Just Coping with life? Visit Copenhagen and live Hygge!

Copenhagen is delightful! The people are welcoming and the overall vibe is cool and fun. Combining Old World architecture with modern glamour, this colourful city is the perfect way to experience a feeling of well-being the Danish call ‘Hygge’.

Vibrant colours in a vibrant city

Once a small Viking fishing village with little political influence and multiple devastating fires, floods and sieges, Copenhagen is now a progressive city. Today it is one of Europe’s leading cultural and financial centres. In addition, Copenhagen is one of the worlds greenest, healthiest and happiest cities. In the last 15 years, it has made massive headway in environmental sustainability and cut emissions by nearly a third. In fact, despite the cold Copenhagen winters, it has also been awarded for being one of the best places for swimming due to its recently cleaned canals.

Beyond pick-up handball games in pocket park and free outdoor gyms, Copenhagen has a thriving film scene that is the backdrop for films like “The Danish Girl” and “The Bridge” series. This beaming city has plenty to offer and is my go-to spot for some good clean fun!

Here are some of my favourite Copenhagen attractions:

• The Little Mermaid – Received in 1913, this bronze and granite statue was a gift to the city of Copenhagen from Carl Jacobsen and commemorates the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson
• Tivoli Gardens – This popular amusement park has rides for all ages. It also has attractions like Tivoli Aquarium, The Pantomime Theatre and plenty of different performances throughout the year.  It reminds me of the older Tivoli in Italy.

Here’s a Pro-Tip: For even more fun, about 10 minutes North of Copenhagen is Bakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park. You can take a day trip to enjoy this unique piece of history.

• Strøget – Located in the city centre, this is one of the longest car-free pedestrian only shopping streets in Europe.

Tivoli Gardens will take you for a spin

• Rosenborg Castle – This fascinating renaissance castle was originally built as a summerhouse in 1606. It is full of well-preserved history including crowns of the Danish kings and queens.
• Nyhavn – Take some time to explore this 17^th century canal and entertainment district. Enjoy the colourful views with a drink or take a canal tour of the city.
• Freetown Christiania – This former military base is the home of about 900 residents, all a part of an intentional community. Check out the artsy collection of restaurants, cafes and bars, or, if you’re around in December, the Christmas market.

They say there are more bikes than people

• Borgring Viking Fortress – This exciting Viking fortress was just uncovered in 2014 and is still being excavated. The artefacts being uncovered are providing a huge knowledge of the era of Harold Bluetooth, the famous Danish king who gave his name to the eponymous technology!

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is the closest airport to the city centre. Taking a taxi or ride share are two great options to make your way to the city centre. If you prefer public transportation, the Metro runs from airport terminal 3 to the city. Once in the city, I highly recommend renting a bike. You can bike just about anywhere in the city and there are over 400km of bike lanes. Otherwise, ride shares or the metro are clean and easy to use.

Here’s a Pro-Tip: Copenhagen offers several bike tours throughout the city, a great way to learn about Copenhagen in a green and authentic way!

There are some truly extraordinary hotels in Copenhagen. For example, you can stay in a boutique hotel that floats on the water called CPH Living Floating Hotel. A few more of my favourites include Tivoli Hotel, Manon Les Suites, and Bella Sky with its modern architecture and natural surroundings. Alex Hotel and Carlton Guldsmeden are in close quarters to the lively neighbourhood of Vesterbro while Hotel Sanders and Nimb Hotel are lovely options for a quieter stay. You can also check out Airbnb for more lodging options including more house boats!

Copenhagen is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. In fact, Noma, Serving Danish cuisine inspired by the natural beauty of Denmark, has won the title of the Best Restaurant in the World four times! Geranium is another winner in my book, not only for the incredible menu, but the views to match. For the freshest farm to table ingredients, check out Bæst, Restaurant Tolv and Amass, a seriously sustainable vegetarian establishment.

Danish classics like smørrebrød, can be found at Restaurant Kronborg or Aamanns 1921. You can also try some great traditional street food while walking around Strøget.

Delicious food and stunning presentation

Souvenirs to write home about!

Beer lovers rejoice! There are plenty of brewery’s around Copenhagen. Carlsberg Brewery with tastings daily and BRUS with tastings monthly, although open daily, are the two I wold most highly recommend. København is the notorious party district, so make your way there for some of the best nightclubs in the city such as Jolene or NOHO. For more elegant experience, Pompette wine bar or Library Bar with its chic décor and cocktails are perfect stops.

Shopping is great in Copenhagen! You can find indoor and outdoor markets throughout the city. My favourite is an indoor market called Torvehallerne, where you can find plenty of fresh cooked food, vegetables and beautiful souvenirs such as amber jewellery.

Copenhagen has a way of leaving you feeling better than when you arrived. The pleasant feeling of Hygge is contagious, just like the smiles!

Love,

Isabella