We’re sorry London, step aside, there’s a new capital city that’s the apple of our eye: the Danish charmer Copenhagen.
Here’s 10 things why it’s got exactly what it takes to make a traveller swoon.
1. Open Sandwich Status
And we thought poached eggs and avo on toast were exotic. Perrrrlease. The Danes are taking centre stage with the ‘smorrebrod’, aka a Danish style open sandwich extravaganza. Enjoy in the Torvehallerne market or as a light lunch in most restaurants and cafés.
2. Hygge
You know that warm, fuzzy feeling of being cosy and relaxed? Well the Danish are owning that and it’s called ‘Hygge’(pronounced hue-guh). So say goodbye to moaning and groaning about the cold, dark winters and snuggle inside with candles, a chai latte and feel good vibes.
3. Cycling
Like its inhabitants, cycling in Copenhagen is a chilled-out stylish affair (no too-tight offensive Lycra here). It’s definitely the best way to experience Copenhagen like a local, as you glide from neighbourhood to neighbourhood taking in the beautifully designed buildings.
4. Trendy Meatpacking District
It may have started out as warehouses where meat was traded and packed, but you’re now more likely to find a 100% vegan café in this hipster area. At the weekend, enjoy live jazz over an Aperol spritz and a variety of street food or tuck into the mother of all bottomless brunches at our personal favourite, Mother! Heading there in the evening? Then Noho is your answer for buzzing atmosphere, funky beats and deliciously potent cocktails.
5. Tivoli Gardens
If Peter Pan’s Never Neverland was real it would be Tivoli Gardens. What other city has an elegant amusement park right in its centre? We recommend wrapping up warm and visiting at night for twinkling lanterns, lit-up pirate ships, impressive light shows and an Irish coffee! If you want a birds-eye view of Copenhagen, brave the towering swings ride or get an adrenaline rush on one of the oldest roller coasters in Europe.
6. Christiania, Freetown
Mural covered, free-thinking, colourful Christiania dances to its own tune. Cross under the arch and enter a non-EU hub of Copenhagen full of boho street vendors and hippy-style cafes and bars blasting reggae sounds. (No photos allowed FYI).
7. The Little Mermaid
She doesn’t look a lot like Disney’s Ariel we’re afraid folks, but where else can you see a carved mermaid sticking out of the water?
8. Nyhavn
A picture perfect strip (seriously, it’s on all the postcards) that sits along the river. Sip on a coffee and admire the iconic tall colourful houses and old school wooden sailing boats. At night this area really comes to life.
9. HEALTHY 7 Eleven
Yes, you read that right. A far cry from those drunken ham and cheese toasties in Thailand, Danish 7 eleven is stocked full of fresh juices, raw vegan desserts and protein focused wraps and lunch pots. If you’re on a budget, pick up a packed lunch and cycle to one of Copenhagen many parks or river spots for a picnic.
10. People
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world, with very welcoming and friendly people. Before arriving, try to learn a few words in Danish to impress the locals.
