The Traveller's Magazine
Denmark’s capital is a hard place not to love unconditionally. Copenhagen is a fresh city with bicycle lanes as big as the car lanes, independent design shops, great coffee and you’ll find it hard to leave after just a weekend. Skip the mermaid, let’s see this city like a local.
What to do
Valbyparken
A 15-minute bike ride from the city centre, this park is an oasis in nice weather. Playgrounds, barbecues, picnic areas and a gorgeous Rose Garden with 12,000 blooms but best of all, a Disc Golf course. Never played before? It’s a mix of golf and frisbee. The course has 18 holes and is completely free to play (one game usually takes 2 hours).
- Hammelstrupvej 100
Assistens Kirkegård
We’ll admit, this is a cemetery but it’s also a commonly used park. It’s a 25 acre space in Nørrebro that has come to be a welcome peaceful part for those looking to escape a bit of the business of the city. On a sunny day, you’ll see the park filled with blankets, picnickers and bikes. You’ll also find the graves of Sørren Kierkegaard and H.C. Anderson here.
Where to eat and drink
Wascator
How good is a cafe/eatery named after a retro washing machine brand? Very. It’s a laundromat now converted into a cosy bar in the Nørrebro area. It’s a good place to get a hearty meal on the cheap with mostly organic produce. Enjoy a meal plus glass of wine for only DKK 130.
- Refsnaesgade 32-34
Coffee Collective
Super small and super cool, this cafe sets the bar high for quality coffee in Copenhagen. Half cafe, this place is also a micro roastery and coffee consulting company. If you’re lucky, they’ll be roasting a fresh batch while you’re there… the smell is enough to perk you up!
- Jaegersborggade 10
Danish Design
It’s pretty obvious that the Danes have excellent style. And a visit to the capital is the perfect excuse to get to know Danish design a little closer. There’s more to this country’s design scene than the Eames Eiffel chair so head over to the Designmuseum Denmark (Bredgade 68) for a closer look.
For design and vintage souvenirs, shop along Nørrebro’s Ravnsborggade. There are countless “junk” shops but you’re sure to uncover a trinket or two small enough to fit in your hand luggage (because you’ve probably arrived with a low cost airline).
Have you ever been to Copenhagen? Is it on your “must-visit” list?
