Sometimes you need to cut the faff and get down to business. Only having a weekend in Copenhagen is one of those times. I’m not going to go into detail, just give you a top 10 list of things you MUST do if you find yourself there. Because if you don’t do them all, you’ve gotta go back. Obvs.
I went to uni in Copenhagen. For lack of a better word, it was the BEST. I won’t include the student bars I frequented in this list (assuming my audience is over 25 and slightly more sophisticated than a sweaty, smoke-filled underground bar with danish alternative bands thrashing away). And that aforementioned place has since closed. Sigh. But fear not – below I capture the places I visit every-time I go back to rekindle the feeling of trying to be a Dane.
Here we go:
2. Nhyhavn – this is the spot you see all the photos of. It’s the picture below and a must for your visit. You can drink at the bars on the water if it’s not too cold, but note it’s expensive and touristy.
3. Snegl – (translates to the ‘snail’), this is a Danish cinnamon bun and if you don’t try it while you are there don’t talk to me, we’re not on the same level. You can find them at most bakeries. I frequented Holms Bakeri regularly, but your local will be just as good. If brunch is more your thing (the Danes can brunch) Paludan Cafe is a central spot next to the University with a library feel and a cosy atmosphere
4. Copenhagen Street Food Market http://copenhagenstreetfood.dk/ – in summer this is the place to be. It’s a market of eateries and bars in a warehouse vibe setting on the riverfront. It’s full of locals and the best thing is that after you eat you can lie on the riverfront or nearby park in a food coma to let the food go down. If that’s not open try Un Mercato –
http://www.unmercato.dk/#un-mercato – this market is decent (smaller and less trendy) and open during the week.
5. Noma – for a very fancy dinner, if you can afford it and appreciate fine dining. If you’re not into sampling local (my friend described eating moss and twigs) – don’t bother.
6. Norrebro – this is my favourite neighbourhood. If you head up Norrebrogade from the city and head right down Elmegade or left at Blargadsgade or find Jaegersbrogade you’re going to hit some places to drink, eat and party (think Rust nightclub) and plenty of beer offerings. The ramen at Ramen To Biiru is delish and if you find The Coffee Collective you’re guaranteed a good brew. The Danes love a coffee.
7. Superkilen – assuming you make it to Norrebro you have to see this urban renewal. It’s quirky design that appreciates the multicultural neighbourhood.
8. The Design Museum – if you love Danish design like me. Pretty self explanatory, but most of the beautiful modern interior design you see now originated from a Danish designer. Fredriksberg Palace, Charlottenborg Palace, The Round Tower. Rosenborg Castle -if your more into castles, history and the Royal family.
9. Tivoli Amusement Park – yes it’s an amusement park but it’s actually lots of fun for adults. At Christmas time it’s all lit up and twinkly.
10. Christiania – this is a weird hippy commune that is worth a visit because it’s super interesting and as I said, weird. You will get high and you will play backgammon. If you can’t do both at the same time you’re not going to fit in, but you can observe!
PS the bar mentioned earlier is the now extinct Drone. It looked something like this …
… from memory!
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With backgrounds in law, architecture and communications, Pave & Pave Creative specifically focuses on helping architecture and design firms to increase their digital presence through brand-awareness and audience engagement.
We also write content and reviews for fun that incorporate architecture, design & travel for your reading enjoyment!
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