Copenhagen, although quite compact, has a lot to see and do and there are some cool places just outside the city centre to visit too. So, you should visit Copenhagen and do these 10 things while there!
More info: riavistas.com
Nyhavn
In the heart of Copenhagen is Nyhavn. In the 17th-century, the waterfront became home to ships that would dock at its port from around the world, offloading their cargo. Today, Nyhavn is one of the main hubs in Copenhagen for great views, food, entertainment, relaxing and socialising. Take a stroll along the canal which links to Christianhavn, a cluster of artificial islands not too far away, which are also known for boasting trendy vibes.
With brightly coloured buildings gracing both sides of its bustling waterfront – restaurants and bars at their base – Nyhavn is not only a great place to chill out and watch the world (and tour boats) go by, but it also makes for a great photo! It was without a doubt one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the city after seeing pictures of the colourful houses. I spent time trying to get a few good shots!
Frederiksborg Castle
This is a must-see if you enjoy both architecture and history. Wanting to make sure I visited this beautifully built red/brown brick palace, I dedicated part of my second day to heading just outside Copenhagen’s city centre. Venturing to Hillerød, where this grand old castle is situated, I saw its beauty on an island in the middle of a Lake.
Frederiksborg Castle gardens
The trip to the castle is a blend of history, art and architecture. It’s also a place to relax as its vast, well-kept gardens, decorated with flowers, pristine statutes, and water fountains, create a great ambience. That alone will entice you to wander around the lush surroundings. Inside the palace is just as beautiful as the outside. Each vast room with its own story to tell.
The Round Tower
Situated in the very centre of Copenhagen is Rundertaarn – The Round Tower.
Dominating its surroundings, the tower is a beautiful building that was originally constructed as an astronomical observatory in the 17th century. Now, as an exhibition centre, visitors can climb to its observatory and viewing platform and see Copenhagen city below and beyond.
The inside of the tower is something in itself to see. With what seems like a never-ending brick sloping path, smooth white stone interior walls curving upwards to match, and sets of arched windows at each bend, you’ll want to spend a little time on the way up taking it all in.
Inside The Round Tower
Tip – Walk around the left-hand side when walking to the top of the tower and on the right-hand side when walking down the tower. It makes the walk smoother and fewer people tend to walk around the edge.
View from The Round Tower
Unlike many towers, The Round Tower has a pathway to get you to its peak instead of stairs – something I welcomed given my recent trips up to cupolas via narrow staircases. I mean, there are still stairs when you get closer to the top but very few.
Kastellet
A fortress in the shape of a star. Kastellet or The Citadel is a beautifully well-kept construction in Copenhagen that dates back as far as the 16th century.
Inside Kastellet
After you pass a row of red brick buildings, otherwise known as ‘The Rows’ (barracks for the soldiers) you come to a pristine yellow building – the Commanders House.
Christiansborg Palace Tårnet (tower)
If you like a good view, then you should definitely visit Christiansborg Palace and go up to the Tårnet (tower).
Originally home to the royal family before they moved to Amalienborg Palace after a number of fires, the tower was constructed during 1907-1928, and designed by architect Thorvald Jørgensen. It’s now the highest tower in Copenhagen.
The Royal Library
You may not want to spend your holiday in the library but if you’re into modern architecture and design, you may want to do just that! Take some time to visit Copenhagen’s Royal Library. There are five sites to the library, but I’m referring to the extension to the Royal Danish Library’s old building on Slotsholmen, otherwise known as ‘Black Diamond’.
Why such a name? It’s all down to its striking angled structure which is encased in black and marble glass. It stands out on the waterfront, so you can’t miss it.
The building also boasts a concert hall in addition to the library. It has a cool view when you head up to the first floor via the escalator. You need to go up backwards (yes, that’s right, I said backwards) to see what I’m talking about. A nice view out to the waterfront.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is just one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen. Mention you’re visiting the city and those that have already been are sure to tell you to go and see it. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, which depicts a mermaid.
The sculpture can be found at the Langelinie promenade on a rock and you’ll have a great backdrop especially as the sun starts to set.
Øresund Bridge to Malmö
As a fan of The Bridge, the well-known Danish drama, I had to get a glimpse of it myself. It’s frequently crossed during the show as detectives solved murder cases in Copenhagen and Malmö. It takes under an hour by car, 45 mins by train or an hour and a half (roughly) by bus to cross.
Always seen in the distance, The Bridge has fast become an iconic feature now a part of both cities. I’d definitely suggest crossing by car or taking the bus as the views are amazing!
Approaching Øresund Bridge
You’ll see the two pylons and cables supporting the middle of the bridges sturdy structure. This distinctive design is definitely one of its main features.
I caught a glimpse of The Bridge from the plane which was amazing and enjoyed views of it from The Round Tower and Christianborg Tårnet – another tower, but free to get in. Heading to Malmö, I also saw the bridge as I crossed it by bus and managed to take a snap.
You’ll need your passport just in case as there are still some random customs checks at the toll gates. You’ll have to pay a toll to cross too if going by car – train and bus tickets will include this.
Amager Strandpark and beach
If you’ve got good weather like I had, spend a few hours at the beach and park at Amager Strandpark. Easily accessible via the metro, the beach is perfect on a warm day and is a nice change of scene. The start of the 4.6km stretch of beach is only a 5-minute walk away from the Øresund metro stop (M2).
You’ll come to a lagoon first and will need to walk over the bridge which will take you to the man-made island. You can also get off at the Amager Strandpark metro stop which takes you halfway along the beach or Femøren St which is nearer to the aquarium, Den Blånand, and the airport.
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