A day in Copenhagen – What to do?
Denmark often tops the polls of the world’s happiest countries and its capital tends to put a smile on the faces of all who visit. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, its compact centre a maze of cobbled streets easily navigated by foot or on the Danes’ favourite mode of transport, the bicycle.
Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has evolved into one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. Spread across the two islands of Zealand and Amager and separated from Sweden by the Øresund Bridge, it is a city of contrasts, seamlessly blending classic architecture with cutting edge modern design. Home to the world’s oldest monarchy, the Danish capital has its fair share of palaces and castles with towering spires that punctuate the skyline. Sharing the limelight are modern masterpieces including the silver space age aquarium and the geometric opera house.
In the heart of the city is Tivoli, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks filled with a charming collection of wooden roller coasters, dragon boats and merry go rounds. Though on Danish soil, the self-governing province of Christiania declared itself a free state in 1971, its inhabitants living an alternative lifestyle and considering themselves very separate from the rest of Denmark.
Exploring Copenhagen’s waterways is one of the best ways to see the city. The quaint harbour of Nyhavn is one of the capital’s most picture perfect sights, flanked by colourful 18th century houses that look out over the boats bobbing on the water. Following the water will bring you to the statue of the Little Mermaid in homage to Hans Christian Anderson, one of the city’s most famous residents.
The capital packs a lot into a small space and there’s a lot to see, so it’s refreshing to know that the Danes take their food and drink very seriously. Coffee and pastries are eaten religiously every day and the streets are packed with cafes and restaurants. Scattered in between are trendy design stores that reflect the Danes’ enviable style and love for all things simple but sleek.
WHERE TO SLEEP?
There’s a lot of amazing hotels in Copenhagen, hence the popularity of the city. We highly recommend d’Angleterre, which was founded in year 1755. Since then, the hotel has undergone massive renovations and is now considered the most luxurious hotel in town.
The new d’Angleterre has 30 rooms and 60 suites. It also has a 1-star Michelin restaurant, “Marchal”, led by executive chef, Andreas Bagh, a cocktail and champagne bar as well as a spa and health club.
WHAT TO SPEND THE MORNING ON – GUIDED BIKE TOUR
Bike from the hotel to the royal residence Amalienborg, where you will see the palace square surrounded by the four palaces, build during the middle of the 18th century. Ride along the waterfront with view to the Opera House, The Play House and the former navy station Holmen.
Continue the tour with photo stops at the statue of Gefion and The Little Mermaid. On the way passing the Citadel of Copenhagen. Continue the tour into the city centre, passing the city’s largest square Kongens Nytorv, which is surrounded by beautiful houses from the 18th and 19th century – the French Embassy, the Royal Theatre, the Hotel D’Angleterre etc.
Continue to the King ́s Garden with view of the Rosenborg Castle. Bike through the Latin Quarter past the Round Tower, the Grey Brothers Square in the direction of the cathedral and the old university (cars can not drive through these streets).
Continue the tour from the cathedral, through the inner city passing Nytorv and Gammeltorv – The New Square and The Old Square – with the Caritas Fountain and the old city hall. Continue to the Palace of Christiansborg, the government building of Den-mark, where the parliament, the prime minister ’s office, the supreme court and the queen’s representation rooms are located. After a stop at Chri-stiansborg Palace, continue past the old Stock Exchange and the Holmen Church – both were built in the 17th century.
WHAT TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON ON – EXPERIENCE COPENHAGEN FROM THE CANALS
Copenhagen is an old harbour and maritime city, and one of the most beautiful and enjoyable ways to see it, is from a boat sailing down its charming canals. Take a private boat tour in one of our beautifully renovated boats, while enjoying the water, sun and a glass of your favorite drink.
Experience our beautiful wooden boat, that once belonged to the Royal Family. The boat gives our clients the opportunity to experience Copenhagen in a new and very exclusive way.
The boat was built for the Danish Royal Family in 1926. At that time it was Christian the 10th that ruled the country. Since then, the boat has undergone a massive renovation (1200+ man hours).
The boat was used for transit from the shore to the Royal Family’s main boat, the ”King ship of the Danish flag”.
The king was a tall man. He was 1.91 meters tall. The means that the boat was built so that no royalties was to bump their head on the ceiling.
WHAT TO SPEND THE EVENING ON – THE FULL TIVOLI EXPERIENCE
Start out by experiencing all the surprising anecdotes from Tivoli’s history and amusing secrets presented on a guided tour through the gardens. Enjoy rides as you go, stop to look at the amazing lights and exhibitions and feel the amazing and unique vibe that the old amusement park has to offer.
After the tour, get ready to enjoy the most amazing dinner at NIMB Brasserie. NIMB is considered one of the finest establishments in town – we promise you won’t regret it.
You will be able to enjoy the park on your own before going back to your hotel, for a much deserved beauty sleep or keep on exploring the city. If you want the true Copenhagen feeling, we highly recommend going to the Meat Packing district. You are able to find restaurants, clubs, bars and everything in-between.
