In this article, I will share the advice that I would give to my friends when they visit me in Copenhagen.
Apps to download
Denmark has successfully embraced digitalization, meaning that most services you might need in Denmark and Copenhagen have dedicated apps.
Downloading Donkey Republic App for Biking
The most convenient way to travel around Copenhagen, especially for a weekend trip, is to rent a bike.
Donkey Republic bikes are quite good - they’re bright orange and available all around the city.
I really recommend downloading the app and creating an account before coming to Copenhagen - you’ll save time.
Downloading the Rejsekort app for using public transport
I really recommend downloading this app. It allows you to travel around Copenhagen using metros and buses.
It’s especially convenient when arriving at the airport to reach the city center.
I made a blog post specifically about this, but not paying for the metro when arriving at the airport is a big no-no, as there are often ticket controls.
Download the app and create an account.
It’s super simple to use - you just have to slide right to activate it when getting on the metro and slide right again when getting off. The app then calculates how much you need to pay based on your journey.
If you forget to slide off when getting off the train, you won’t be charged extra, as they’re smart enough to know which exit you took.
Things to see
What I will say is my personal opinion and may not reflect everyone’s opinion.
Copenhagen doesn’t have any must-see buildings or attractions. For me, Copenhagen is a city that has to be experienced to be fully enjoyed. That’s why I really recommend that people just live the city and not do what a regular tourist would do, trying to check off every building, museum, or monument.
However, here’s what I would tell my friends:
Christiania
Visiting Christiania is worth doing. It’s called a “Free town” with its own rules - people who live there live in community and don’t pay taxes to the government. It’s basically a city within a city.
It used to be a bit shady, as drugs were circulating around, but the government has recently helped reduce drug usage and make it less shady.
If you have a couple of hours, I really recommend going there to see it with your own eyes, as the best way is to experience it. Many unique people live there, bringing a new way of seeing things :)
The lakes
Everyone knows about the famous canals in Copenhagen, but I would really recommend that tourists or people temporarily in the city visit/take a tour of the lakes in Copenhagen, especially in summer. In winter, it’s also nice as they freeze over.
If the sun is shining without clouds, it gives you a very nice horizon.
Saunas
As I’m writing these lines, saunas are becoming super popular in Denmark, especially in winter.
It’s really an activity I would recommend to anyone visiting Copenhagen.
Frederiksberg Park
If you like city parks, then I would recommend visiting this one.
Reffen
Reffen is the big food court in the city, located a bit further from downtown.
It has a really nice vibe as it’s located close to the canal and has a somewhat hipster style.
However, not many locals go there as the prices are quite high compared to what you get.
Nordhavn
Finally, I would recommend visiting this neighborhood if you like architecture - you won’t be disappointed.
It’s the newest, trendiest neighborhood that looks very modern, close to the harbor.
Conclusion
This list contains my personal choices. There are many other things you could visit - I didn’t mention museums, but there are many of them.
There’s also the Palace worth seeing, or the Little Mermaid, etc.
Feel free to do your own research as well.
I just shared my personal recommendations that I think are worth doing.
Have fun!