24 hours in: Copenhagen

Want to see Copenhagen in only 24 hours?  No problem. When in Denmark do as the Danes and get around the city on a bike. First timers can stay around the heart of the city to experience all the must-see sites, while old hands should take the opportunity to see the different quarters of the city. If you are not up for biking, this trip can be done by foot as well or by use of the city’s excellent public transportation.

Copenhagen – the world’s bicycle capital.
Original title: Copenhagen Trafic Calming.
Photo by: Mikael Colville-Andersen (Flickr) 

EARLY RISE

First timers

Start your day with a fairy tale. The Little Mermaid is Denmark’s biggest tourist attraction and the symbol of Copenhagen. She is small and, let us be honest, only a statue, but visiting Copenhagen without seeing her is like visiting Rome without seeing the Colosseum. Next go see the octagonal courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, which is the winter residence of the Danish royal family and probably one of the finest pieces of Rococo architecture in Europe. Across from Amalienborg you can visit the beautiful Mable Church, an Evangelian Lutheran church famous for its beautiful architecture. Then go along the street Bredgade to the promenade of Nyhavn where you can have breakfast in one of the small coloured cafes in this famous old harbour district.

Have breakfast in the cosy old harbour district of Hyhavn.
Original title: Nyhavn, Copenhagen.
Photo by: Srvora at the English language Wikipedia (Wikimedia)

Old hands

The beautiful Assistens Cemetery is Copenhagen’s answer to Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery and also serves as a park. Go for a walk here and see if you can find the graves of famous artists like H. C. Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard and many others. Cross the street and step over the cobblestones on the small and trendy street Jægersborggade where you will find a lot of wonderful specialty stores and art shops. A good place to have breakfast is Grød, which is a trendy organic café where you can get a variety of different porridges – a typical Danish breakfast.

MORNING

First timers

Cross The King’s New Square and work off your breakfast by walking (or pulling your bike) down the first part of Copenhagen’s main shopping street Strøget, where you will find the most exclusive brands. Go past the Stork Fountain to the seat of the government, Christiansborg Palace, which is also the setting for the world famous TV-series Borgen.

Old hands

Walk or bike down the street Nørrebrogade and enjoy the big ethnic diversity here. Turn down the cosy and very local street Blågårdsgade and then head down to The Lakes to enjoy a beautiful view of the four city quarters surrounding the lakes. Go along the lakes to the local shopping street Gl. Kongevej. Check out the many specialty stores on the side street Værnedamsvej and get a good cup of coffee at Verdens Mindste Kaffebar (“the world’s smallest coffee shop”). At the end of the street you will find the beautiful Frederiksberg Park, which is situated just next to Copenhagen Zoo. Take a walk in the park and pass by the “Elephant House” to get a good (and free) look at the elephants. Then head down to the street Ny Carlsbergvej to see the impressing old Ny Carlsberg Brew House.

Go elephant-watching in the beautiful Frederiksberg Park
Original title: Frederiksberg Have 2006.
Photo by Jacob Bøtter from Copenhagen, Denmark (Flickr)

AFTERNOON

First timers

Bike or walk up to the specialty market Torvehallerne where you can get the (probably) best sandwich in town, a confit de canard sandwich, at Ma Poule. Then stroll along the famous shopping street Købmagergade. On the way climb the Round Tower, from the top of which you will get a good view of the city. Have afternoon tea in the beautiful saloon of A.C. Perch’s Tea Room, which is Europe’s next oldest tea shop and probably Denmark’s finest, being a purveyor to Her Majesty. Finally go to the beautiful King’s Garden. If the weather is good you can lie down in the sun to get some rest before dinner.

Old hands

At the café Dyrehaven you can get yourself a real Danish lunch consisting of an open rye bread sandwich. Then head along Istedgade, past Copenhagen Central Station, to the world famous theme park Tivoli, and take a walk through this beautifully decorated fairy tale park. If you are not a big fan of theme parks, go to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek instead to see the largest collection of ancient art in Scandinavia.

Stroll through the enchanting fairy tale park Tivoli.
Original title: Tivoli Copenhagen night.
Photo by: Mark S Jobling (Wikimedia)

EVENING

First timers and old hands

If your wallet is full you should end the day with a spectacular gourmet dinner at Noma, which is one of the world’s best restaurants (book in advance). This two star Michelin restaurant is known for its reinvention and interpretation of the Nordic Cuisine and is listed as number two on Restaurant Magazine’s list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. After dinner, get a couple of Copenhagen’s best made cocktails at the elegant bar Ruby.

If are on a budget, head down to Restaurant Madklubben. This is one of Copenhagen’s most popular affordable restaurants, serving excellent French/Nordic food in pleasant surroundings. After dinner head to Skt. Hans Torv to enjoy the nightlife at one of the many trendy bars in the area.

Copenhagen by night.
Original title: Copnhagen Arial View Night.
Photo by: Bill Ebbesen (Wikimedia)

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Author: Caroline Engelheim

Publish date: 29 May 2013