree-lined paths and pavilions. It was established in the 17th century and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

17. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

A fine art museum with antique Mediterranean sculptures, plus 19th-century French & Danish works.


3 of the World’s Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

Alchemist

No. 5 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, this restaurant offers a multi-sensory experience with over 50 courses that challenge the traditional concept of dining.

Reservations: Alchemist releases bookings for a few months ahead, and they get fully booked very quickly. Reservations are made exclusively through their website.

Tips: Keep an eye on their booking release dates. You may need to join the waitlist if the desired dates are unavailable.

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Geranium

Ranked No. 2, Geranium is a fine-dining restaurant known for its creative and seasonal Nordic menu.

Reservations: Geranium offers online reservations for both lunch and dinner. Bookings are available a few months in advance.

Tips: Plan well in advance since this is one of the most sought-after restaurants in the world.

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Noma

Noma is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world. It has received multiple Michelin stars and has been consistently ranked among the top restaurants globally, particularly for its innovative approach to Nordic cuisine and focus on local ingredients.

Reservations Open Periodically: Noma usually opens reservations for a specific period a few times a year. Keep an eye on their official website for announcements about when reservations will be available.

Consider Timing: Noma offers different seasonal menus (e.g., the “Noma 2.0” concept with various themes). Make sure to choose the one that interests you the most.


Must-eat dishes, drinks, and desserts

Copenhagen is a culinary hotspot known for both its innovative gastronomy and traditional Danish fare. Here's a list of must-eat dishes, drinks, and desserts to try while in the city:

Must-Eat Dishes:

Smørrebrød

Open-faced sandwiches on rye bread, topped with ingredients like pickled herring, smoked salmon, liver pâté, or roast beef. A quintessential Danish dish.

Frikadeller

Danish meatballs, often made with pork or a mix of pork and beef, served with potatoes, gravy, and pickled vegetables.

Stegt Flæsk

A traditional Danish dish of crispy fried pork belly served with boiled potatoes and parsley sauce.

Flæskesteg

Roast pork with crackling, a popular dish typically served during Christmas but available year-round in many restaurants.

Rød Pølse

The famous Danish red sausage, often served in a hot dog bun with crispy fried onions, pickles, and Danish mustard. You’ll find it at street food stalls.

Leverpostej

A savory liver pâté, typically served on bread with pickles. It’s a favorite topping on smørrebrød or as a side dish.

Must-Try Drinks:

Carlsberg or Tuborg Beer

Danish beers are a must-try, especially Carlsberg, which is one of the oldest breweries in Denmark. Tuborg is another well-known local favorite.

Akvavit

A traditional Scandinavian spirit distilled from potatoes or grains and flavored with caraway, dill, or other spices. It's a popular drink to pair with smørrebrød.

Gløgg

A Danish version of mulled wine, especially popular in the winter months. It’s typically served warm with almonds, raisins, and spices.

Snaps

A strong Danish liquor, often consumed during festive gatherings. Like akvavit, it is often flavored with herbs and spices.

Must-Try Desserts:

Æbleskiver

Danish pancake balls, usually served with powdered sugar and jam, especially popular around Christmas time.

Wienerbrød (Danish Pastry)

What we call "Danish" in English is called Wienerbrød in Denmark. This buttery, flaky pastry is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as custard, jam, or chocolate.

Koldskål with Kammerjunker

A cold buttermilk soup served with small crispy biscuits (Kammerjunker), often eaten as a dessert or a light meal in summer.

Rødgrød med Fløde

A traditional Danish dessert made from red berries (often strawberries or raspberries) cooked into a thick, pudding-like consistency, served with cream.

Flødeboller

Chocolate-covered marshmallow treats with a wafer or biscuit base, available in many flavors and styles. You can find them at bakeries and even high-end confectioners.


Must-Learn Basic Phrases in Denmark

Greetings and Common Phrases

Hej! – Hi! / Hello!
Godmorgen! – Good morning!
Godaften! – Good evening!
Farvel! – Goodbye!
Tak! – Thank you!
Mange tak! – Thank you very much!
Velbekomme. – You’re welcome. / Enjoy your meal.
Undskyld. – Excuse me. / I’m sorry.
Hvordan har du det? – How are you?
Jeg har det godt. – I’m good.
Hvad hedder du? – What’s your name?
Jeg hedder… – My name is…

Getting Around

Hvor er toilettet? – Where is the restroom?
Hvor meget koster det? – How much does it cost?
Kan du hjælpe mig? – Can you help me?
Jeg har brug for hjælp. – I need help.
Taler du engelsk? – Do you speak English?
Jeg forstår ikke. – I don’t understand.
Kan du gentage det? – Can you repeat that?
Hvor er…? – Where is…?
…togstationen? – the train station?
…bussen? – the bus?
…hotellet? – the hotel?

Eating and Ordering

Jeg vil gerne have… – I would like to have…
Hvad anbefaler du? – What do you recommend?
Kan jeg få regningen? – Can I get the bill?
Er det vegetarisk? – Is it vegetarian?
Skål! – Cheers!

Politeness and Essentials

Ja – Yes
Nej – No
Måske – Maybe
Vær så venlig. – Please.
Jeg er turist. – I’m a tourist.
Jeg kan godt lide Danmark. – I like Denmark.


Some interesting facts about Denmark

Oldest Monarchy in the World

Denmark is home to the world’s oldest monarchy, which dates back to over 1,000 years. The current queen, Queen Margrethe II, has been reigning since 1972.

Bicycles Everywhere

Denmark, especially its capital Copenhagen, is known for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Over 50% of Copenhagen’s residents commute by bike.

Lego was Invented Here

The world-famous toy, LEGO, was invented in Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen. The name LEGO is derived from the Danish words "leg godt," meaning "play well."

Hygge

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") refers to a cozy, warm atmosphere where you enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like spending time with loved ones or relaxing at home.

World’s Happiest Country

Denmark often ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries in international surveys, thanks to its strong social support system, work-life balance, and general quality of life.