Copenhagen, or København in Danish, is the Capital City of Denmark

The city of Copenhagen is a tantalising playground divided by shimmering lakes and flanked by the relentless sea, where an electrifying energy engulfs every corner.

Copenhagen, as I discovered, isn’t just user-friendly; it’s a masterclass in urban living that lures you into its embrace, especially if you’re a pedestrian or cyclist savouring the vibrant café culture. By day, the city dazzles with outstanding museums, eclectic shops, and irresistible cafés, but as night falls, it morphs into an intoxicating mix of live music, booming bars, and pulsating clubs. The Danes? They exude a captivating laid-back charm and stunning looks, radiating an undeniable aura of coolness that peaks during the sultry summer festival frenzy.

Copenhagen is an ideal city to explore in a few days and offers many free sights along with those of a little more cost.

WHAT CAN COPENHAGEN OFFER?

THE NYHAVN DISTRICT

Originally, Nyhavn was not just a busy commercial port; it was the pulsating heart of maritime trade where ships from all corners of the globe clamored to dock. Fast forward to today and those charming old houses, dressed up in their trendy renovations, now play backdrop to a barrage of restaurants that have overrun the once-vibrant port. Nyhavn teems with people, but are they truly savouring the so-called relaxed atmosphere by the canal, or are they lost in a haze of jazz music and mediocre food?

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON  

It is possibly safe to say that Copenhagen’s biggest attraction is the Hans Christian Andersen museum, where the writer was born in 1805. The museum includes a library of Andersen’s work of some of his best known fairy tales. There’s also intriguing displays  including school reports, manuscripts, paper cuttings and drawings from his travels. 

Click on this link to find out more about the museum. Adult tickets cost DKK169 (GB£20/US$26)

THE LITTLE MERMAID

overlooking the harbour, sits the Little Mermaid. I have to be honest considering all the hype regarding this statue I was a little underwhelmed by it. A bronze statue of the Hans Christian Andersen character, it was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen.  

Unfortunately over the years she’s been the victim of several attacks, having her head and arms chopped off and even being blown up by a bomb in 2003, but she remains the most enduring symbol of the city.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

You may want to head to the Amalienborg Castle on the harbour front to watch the Changing of the Guard – or “Vagtparade” in Danish – which takes place at noon every day.  

Expect to observe blue trouser-clad soldiers marching round to rousing music bellowing orders.

48 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN

If your time is short in Copenhagen why not try out my tour of the city in 48 hours…

DAY ONE

In the Morning: Go for a walk around the city and discover it on foot. Start at Town Hall Square, stroll down Strøget. Weave in and out of the little side streets to find a selection of hidden cafes and other gems. You’ll arrive at the city’s central square, Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), where you can admire its grandest occupant: the late 19th-century Det Kongelige Teater.

Now get your camera prepared to capture Copenhagen’s favourite postcard view as you walk across to Nyhavn (New Harbour).  Built in 1671 to bring ships to the city centre, this picturesque canal was once a by-word for debauchery as the main red-light district.

Cultural Afternoon:

Learn more about the city’s history at the København Bymuseum (City Museum), at Vesterbrogade. A interactive exhibition explores the sometimes controversial legacy of recent immigration, from Jewish exiles from Nazi-occupied Europe to more recent Iraqis and Somalis. 

DAY TWO

Morning: Have Breakfast or Lunch at Next Door Cafe located on Larsbjørnsstræde 23. The house speciality of pancakes with bacon and endless cups of coffee.

Next Door Cafe Breakfast

A walk in the park – Head to Copenhagen’s leafy, villa lined suburb of Fredericksberg.  Its huge, pleasant park is a perfect break from the crowds and is peppered with a host of interesting sights.

The English style gardens are criss-crossed with pathways, lakes and canals which make for a romantic stroll in the bleak winter sunshine. Then admire the grand summer palace, Fredericksberg Slot, particularly in dappled light, when its Italian style 18th Century yellow facade looks stunning.

SOME PLACES TO RELAX

Copenhagen is the coolest kid on the Nordic block. Edgier than Stockholm and worldlier than Oslo, the Danish capital gives Scandinavia the now over-used expression ‘The X factor’.  Like most of the trendy European cities there are far too many to mention but these are my favourites?

1105 – cocktailkompagniet.dk

Head in before 11pm for a bar seat at this cocktail lounge. It’s the domain of world-renowned barman Hardeep Rehal, who made the top 10 at the 2014 Diageo World Class. While Rehal’s martini is the stuff of legend, 1105’s seductive libations include both classics and classics with a twist.  If you are like me and like a shot of whiskey then this is for you! Whiskey connoisseurs will be equally enthralled.

Brewpub Copenhagen – brewpub.dk

If you want great warming pub style food then head to Vestergade 29, were you can indulge in great burgers and great beers.

Taphouse – taphouse.dk

This is an absolute mist for anyone who enjoys beers and bar food. Located at Lavendelstræde 15, why not enjoy the social atmosphere and even dine outside when the weather is good.

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