Voted 2nd in Monocle Magazine’s ‘Top 20 Most Liveable Cities’ poll, Copenhagen’s exceptionally high living standards and its well-known status as one of the richest countries in the world, explains why it’s ranked so highly on the world’s ‘desired domicile’ radar, says Maria Booth. Here is her whistle-stop 24 Hour Guide to Copenhagen.
If you’re planning on spending 24 hours in Copenhagen, you’ll need to get organised. As with any “micro break”, nonchalantly plodding around town waiting for things to find you is not going to cut the mustard, I’m afraid. What you need is a game plan, so that you can get a true feel for the city and its people.
Copenhagen is a small capital city, (comparatively speaking), and navigating through the historic streets can be perplexing at times. Most of the intricate road networks have been around since the city’s conception during 12th Century, so maps aren’t always that straightforward – but getting lost is often the best way of finding some “off the beaten track” treasures, so don’t panic. That said, the Danish people are super friendly, and, as with most of the Nordic people, put us Brits to absolute shame with their comprehension of the English language. Don’t worry too much about asking for directions, they’ll handhold you through any communication.
Copenhagen is fairly flat and everyone, and I mean everyone, cycles. You shouldn’t feel bashful or awkward about getting on your bike and joining in. No one will bat an eyelid, except maybe your travel companions…. it can be hilarious! The city is so pro-cycle, that it’s riddled with specific “bike only” lanes – meaning you’ll avoid brushing spokes against lorries loaded up with Denmark’s national tipple: Carlsberg. You can hire bikes for free from City Bikes for a refundable deposit of 200kr (approx. £23). Visit www.bycyklen.dk for more details.
If you want the metro to take the strain, I couldn’t rave about it enough! It’s spotless, cheap, efficient and fast – precisely what you need when you only have 24hrs. We invested in a 24hr CPH card, which costs 400kr (approx. £46). It’s well worth it, as it also acts as a virtual key to the city. It entitles you to unlimited free transport on the train, bus and metro as well as free admission to 87 museums and attractions and discounts on restaurants, some tours and car hire. CLICK HERE for more details.
Express Culture-Fix
Slotsholmen is a tiny island and the historical heart of the city; the perfect stop if you’re a culture vulture on a time limit. Several significant historical buildings and monuments sit side by side. You should gain well-rounded appreciation of Copenhagen’s history here.
Highlights include:
Christiansborg Palace – home to Danish parliament. CLICK HERE
Ridebane – the remains of the original Baroque palace built in the early 18th century, now home to the Royal Stables and Royal Riding School. CLICK HERE
Christiansborgs Slotskirke & Thorvaldsens Museum – a collection of the work of the 19th century Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. CLICK HERE
Den Sorte Diamant – an awe-inspiring piece of architecture. The Black Diamond building has a concert hall, bookshop, café and nearby restaurants. CLICK HERE
Other Culture recommendations:
The Danish Design Centre – Showcases Denmark as one of the world’s leading design nations, with many Danish companies & artists credited among the world’s best at converting design theory into market-oriented design solutions. CLICK HERE for more details.
Carlsberg’s New Visitors’ Centre & Microbrewery – Carlsberg’s impressive newly renovated Visitors’ Centre in west Copenhagen is the only such facility at a major world brewery plant to incorporate a built-in. Entry 210kr (Approx. £24). CLICK HERE for more details.
DFDS boat tours – See the infamous Little Mermaid statue made famous by children’s author Hans Christian Anderson (and more recently Disney) and the Amalienborg Palace inhabited by Queen of Denmark Margrethe II. We also spotted Roman Abramovich’s gigantic yacht moored outside the palace – if Copenhagen’s good enough for the billionaire owner of Chelsea its ok with us too. Start your tour at the mouth of Nyhavn and soak up the views of the palace, new opera house – your 24hr CPH card will get you a discount here too! CLICK HERE for more details.
Where To Eat
There are said to be over 2,000 cafes in Copenhagen and this buzzing Café culture breeds a relaxed environment to people watch. When you’re in Copenhagen it’s only right that you sample the delights of the characteristic “Smorrebrod” for lunch available from almost every café you’ll come across. Quintessentially Danish, it’s basically an open sandwich, adorned with anything you so desire; from Herring to Beef Tartar to Prawns. The arraying of fillings to select from (although fish tends to dominate) can be staggering but the friendly staff are always on hand to advise you …and this is best washed down with a couple of shots of the local schnapps! Only a stone’s through from Nyhavn is Kongens Nytorv, where one of Copenhagen oldest cafes; Café a Porta, sits. This lavishly decorated café has a sumptuous rich Viennese style interior, serving traditional Danish cuisine with a modern twist. Famously, one of its patrons was Hans Christian Anderson himself, and you can see why; it’s magnificently regal. We can recommend a stop off here for the décor alone.
Liquid Refreshment
Nyhavn
The Danes are a naturally beautiful race; it’s sickening! No more is this so than at Nyhavn. Here you’ll find a long row of brightly coloured gabled buildings with selections of cafes, bars, taverns and restaurants overlook the canal. This is one of the many “be seen” areas of Copenhagen where the pretty young things while away the daylight & midnight hours.
Vesterbro
Formerly Copenhagen’s workers quarter, during the last 20 yrs the district has seen a noticeable change with investors ploughing money into renovation. Dubbed one of the coolest areas of the city, Vesterbro is home to the city’s premier late-night venues like Vega (Bjork is a huge fan apparently) and Ideal bar amongst others. If you have the energy to hit the dance floor at the end of the day, or the start of the morning; this side of town has everything you could want.
Other Social recommendations:
Politically Incorrect Beer Walk- A two hour walk around the city, where you will get to taste nine different beers with your fun guide, keeping you laughing through Copenhagen. The tour is a must for those who are eager to learn the histories of cities but won’t turn down a drink or two. The guide tells you about how Vesterbro went from its seedy past to its hotspot present as you work your way through the litre of beer provided during the tour. You will explore Vesterbro all the way to the red-light district by hoping from Urban House Copenhagen to Spunk bar at the fifth and final stop. Tickets are £49.86, which includes endless laughs and free samples. CLICK HERE for more details.
Shopping
After your lunch why not try a spot of shopping? The main thoroughfares are Stroget (the world’s oldest and longest pedestrianised shopping street) and Kobmagergade. Both are lined with international brands like Diesel, Benetton, Zara, Urban Outfitters & H&M. If you have a bigger budget, the Ostergade section of Stroget is best! The International design houses set up shop here; you can expect to see Chanel, Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton nestled side by side. For a more Danish feel head to Kronprinsensgade, home to the more established Danish fashion designers.
Copenhagen is a city that is steeped in Royal History and its monarchy like ours still rules to this day, with many tourists visiting specifically for this. Extremely beautiful and dramatic in equal measures Copenhagen’s architecture represents such hugely significant episodes in Denmark’s history. From the earliest medieval settlers’ edifices to the more recent and extravagant Rococo period buildings, you can see why it’s so hard to cram all facets of this wonderful city into a 24-hour trip. We did our best and hope that when you’re planning your trip you can reference our whistle stop tour to get the most out of your time. I would recommend a long weekend stay to really get round all the highlights the city has on offer. You can get quick flights direct to Copenhagen from Birmingham check out our Fact Box for more details.
FACT BOX:
CURRENCY: Danish Krone (100kr to £11.60 approx.)
CLIMATE: Cool, it’s on the same latitude as Edinburgh similar weather conditions prevail.
TIME ZONE: + 1hr GMT
OUR HOTEL: The Square, Radhuspladsen 14, 1550 Kobenhavn v, http://www.thesquare.dk
AIRLINE OPERATORS: We flew with SAS Airlines from Birmingham International Airport. www.flysas.com
Tourist information: www.visitdenmark.com and http://www.visitcopenhagen.com
IMAGES SUPPLIED COURTESY OF VISITCOPENHAGEN.COM
