A Denmark diary account of my wintry weekend in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is like a more industrial-chic and less flowery Amsterdam, with its own canal system and quirky cafe culture.
The Danish capital can be all types of holiday, from a relaxing waterfront stay to an action packed weekend full of outdoor sports and roller coasters – quite literally.
During my Copenhagen city break, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much there is to get through for such a modest capital city.
But by the end, I found the best thing to do was simply to wander through its stylish districts.
Wintry Weekend in Copenhagen, Day 1
I arrived in Copenhagen at around 8pm which allowed just enough time to unpack my suitcase and nab a dinner reservation at Limone Piazza.
The Italian restaurant is located in the city’s romantic Latin Quarter, which is definitely one to visit.
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Fairy lights dress its cobbled streets, complete with pot plants, chalk board menus and alfresco dining. I ordered delicious fish of the day with roast potatoes and a glass of red wine ❤️ which was enjoyed under the lamplight of the restaurant’s many lanterns.
After dinner, we decided to walk the one mile, or 1.6km, back to the hotel to see more of the city by night. The journey felt very safe, with many cyclists and fellow pedestrians still out and about.
Wintry Weekend in Copenhagen, Day 2
I woke up to a view of the Nyhavn River from the eighth floor of the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel.
After a continental breakfast and several cups of coffee, we left the hotel at around 10am for a full day of sightseeing by bicycle.
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First up was Nyhavn, the city’s most famous neighbourhood, which had been a dream of mine to visit since first hearing “Copenhagen.”
The picturesque district did not disappoint. I spent a good two hours sitting on the pavement by the colourful canal and taking it all in with a warm drink in hand.
When it comes to quality brunch spots, a quick Google search will prove Nyhavn is spoilt for choice.
If you have time to plan in advance, I would 100 per cent recommend reserving a table at The Union Kitchen. The hipster-like cafe is popular among locals and books up more than a week in advance!
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Yet we found out the hard way. We poked our heads into the sights and smells of what could be the city’s tastiest brunch only to discover it was booked up for the entire weekend. Of course it was, it looked awesome!
Determined to avoid the honeypots along the water’s edge, we stopped off at Holberg no 19 cafe. The traditional cafe is a street back from the canal and also offers a decent brunch menu.
There are several set menus, including solid veggie options and sharp, fresh fruit juices.
Then with food in our bellies, we continued our cycle towards the Little Mermaid. The famous statue is just 15 minutes north of Nyhavn.
Trip Highlights
- Cycling the city
- Kayaking the Nyhavn river
- Brunchin’ by Nyhavn canal
- Rollercoasters at Tivoli Gardens
- Brownies and beer at Free Town Christiana
Next it was time for some downtime in Free Town Christiana. We ditched our bikes and entered the hippie district for some beers and music.
I got the sense we were leaving Copenhagen from the moment we stepped foot in Christiana.
The streets are colourfully decorated with Chinese lanterns, wooden huts and spirit flags.
Residents of the hippie community seem to have built their own homes which range from wooden huts to elaborately decorated compounds.
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Street vendors sell cannabis from carts and locals play backgammon in smokey pubs.
There are also a few food stalls, a few shops and stables nearby.
We ordered a selection of traditional beers, seasoned potatoes and seafood including king crab, cooked in its own shell.
This was all washed down with more beer and an apple strudel to finish. It’s got to be done.
Once again, we opted for the walk home along the city’s far-reaching canal network, where the water glistens in the lamplight.
We stopped off for a few more beers along the waterfront on the way home before falling into our beds full and happy.
Wintry Weekend in Copenhagen, Day 3
Day three was our culture and carnival day, dedicated to museums and rollercoaster rides.
But we walked over to Tivoli Gardens and Ferris Wheel sadly to discover it was closed until the following week. Rookie error.
Again, we learned the hard way. No rollercoasters for me this time!
So to you I say this… if you have your heart set on visiting this famous funfair, don’t make my mistake. Do your research and book your trip around its opening seasons here.
Instead we decided to visit Christiansborg Palace, home to the tallest tower in Copenhagen which is free to climb.
Then we walked through The King’s Garden and enjoyed a takeaway coffee on a bench at Rosenborg Castle before heading to the National Museum of Denmark.
I took a liking to the Danish prehistory section and then it wasn’t long before we were thinking about food again!
On the way back to the hotel, we stumbled upon the Torvehallerne Food Hall where I had a mulled wine and a cheesy open toastie on warm fresh bread. Ah-mazing. The perfect finish to a wintry weekend break.
So I think it’s fair to say Copenhagen was great fun to visit, with plenty of things to do.
Just make sure to do your research, book ahead, and visit at the right time to get the most from the city.
