Copenhagen is a magical place, the capital of Denmark, and one of the happiest cities on the planet. A beautiful blend of classic historic buildings with ultra modern architecture creatures a unique cityscape that begs to be explored. Experience the warmth of the Danish people as you ride around on top of a bicycle past canals, self-governing communes, and Michelin star restaurants. Once just a little fishing village, it has since grown to be an incredibly cosmopolitan city, the seat of the Danish monarchy, a centre of design, and (though it might not seem like it in the dark of winter) one of the happiest places in the world.
Where to Stay
Copenhagen is a major tourist centre and, as such, there are many rental options available. Copenhagen rentals range from private rooms, to bed and breakfasts, to convenient fully furnished self-catering apartments. Hotels can be impersonal, characterless, and downright expensive. Why waste your money on a room with just a coffee maker and a minibar, when you can have an entire apartment all to yourself, with a full kitchen, for less money? Whip up your favourite meal instead of ordering room service and save even more. By booking with HomeToGo, you will find yourself immersed in the city, staying among - and sometimes directly with - the people that make this city what it is.
Fun Facts
- Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia. About 30% of the Danish population lives there.
- There are 340 km of cycling lanes in Copenhagen.
- In 2007, Copenhagen was voted the world’s happiest city.
- The world’s longest pedestrian shopping street is in Copenhagen.
- Copenhagen has 12 Michelin rated restaurants.
Things to See and Do
Copenhagen has a wealth of museums, cool neighbourhoods, and fascinating architecture. For an art fan, it really is a great place to visit. The Danish National Gallery, Arken Museum of Modern Art, and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, offer a huge selection of wonderful paintings and sculptures from Rembrandt and Matisse to Picasso and Damien Hirst. Somewhat ironically, perhaps the most famous piece of art in the whole city is the relatively small statue of the Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known story.
Just a stroll through the city centre is an art tour in itself. Historic buildings like the Rundetårn offer guests great views of the city. The City Hall and the Frederikskirken are other great examples of Copenhagen’s great classic buildings. What seems to impress visitors most, however, are the funky, unique, modern buildings that have sprung up over recent decades. Scandinavia is well-known for its design, and this city is certainly no exception. With buildings designed by the same firm that designed the Sydney Opera House and Henning Larsen’s striking Copenhagen Opera, it is an architect’s dream. Don’t skip Christiansborg, the post-card beautiful rows of coloured houses that line one of the canals.
Copenhagen has more to offer than just art and architecture. It is also home to the world’s 2 oldest functioning amusement parks. The more famous of the 2, Tivoli Gardens, is a step back in time, right in the middle of the city. Ride a wooden roller coaster and view a puppet show just like people did in years past. For something completely different, head over to Christiania, a semi-autonomous commune, also in the city centre. There are some really cool buildings here, built by the citizens and some great cafes and underground bars and music venues.
To get your shopping fix, visit Strøget, the longest pedestrian shopping street on earth. Along the main drag, you’ll find upscale stores and high fashion, as as you wander the surrounding streets, you’ll find an more eclectic and unique assortment of shops. The city also hosts a couple of great flea markets.
Getting Around
Copenhagen has quite an extensive public transit system, incorporating light rail, metro, and bus lines that service the whole area. There are tourist buses operating in the city centre that stop at many of the main sites and can be hailed anywhere there is a spotted green curb. Because it is a port town and has a number of canals, another great way to get around is by boat. There are some canal tours that operate in the centre as well as the public harbour bus. It does not go in the canals, but is quick and works with the same tickets as buses and trains. If you really want to get around the city like the locals do, the only way to do that is by bike. Most large roads have designated bike lanes as upwards of 40% of the population cycles regularly. Though the bike share system is not operational anymore, there are numerous places to rent comfortable bikes.