Copenhagen is one of those cities that seems designed for exploring at an easy pace. Everything feels connected – the bikes, the waterfront, the food – and you quickly fall into its rhythm.
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Cycling
I (Elliot) visited Copenhagen with a group of about 6 friends. We rented bikes on our first day, and within minutes were swept into the flow of locals who make cycling look effortless. Wide lanes, courteous drivers, and a culture built around two wheels mean you never feel out of place, even as a visitor wobbling along at first.
Nyhavn
The city itself is a mix of neat squares and open water. Nyhavn is the postcard view – colourful 17th-century houses lined up along the canal, once a sailors’ haunt and now a place for cafés, people-watching and the occasional overpriced beer. From here you can stroll to the Royal Palace at Amalienborg, home of the Danish royal family, and on to the Little Mermaid statue, small but iconic.
Water, Water Everywhere
We found ourselves drawn to the water again and again. At the marina people were swimming even in cooler weather, and we couldn’t resist joining in. Copenhagen makes sea swimming easy – there are designated harbour baths with ladders straight into the water, all clean and safe. It’s bracing, but nothing quite wakes you up like a plunge into the Baltic.
Christiania
The city has its quirks too. Christiania, or Freetown Christiania, is a self-declared anarchist commune with murals, market stalls and an alternative vibe. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s part of Copenhagen’s story – colourful, rebellious, and a reminder that not all cities follow neat lines. Note, we visited in the evening and were a group of 7 lads in their late 20s, we felt safe enough but probably wouldn’t recommend that timing to families, say. There was also a lot of marijuana use in the area so if that isn’t your thing it might be one to avoid.
Cuisine
Food and drink are serious business here. From traditional open sandwiches (smørrebrød – these are incredible) to world-class restaurants, Copenhagen is a place where eating is part of the experience. We tried local spirits – aquavit, the sharp, caraway-flavoured schnapps – usually served chilled in tiny glasses. It’s not subtle, but it’s very Danish, and pairs perfectly with herring.
Sights
Beyond the centre, there are plenty more sights. Rosenborg Castle with its fairy-tale turrets and crown jewels; the Round Tower, a 17th-century observatory with a spiral ramp you walk up for city views; and Tivoli Gardens, the famous amusement park that Walt Disney himself visited for inspiration. Even if you’re not into rides, Tivoli is apparently magical at night with its lights and gardens. For modern architecture, the Opera House and the angular Black Diamond Library show off Denmark’s sleek design sensibilities.
What ties it all together is the atmosphere. Copenhagen feels clean, calm and confident in itself. Locals swim in the harbour, drink coffee in the sun, cycle to work in sharp clothes without breaking a sweat. It’s not cheap, but it makes up for it with quality – every meal, every ride, every stroll by the water feels well thought through.
Copenhagen is a city where you can pack in castles, canals, and culture – and still end the day with a swim in the sea and a glass of aquavit. And that mix is what makes it unforgettable. Honestly though, do go for a swim in the Baltic – it’s baltic!
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