TRAVEL: A SHORT GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN

01/07/2014



I had high expectations of Copenhagen. As I disembarked the plane, entered the airport and swiftly walked through customs, I liked the efficiency. I had a really good feeling about the city. I had 4 days to explore, eat, drink and shop. As usual, I tried to pack in way too much in the short space of time that I had. More photos here from this trip.

Copenhagen is divided into distinct areas with their own distinct personalities. It’s a small city that is walkable, although there is an easy metro system if you prefer not to walk and save your energy. It’s very easy to spend a few days mooching around, soaking up the atmosphere and eat and drink well. This city is really a foodie’s paradise and you would need about a month (and a huge spending budget) to eat at all the wonderful restaurants and bars on offer. The Danes are incredibly friendly, helpful and they all speak English. I will always remember Casper (the tall, helpful Danish stranger) for helping us find Boxland. He initially sent us in the wrong direction and took the time out to check the exact location on his phone. He eventually escorted us to the market and we got the opportunity to chat to him about life in Copenhagen. It’s moments like these when you visit a foreign city, that leaves a lasting impression on you. I wasn’t quite ready to leave after 4 days, so here’s hoping I’ll make it back again.


SEE & DO


Glyptothek - This sculptural museum is a lovely place to visit. The conservatory is worth it alone for a visit to this museum, just to sit and relax in the green surroundings. Click here for more info.

Islands Brygge Harbour Pool - It was quiet when we visited but we got the feeling the summer season had not kicked in yet, as I had seen photos of this place heaving with people. It is located on the canal and if locals have no qualms with swimming in the water here, it is a testament to the cleanliness of the canal.

TorvehallerneThis indoor food market sells a variety of delicacies, fresh produce and deliciousness to fill your belly. You can stuff your face with coffee, pastries, fish, meat, sushi, ice-cream, sandwiches (not particularly in this order). This culinary hot spot is situated centrally and is literally a hop, skip and jump from Norreport Station.
Closed on Mondays but open every other day. Visit the page for more info.

Tip - All museums are free entry on Sunday.


OUTSIDE COPENHAGEN


Architecture Bike Tour of Orestad - Many people come to Copenhagen for the architecture and if you’re one of those people then this will interest you. Tours last for 3 hrs and you can either bring your own bike or reserve one with the tour company. Check out .

Kastrup Sea Baths (Kastrup Søbad) - After spending a couple of days in Copenhagen, you get the impression that the Danes are a very active bunch and they love to swim. This swimming spot is located outside of the city centre. You can get to it by catching the Metro to Femøren st (10 mins).


Dragor – This quaint, small fishing village is located on Amager (pronounced Ama'r), which is a Danish island south of the city centre. It’s a lovely spot to visit if you want a change of scenery and get out of the city for a day. To get here take bus no. 350S (departs from Nørreport Station and Christianshavn) or get the train to Copenhagen airport and get bus no. 35.


EAT & DRINK


Meatpacking District - Copenhagen is a foodie’s paradise and you will have plenty of choice at the Meatpacking District. It’s an interesting area where butchers and restaurants operate side by side in harmony. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening for a night out and avoid coming here on a Sunday when most places are closed.

Kajak Bar – We happened to stumble upon this canal side bar on our first evening whilst strolling around the canal in the city. It was the music from the band that first drew our attention. It is hands down my favourite drinking spot in Copenhagen, oozing a laid-back vibe with outdoor seating that is set up like a beach. It was the real sand, deck chairs and fake palm trees that got me.
Børskaj 12, 1221 København

Coffee Collective – The Danes know how to make a great coffee. You won't be disappointed here and they allow you to buy pastries from the bakery across the road and bring it back to the café to have with your coffee. Once you've had your caffeine hit you can wander along this street to check out the shops and galleries.
Jægersborggade 10, 2200 København

Schønnemann - This is a Smørrebrød institution but you must book at least 2 weeks in advance. 
Hauser Plads 16, 1127 København

BROR – This up and coming restaurant was started by 2 ex sous chefs from NOMA. Because I couldn't get a reservation at NOMA, I settled for this restaurant instead. The food was fresh, seasonal and the customer service was top notch. Prices also reasonable. The servings were small so I would suggest having the set menu accompanied with a few extra starters.
Skt. Peders Stræde 24A 1453 København

Manfreds No fuss food with a good wine selection. It's a small restaurant and you can reserve a table or try your luck by dropping in to get a table.
Jægersborggade 40, 2200 København


SHOP & SPEND

If you love to shop and if you love Scandanavian design, then Copenhagen will be shopping heaven for you. Here are some of my favourite shopping spots I discovered:

Elmegade – This street houses a great selection of small, trendy boutique shops. It’s vibrant, young with a buzzy atmosphere.

Jægersborggade – One of the hippest streets in Norrebro that houses cafes, gallery studios and a Michelin starred restaurant Relæ.

Gammel Mont & Pilestraede – Located in the city centre housing a plethora of fashionable Scandinavian Brands including ACNE, Day Birger & Mikkelsen, Malene Birger, Nag.

Hope – A chic womenswear and menswear label originating from Sweden. You can view more about this store here.

Norse Projects – A menswear brand stocking Norse Projects own brand plus other menswear brands. My husband bought a light padded jacket and a Comme des Garçons t-shirt on sale and left the store feeling very pleased with himself.

Naked – Women’s sneakers heaven.

S for Sneakers – Men’s sneakers heaven

Tip – Visit Copenhagen at the end of June to take advantage of the half yearly sales and grab a few (or a lot) Scandinavian bargains.


FLEA MARKET FINDS


When I go on a city break, I always make time to check out at least one flea market. When I started researching flea markets in Copenhagen, I discovered that the Danes love a good flea market. I couldn't possibly visit them all and hand-picked a few to visit.

For more information check out here.

Gammelstrand Flea MarketThis market is situated in the city centre selling mainly antiques and porcelain. There was a great atmosphere when I was there, Jazz music was being played and it looked like an outdoor food festival was being set up for that evening.
Open Friday, 7 am – 6 pm and Saturday, 8 am – 5pm
Ved Stranden, DK-1061 Copenhagen

Boxland - Looking like a pop-up market, shipping containers have been converted into vintage market stalls selling a mix of vintage homewares and clothing. There was even a stall dedicated to vintage toys and an impressive vintage Pez Collection. There was a bar set up above the containers with outdoor seating area (great for soaking up the sun), a café selling food and coffee, and sand pit play area for the kiddies. It’s a not a huge place but the stall holders were friendly, chatty and it is worth checking out if you are in Vesterbro. You could combine a visit to this market if you are visiting the Carlsberg Brewery.
Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Ny Carlsberg Vej 101, Vesterbro

Flea Market at CarlsbergNot far from Boxland is this flea market that is set up in an undercover car park space. There were approximately 30 stalls when I was there and it was busy with Danes rummaging and bargaining for a deal. It was a mix of clothing and homewares. There were clothing stalls selling second hand Danish designer clothes, which got me excited.
Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Ny Carlsbergvej 91, Vesterbro






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