A Weekend In Copenhagen: The World’s Happiest City

In the northern parts of Europe, on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen brings a weekend of coffee, colour, and clouds to every traveller’s exploration of the happiest country in the world.

The once ancient Viking village is now undeniably one of the most sophisticated and peaceful yet energetic and cordial parts of Scandinavia without being an overcrowded metropolitan where herds of tourists populate the streets and pollution punctures the air. In fact, the serenity of this capital is what shocked me the most. It is rare to find yourself in a place where there is a perfect balance between human life and the natural world. 

But hey, balance is what the Danes are known for. 

Sometimes it was easy to forget that I was in the country’s largest city. While its façade reminded me so much of London (beautiful historic architecture alongside not-so-glamourous glass buildings and high cost of living), Copenhagen stands out for its safety and environmentally friendly lifestyle. It lends to the country’s leading example of social equality and ability to tackle climate change.

Perhaps the idea that Copenhagen is a fairy-tale by the water is not an exaggeration, and it is easy to see why Hans Christian Andersen was inspired to write some of his greatest stories overlooking the iconic Nyhavn harbour.

The city leaves you feeling cosy and comfortable in its welcoming setting, and the Danish concept of “hygge” upholds its rightful place as unique to the Danish language.

Travel and Accommodation In Copenhagen 

Copenhagen has two airports; however, you will most likely fly to Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup – an international airport serving Copenhagen, the rest of Zealand, the Oresund Region, and a large part of Southern Sweden.

As an unsurprisingly expensive city, there is a range of luxury hotels, however, the destination is also famous for its well-located and incredibly affordable hostels that are particularly perfect for groups. Staying in a hostel is perfect for a budget-friendly weekend in Copenhagen.

• Comfort Hotel Vesterbro
• Hotel Skt Petri
• New House Copenhagen (this where I stayed)

Twelve Fun Things To Do In Copenhagen 

Nyhavn Harbour

Copenhagen’s postcard-perfect pictures are all taken along this colourful harbour where pastel-hued, 18th-century merchants’ houses line the waterways. It is one of the liveliest parts of the city and is a great place to have a meal while catching the sunset.

Rosenborg Castle 

Rosenborg Castle was built as a summer residence for Christian IV and is a majestic Renaissance castle surrounded by manicured parks that feels right out of a fairy-tale and brings out your inner princess. It is home to the Danish crown jewels, lavish rooms, and a priceless wine collection dating back to the 16^th century. 

Rundetårn 

The round tower is a 17th-century astronomical observatory tower and is the oldest functioning one of its kind in Europe. Visitors can access it via a spiral walkway that also hosts a grand library hall and exhibitions. 

Church of our Saviour 

Copenhagen’s famous church is one the most anticipated baroque sites for every traveller making their way through Denmark. The church’s dark tower is wrapped by an incredible ribbon of golden spiralling staircases, which provide extraordinary views of Copenhagen and makes the exhilarating climb to the top worth every step.

Access to The Church of our Saviour by visitors is set between 11 am and 3:30 pm.

Tivoli Gardens 

Tivoli Gardens is a charming and historic amusement park that happens to be even older than Disney World. Adrenaline junkies will find thrills in the rides – especially the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters – while others can admire Tivoli’s seasonal decorations, carousels, and old-fashioned carnival games.

However to keep in mind that if you are only spending a weekend in Copenhagen, you might not have time to fully enjoy what the park has to offer because much like Disney World to need hours here.

Sail Through the Canals

Grab some snacks and rent an electric GoBoat to explore the city from the water at your leisure. It’s a fun, intimate experience and is particularly special if you travel to Copenhagen with a group of friends. I adored how removed you feel from the rest of the world as you float over the constant roll of waves, but still connected to the other sailors around you.

My group booked our boat in the evening and were lucky to catch the most vibrant sunset as well! Best of all, no experience is required to operate a GoBoat, and it is super easy to get a hang of after a few minutes. 

Swim In the Canals

A weekend in Copenhagen (in the summer) is not complete without swimming in the city’s canals. Of course, there are plenty of sandy beaches within 30 minutes of the city centre, but for a truly unique experience, jump into the cold waters of the harbour. Revel in the fact that this is one of the only places in the world where the canals are clean enough for such an activity. This was one of the highlights of my trip, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. 

Christiansborg Palace 

Christiansborg Palace contains Denmark’s Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Danish Parliament. It is one of those attractions I don’t think you need to see on the inside, but if you choose to buy a ticket, you will come across ornate reception rooms, galleries, and royal stables. 

The Copenhagen Botanical Garden 

Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden has stood in the city centre since 1870, providing an escape into lush greenery for anyone who desires it. The striking architecture of the Palm House, one of the garden’s 27 historic glasshouses, is something to admire from the outside but is not worth exploring on the inside if you have visited others like it before. The cast-iron spiral staircases leading to a walkway above the treetops are beautiful, but the connecting butterfly garden was a let-down and having been to the Schmetterlinghaus in Vienna, this one didn’t seem worth the cost of entry.

Kastellet and the Little Mermaid

Make your way to one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe to admire how the Danes protected their beloved city and then walk to the famous Little Mermaid statue that sits alone staring out to the water. As expected, the statue is not as marvellous considering all its fame, but it is just something you have to see and is worth treasuring for its links to Andersen’s iconic story. 

Food Markets 

Food Market are the only right way to explore Copenhagen’s delightful food scene, and there are so many to choose from that will satisfy your culinary cravings. The Reffen Food Market is one of the most sprawling in the city and takes advantage of global street food complemented by live entertainment and games.

Christiania Neighbourhood 

Christiania Neighbourhood is an intentional community within Copenhagen that began in 1971 as a squatted military base but is now a self-governing ward independent of Denmark. Conceivably what makes Christiania so famous, apart from amazing vegetarian cuisine, is its open trade of cannabis, which is illegal in Denmark – thereby gaining its ‘Green Light District’ status. 

Average Cost For A Long Weekend In Copenhagen Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £120

Accommodation: £60 (hosel room of 4)

Attractions: £40

Food and amenities: £74

Keep In Mind

Don’t be shocked by how much everything costs – Scandinavia is known for being expensive, and Denmark’s sales tax of 25% is one of the highest in the world.

Practical Information About Copenhagen

Location: Denmark, Northern Europe

National Languages: Danish

Currency: Danish Krone

Neighbouring Countries: Germany, Norway and Sweden