Copenhagen, Denmark is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
The Danes have perfected the balance between cozy day-time activities and a lively
nightlife, making it an ideal destination for younger travelers. Whether you enjoy more
adventurous experiences or casually wandering around, Copenhagen has it all. Here
are my favorite things to do in Copenhagen as a 20-something weekend traveler.
What To Do (and What To Skip):
Do:
Go to Tivoli Gardens
.
This old
amusement park is located near the
city center and first opened its doors
in 1843. Tivoli is straight out of an
old-school black and white movie, but
some of these rides pack a punch.
Take a ride on the swings for a birds-eye panoramic view of
Copenhagen. After you are sufficiently
dizzy, head over to get glögg wine or
a spiked hot chocolate (I recommend
peppermint schnapps).
● Skip: The Little Mermaid Statue. A lovely and historic monument in Copenhagen,
indeed. Don’t get me wrong, the location is beautiful, but the statue itself is
underwhelming. If you are only in Copenhagen for a short time, the trek may not be
worth it.
Do: Tour the Carlsberg brewery. This
popular Danish beer has the tagline, “Probably the best beer in the world” and
I would have to agree. (But that could
have been the free beers talking.) The
guided tour takes you through the 175
years of Carlsberg history, dating back to
the World War 2 military tunnels under
the brewery. End with beer tasting in the
main square. Skål!
● Skip: Pub Crawl Copenhagen. Downtown, there are fun bars and pubs on every
street. Save your money, get lost in the enchanting streets of downtown Copenhagen,
and find your favorite local spot.
Do:
GoBoat
. Experience Copenhagen
from a different perspective! Take a
self-guided boat ride around the famous
canals (starting in Islands Brygge) with
up to seven of your friends. After a quick
instruction, you are ready to solo
adventure through central Copenhagen.
Pack a bag with snacks, wine, a
speaker, and cruise around the beautiful
canals in Copenhagen.
● Skip: Nyhavn canal tour. These guided ferry boat tours have room for multiple different
parties and include a tour guide. Although you don’t need to drive the boat yourself, the
crowds and bulky ferry takes away from the serene experience.
Tips for a Seamless and Stress-Free Visit:
Off The Beaten Path:
In between your biking, self guided touring, and bar hopping, check out my favorite
spots that you won’t hear anywhere else:
● Lagkagehuset for the best croissants and cappuccinos
● Christianshavn canal for photo opps
● Or take a quick day trip over to Humælk to explore the Louisiana Museum of
Modern Art
There is so much more to Copenhagen that you’ll get to experience. Don’t be afraid to
stray from the path and live like a local!