Copenhagen is where new meets old in the most spectacular ways. From the medieval old town right smack in the city center to modern skyscrapers in the newly built Carlsbergbyen, Denmark's capital is sure to make an impression on any visitor. Read along for he ultimate weekend guide for first-timers to this multi-faceted city, from a Copenhagen resident of four years.
Over the past years, Copenhagen has consistenly been making headlines in news around the world for its liveability as well as the happiness index of its residents. In Denmark, great focus is on work-life balance, with a shorter legislated full-time work week of 37 hours and an astonishing 25 percent of the workforce engaged in part-time employment.
In addition, Danish designers and architects are internationally renowned. In the realm of architecture, Bjarke Ingels and his firm BIG are known for their innovative and unconventional approach to building designs, such as the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant that features a year-round artificial ski slope on its roof. Or Jørn Utzon, renowned for designing the iconic Sydney Opera House. In design, Arne Jacobsen stands out as one of the most celebrated Danish designers of the 20th century, known for his modernist chairs like The Ant, The Swan, and The Egg, which are still widely recognized and used today. Georg Jensen is another example, a Danish silversmith, renowned for his simple yet elegant designs in silverware and jewelry that combine functionality with organic forms.
In recent years, Copenhagen has continued to grow. New neighborhoods like Sydhavn and Carlsbergbyen have emerged, and the fairly recently opened city metro line has made transportation around the city much easier. If possible, visit in late spring, during summer, or early fall to avoid the heaviest rains.
The first destination for most visitors arriving in Copenhagen is a stroll down the main shopping street, Strøget, to the famously picturesque Nyhavn.
This location is ideal for joining a boat tour. Although it might seem touristy, it's definitely worth the experience. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, consider renting a boat from companies like GoBoat. Be aware that piloting a boat comes with a learning curve if you've never done it before. Alternatively, you can rent sea kayaks from Kayak Bar, which is slightly farther from Nyhavn but still within walking distance.
After returning from the boat tour, continue across the bridge to the neighboring areas of Christianshavn and Christiania. Consider stopping for a Gasoline burger at Broens Gadekøkken along the way. Don’t miss exploring the newly built Opera Park or the spectacular Vandkulturhuset Papirøen (set to open in 2025), partly designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
For nighttime activities, the meatpacking district, Kødbyen, is a must. It may be a bit pricey, but grabbing a beer at Warpigs, an ice cream at Ismageriet, and dining at one of the many restaurants is a favorite activity for many Copenhageners.
While Google Maps is a great tool for discovering nice restaurants, for more tailored advice, make sure to check out Anders Husa's excellent guide.
Finally, if you have more time to, take the opportunity to explore Copenhagen’s green areas by having a coffee around the man-made lakes, Søerne, or a picnic in Frederiksberg Park. Discover more locations on our Google Maps list, available to you for free.
Photos by Carlo Villarica, Christian Werther, Elton Sa and Mihai Moisa