Copenhagen is billed as one of the most environmentally proactive, sustainable and gastronomically diverse cities in the world. It’s a Scandinavian city with its own unique identity and culture, boasting a vibrant mix of immigrant influenced boroughs and neighbourhoods that surround the historical medieval centre, home to the world’s oldest monarchy.
They’re crazy about their bikes (of the ~530,000 people living in Copenhagen, there are 560,000 bikes!) and the water in the harbour is so clean you can swim in it in summer.
I ventured to Copenhagen at the start of November to attend Travel Blog Exchange Europe, a 3 day conference that brings together bloggers and industry representatives from across Europe to network and learn more about giving you guys the best travel stories possible.
I ventured to Copenhagen at the start of November to attend Travel Blog Exchange Europe, a 3 day conference that brings together bloggers and industry representatives from across Europe to network and learn more about giving you guys the best travel stories possible.
Things to See and Do
Steeped in a Scandinavian history rich with conflict and maritime success and failure, most of the important sites in Copenhagen are within Indre By (the inner city) – the area within the city’s former walls.
City Hall/Rådhuspladsen
Without a doubt the most dramatic and awe inspiring sight you will immediately witness in Copenhagen, the City Hall and main square is located smack bang in the centre of the city.
The city hall was inspired by the city hall of Siena in Italy and actually looks much older than it is, having been completed in 1905. You can walk around the side and enter the central courtyard to check out the intricate attention to detail in the facade.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn, the quintessential picture postcard snapshot of Copenhagen. The slender canal, filled with all manner of boats and lined with colourful houses makes for a relaxed way to meander and take in the maritime nature of this city. In the summer months, it’s a great place to stop and have a beer.
Round Tower (Rundetårn)
Built in the 17th century, this tower with a unique helical ramp-corridor that twists its way up was a project of Christian IV and was built as an astronomical observatory.
It features amazing 360 degree views of Copenhagen, including all the way out to the Malmö bridge connecting Denmark with Sweden. Entry costs approximately DKK 75.
Christiansborg/Slotsholmen
Slotsholmen (meaning castle inlet) is an artificial island and the site of the first fortification in the city. It’s home to Christiansborg, the Danish Parliament building. It was finished in 1928 after 11 years of construction and is an excellent example of neo-baroque architecture.
It’s the 5th construction on this site, and you can venture below to see the foundations of the original castle built in the 12th century. It’s open free to the general public, including the Parliament halls but entry to the ruins underneath is DKK 40.
Strøget
Claimed to be the longest shopping strip in Europe, it’s a set of connected, pedestrianised streets teaming with shopping outlets housed in impressive historic buildings.
You will find your usual H&M and other typical chain stores here, so my tip is to stray off into the side streets. The more independent and interesting places are scattered around here and sell everything from model cars to the finest in Danish designed deck chairs.
