Copenhagen is historical and modern, traditional and innovative at the same time. The capital of Denmark is renowned for its excellent cuisine, but unfortunately it is not cheap. Nevertheless, you can also have a great time in Copenhagen on a somewhat tighter budget!
1. Discover the waters of Nyhavn
The vibrant colors and tall old ships make Nyhavn (“New Harbour”) Copenhagen’s most famous destination. Stroll along the lesser-known side for the best, most photogenic views and to see the Geyser Rev lightship. But do pay a visit to house number 20, where the beloved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen lived when he published his first collection of fairy tales in 1835.
To avoid the sky-high prices of the harbor restaurants, follow the example of the locals and bring your own snacks and beers for a picnic on the waterfront. Don’t let the crowds discourage you from visiting this picturesque harbor in high season, it is well worth the visit.
2. Admire the view from Christiansborg
Christiansborg houses the Danish Parliament and the Royal Reception Rooms. While there is an entrance fee to much of Christiansborg itself, entry to the tower and church is free. Christiansborg Tårnet is Copenhagen’s highest vantage point and offers stunning views in all directions. From here you can admire the entire cityscape and even see Sweden on the other side of the water.
The adjacent Christiansborg Kirke is the official church of the Danish royal family and is the venue for ceremonies such as baptisms, confirmations and funerals. Behind the tower is the uncovered Royal Riding Ring, where you can often see some of the Queen’s 20 white horses enjoying the warm weather or training for royal duties.
3. Get some fresh air in the greenery of Copenhagen
Copenhagen is filled with greenery, but the Royal Gardens are particularly enchanting. These gardens are the wide domain of Rosenborg Slot, which was built in the 17th century as a royal summer residence and now serves as a museum.
The gardens are the perfect place for a peaceful stroll past flowers, neatly planted trees and sculptures. Locals like to enjoy a picnic here during warmer days. The nearby Botanical Gardens are a 10-acre oasis filled with 13,000 species of plants, flowers and trees, as well as a lake and a collection of greenhouses.
4. Explore both sides of the Royal Library
The island of Slotsholmen is the seat of the Danish government, but it is not only worth a visit for that reason. Special about this island is the Royal Library, which consists of two buildings: the original building dates back to 1648 and the modern extension was completed in 1999. The newer part of the library glitters on the shore of Copenhagen Harbor and is known as “The Black Diamond” for its gleaming marble exterior.
The library holds almost every book ever written in Danish – the oldest of these works date back to the late 15th century. The inside of the building is a fascinating piece of architecture, the central hall of which is freely accessible, but books can only be loaned on reservation and can only be read in one of the reading rooms. Hidden between the charming historic side of the library and the entrance to the Danish Parliament is a peaceful garden. Here you can relax from your busy day at the fountain.
5. Discover alternative lifestyles in Christiania
The “Free City” Christiania is a special and somewhat controversial part of Copenhagen on the island of Christianshavn. The town was founded in 1971, when squatters took over an abandoned military base during a period of great housing shortage and formed an alternative society here.
Christiania is best known for its Green Light District, a seedy district full of marijuana dealers and smokers. But the 35-hectare area also has hiking trails and a lake. The Free City also houses restaurants and bars, a market, artist workshops and concert venues. There is also a lot of street art to admire. The inhabitants live in converted army barracks or special self-built houses. It’s a fascinating place to get a glimpse of a less traditional way of life.
Opener image: AleksandarGeorgiev/iStock