Travel around Copenhagen with Bobby
Day 1Biking Through Colorful Canals and History
I arrived in Copenhagen in the early morning, and the first thing I noticed was the crisp, clean air. After dropping my bags at Hotel SP34, a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of the city, I rented a bike — the most Copenhagen way to get around. My first stop was Nyhavn, the iconic harbor filled with colorful 17th-century townhouses. I sat at a café overlooking the canal, sipping a coffee and watching boats float by, completely mesmerized by the lively yet serene atmosphere.
Next, I pedaled to the Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family. The changing of the guard was a must-see, and even though it was a bit crowded, it was worth it for the sense of history. From there, I biked to the nearby Little Mermaid statue, a small but iconic piece of the city’s charm. The story behind the statue added a layer of nostalgia and made me appreciate the city’s deep cultural roots.
For dinner, I headed to Cofoco, a cozy, modern restaurant serving Nordic cuisine. I indulged in a dish of fresh Danish cod paired with locally sourced vegetables — a simple but flavorful introduction to Copenhagen’s culinary scene.
If you want to experience Copenhagen like a local, rent a bike and explore at your own pace. Don’t rush through Nyhavn; it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sit, soak in the views, and enjoy a coffee.
Day 2Tivoli’s Magic and Copenhagen’s Creative Soul
Today, I decided to dive into Copenhagen’s creative and playful side, starting with a morning visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Walking through its gates felt like stepping back in time. The whimsical atmosphere, with its old-fashioned rides and lush gardens, made me feel like a kid again. I tried a couple of rides, but honestly, the highlight was just wandering the grounds, taking in the beautifully landscaped gardens and quirky architecture.
After Tivoli, I headed to the Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum. This place is a hidden gem! The building itself is a masterpiece, and the art collection inside, ranging from ancient sculptures to modern Danish paintings, is impressive. The central courtyard, filled with palm trees and a glass dome, was the perfect spot to sit and relax with a coffee.
Dinner was a treat at Noma, the world-famous restaurant known for its innovative New Nordic cuisine. I was lucky enough to snag a reservation, and the experience was unforgettable. The presentation, the flavors, everything was extraordinary — though definitely a splurge!
Dinner at Noma was an extraordinary experience. Each dish was a work of art, using local ingredients in ways I hadn’t imagined. It was expensive, but the experience was one of a kind.
Food
Returning to Hotel SP34 after a long day of exploring felt like a luxury. The bed was super comfortable, and the staff was always helpful, but the room could’ve been slightly larger for the price.
Accomodation
Spending time at Tivoli Gardens was pure magic, and then visiting the Carlsberg Glyptotek added a creative and cultural dimension to the day. The variety of activities kept the day exciting and balanced.
Activity
Tivoli Gardens is magical, especially in the evening when the lights come on. If you can, make a reservation at Noma, but be prepared for a unique (and pricey) culinary adventure.
Day 3A Royal Day and a Taste of Danish Life
This morning, I ventured a little outside the city center to Rosenborg Castle, a stunning Renaissance-era palace set in the King’s Garden. Inside, I was captivated by the royal jewels and the throne room. The lavish décor told stories of Denmark’s royal past, and the crown jewels were a highlight of the trip.
After the castle, I wandered through the Botanical Gardens, which were peaceful and beautifully maintained. The glasshouse, with its towering palm trees, offered a moment of calm in the middle of the city. For lunch, I popped by Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s famous food market, where I sampled traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches, or smørrebrød, topped with herring and dill. It was casual, delicious, and a great way to taste authentic Danish flavors.
Later in the afternoon, I joined a canal tour starting at Nyhavn. Floating through the city’s waterways, passing by landmarks like the Copenhagen Opera House and Christianshavn’s colorful houseboats, gave me a fresh perspective of the city. As the sun set, I ended the day at Mikkeller Bar, a local craft beer spot that’s gained international fame. The beer selection was extensive, and the vibe was laid-back, making it the perfect end to a busy day.
Lunch at Torvehallerne Market was a food lover’s paradise. The smørrebrød was fresh and authentic, giving me a real taste of Danish street food. The market atmosphere added to the experience.
Food
By the third day, I was really appreciating the location of Hotel SP34. It’s in such a central spot, which made going from one activity to the next super convenient. The room remained consistently clean and comfortable.
Accomodation
The combination of visiting Rosenborg Castle, exploring the Botanical Gardens, and taking a canal tour gave me a full day of history, nature, and relaxation. The canal tour in particular offered a fresh perspective of the city.
Activity
If you love history, Rosenborg Castle is a must. For a different perspective of the city, don’t miss a canal tour — it’s a relaxing way to see Copenhagen from the water.
Day 4Art, Shopping, and a Farewell to Copenhagen
On my last day, I slowed things down, starting with a visit to Christiansborg Palace, which has served as everything from a royal residence to the seat of Parliament. The panoramic view from the tower offered a fantastic view of the city, and inside, the Great Hall’s tapestries told the story of Denmark’s history.
From there, I strolled through Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. I picked up a few souvenirs, but the real joy was in window shopping at Danish design stores. Copenhagen’s design scene is world-renowned, and the sleek, minimalist aesthetics in the shops reflected that perfectly.
Lunch was at Papirøen (Paper Island), home to street food stalls from around the world. I grabbed some tacos and sat by the water, enjoying the view of the harbor. As the day came to a close, I visited Louisiana Museum of Modern Art just outside the city. The combination of cutting-edge art and breathtaking views of the Øresund Strait was the perfect way to say goodbye to Copenhagen.
The street food at Papirøen was the perfect send-off. I tried a mix of international and local dishes, enjoying the laid-back vibe by the water. It wasn’t fancy, but it was delicious and fun.
Food
On my last night, I had no complaints about Hotel SP34. While not the most luxurious place I’ve stayed, it was modern and had a friendly, local feel that matched Copenhagen’s vibe.
Accomodation
Exploring Christiansborg Palace and then shopping along Strøget provided a great mix of history and local culture. The Louisiana Museum, just outside the city, was a perfect way to end my trip on a high cultural note.
Activity
If you’re into design or shopping, make sure to explore Strøget and the surrounding side streets. And for art lovers, a trip to the Louisiana Museum is an absolute must — it’s a short trip from the city, but worth every minute.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Copenhagen is a city that offers a unique blend of Scandinavian charm, modern design, and rich history, making it a standout destination for travelers. From the vibrant streets of Nyhavn to the world-class restaurants, there’s always something new to experience. Whether you’re exploring by bike or relaxing by the canals, the city’s relaxed yet culturally rich atmosphere leaves a lasting impression.
I started my culinary journey at a cozy café in Nyhavn with a fresh Danish pastry and coffee, followed by a Nordic dinner at Cofoco. The ingredients were local, fresh, and the flavors were simple yet memorable. A great intro to Danish cuisine.
Food
Hotel SP34 was a great choice in the heart of Copenhagen. The room was modern, clean, and had a Scandinavian minimalist vibe. It was within walking distance to most of the attractions, which made it even better.
Accomodation
Biking through Copenhagen on the first day gave me a great sense of the city’s layout. Visiting iconic spots like Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid made for a perfect day of sightseeing.
Activity