Four Days in Copenhagen

This post is my long long answer to a visitor in Copenhagen on TravBuddy. Since C. will be arriving on a Wednesday and leaves Saturday, I have suggested the following possibilities. Let's hope it's helpful to him. I would also like to mention that I usually travel on-the-go, so if you find it too rush, you can always adjust the programme to your own preferences.

Public Transport in Copenhagen is first class. There are so many ways to travel around despite the small size of the city. I include public transport but cycling in Copenhagen is very convenient and enjoyable. City bikes which are free are provided at various points in the city. Chech out the given site for details.

As for tickets, Copenhagen Card which costs DKK450 for 72 hours is worth it if you are interested in museums. If you buy tickets separately, it can add up significantly i.e. 20DKK for a two hour ride.

Firstly, C has asked for a suggestion on hostel. I have come across a good value for money option.

It is Dan Hostel on HC Andersens Boulevard. Rooms here cost about DKK500 or for a bunk bed shared with someone else, DKK170. This is very cheap by Copenhagen standards. It is afterall one of the most expensive cities in the world. Location wise, this hostel is within walking distance from all key attractions such as Tivoli, Glyptoteket, Kongens Nytorv, Walking Street etc.

For other hostel choices, you may find out here.

Do note that although Copenhagen is a relatively safe city, the area in Nørrebro has recently been affected by crime more than usual. The main street is closed to traffic meaning that it is not safe if you are alone especially at night.

Now to the itinerary.

Day 1, 17th Sept, Wednesday:

I suggest that C takes the S-train from the airport to the central station and then walk from there to the hostel. It takes about 10 minutes, even for someone with short legs like mine. Then, C can spend most of the day shopping and people-watching on Strøget (the walking street).

For a typical danish lunch, I recommend Det Lille Apotek.  If the weather permits, having a coffee by the fountain on Amagertorv would be fun - just absorbing the Copenhagen charm. From Amagertorv, Our Lady's Church is worth a short visit. Right next to it is the Copenhagen University old campus in the Latin Quarter. Watch out for the bust of Niels Bohr, Denmark's most well known scientist. Also very popular is the Round Tower, which was made wide enough for the king's horses to bring him to the top.

If things go well, C should reach the end of the walking street on Kongens Nytorv. He can then proceed to join the after-five crowd at Nyhavn, sitting by the docks enjoying a beer or an ice cream. Dinner at Nyhavn is a No No. Especially to avoid is a dodgy place named Hong Kong. Instead I will opt for a pølse (hotdog stands, Danish way). If C is a vegetarian, most cafés offer good salads. Some notable ones are located on the streets parallel or perpendicular to the walking street.

For a night of entertainment, Copenhagen offers a range of pubs, concerts and bars. I would also recommend to purchase some tickets for performances you're interested in seeing. Please note that while operas are performed in their original language, musicals are not. So do not be surprised if you hear "Alt Der Jazz" (all that jazz) at the theatre.

Day 2, 18th Sept, Thursday:

After a good night's sleep, I would recommend a hearty brunch Copenhagen style. There are also vegetarian options for such brunches.

To burn off the calories, C can head towards the Little Mermaid (easily accessible by bike or by Bus No 26). From the Little Mermaid, a nice walk along the waters towards the Kastellet, where most tourists take a minute or two admiring the Gifeon Fountain.

Further down, is the Queen's Palace Amalienborg. At 12 noon, there is a change of guards. From the palace, the Marble Church, somewhat like a little St Peterberg Church, can be seen. The church is very charming and entrance is free. The tower on top offers a good view of the city. From the Marble Church, C can take a stroll down Bredgade where the royalties shop. This leads to Nyhavn.

At Nyhavn, there is a canal tour which I think, is very enjoyable. It takes tourists through top attractions by the canals. As an alternative, C can also take the public water bus from Nyhavn to the doorstep of the Opera House. The view from the Opera House shows the alignment of the Opera, the palace, the fountain and Marble Church. Have a look around (tickets for performances are hard to get but you can try here if you want).

I would recommend taking a 10 minutes walk from the Opera House towards Krudthuset Cafe for a drink or dinner. Not many tourists find their way here but this is a good place to enjoy this part of Copenhagen. After the refuel of energy, it's time to pay a visit to Christiania, the controversial free city. Many people do not visit this place in protest of it. My philosophy is you cannot criticise something until you have seen it. So have a look and decide for yourself. Beware that it is not allowed to take pictures on Pusher Street, a street within Christiania where most drug dealings are. You cannot miss it as it is the artery of the place, always filled with people.

After Christiania, a short walk along Christianshavn's canal will lead C to some nice restaurants. The Hostel is within walking distance, 15 minutes top.

For many Danes who cannot wait to shop, Thursdays are late night shopping days. Shops close later (19:00 to 20:00). So C can also make use of the longer shopping hours to pick up some souvenirs.

Day 3, 19th Sept, Friday:

After all the walking, a few hours at Copenhagen Zoo may bring back the child in you. It is truly a very well kept zoo. The zoo is accessible by bus. Take bus 6A from across the street from the hostel and you will end up at the zoo's doorstep in 20 minutes.

About 10 minutes walk from the Zoo, cutting across the park, is Carlberg's headquarters. There is a visitor's museum. The ticket comes with two free beers and a cool display of all the Carlsberg bottles used to-date.

Next stop - Tivoli.
Tivoli closes this year on the 20th of September.  This means that today will be the last Friday Rock for 2009. So a visit to Tivoli to catch the danish band Infernal is worthwhile. It also comes with the entrance ticket, so why not hey? Plus, Tivoli looks better when its dark (no...not that it's a hag) but it can actually boasts to be one of the few places being lit by traditional lights instead of neons. For dinner, Tivoli's Wagamama offers good affordable choices.


Day 4, 20th September, Saturday:


"To Be Or Not To Be". Visit Kronborg Castle, the setting to Hamlet. Take a train to Helsingør from central station. Apart from the castle, Helsingør is a charming town. Here, you will see where many Swedes cross the borders to pick up booze. The main street is great for watching the Friday crowd. Danes leave work early on Fridays (about 3pm).

If you're back in town by the afternoon, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to satisfy your palette. Perhaps a beer menu at Nørrebro Brewery? Here, you get to try different beers paired with specific dishes. Or if you prefer, visit Copenhagen's Ice Bar where you'll find young Copenhageners partying or enjoying a bachelor's party. For a quieter crowd, visit Charlie's Bar or listen to music at Copenhagen Jazz House. La Fontaine is also a personal favourite. ;-)

View Copenhagen City Recommended in a larger map

Here is a google map of the places I have recommended in this post. Last but not least, this is a good website to see what to expect from little Copenhagen. For dynamic information, please refer to the links provided in this blog.

That's all folks. God fornøjelse!, as the danes say.