5 things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is hands down my favourite European City, in the last year alone I’ve been 8 times if you needed any proof! I’m not really sure why, it could be the Christmas markets or the hygge feeling a coffee shop or the fact that I still need to go back to go open water swimming in the canals in the summer. Every time I go, I leave trying to plan a trip back, I even keep saying that I’d love to live in the city for a year at some point maybe because there’s still so much more that I need to see and do!

1. Walk up the Rundetårn (Round tower)

Walking up the round tower costs 40DKK for adults and is not too strenuous (my 80 year old Nan said it wasn’t bad at all). The top of the tower offers great views all around the city, you can even see the bridge to Sweden on a good day. There are a few rooms leading off from the slope with windows into the building’s past, for example there’s a gallery, an old toilet that’s been preserved and a glass case displaying preserved church beams. It’s definitely a good way to escape a small drizzle of rain like we did, although the top is open air.

2. Do a boat tour of the harbour

I’ve done these 3 times now, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Copenhagen no matter the weather. The best place I’ve found to go from is the little white kiosk (Nettobådene) in Nyhavn, opposite all the restaurants. This is much cheaper than the obvious ‘Canal Tours Copenhagen’ company right at the entrance to Nyhavn. I’ve been with both companies who do the exact same route pretty much with the same information. However, the most recent time I went with Nettobådene it wasn’t the same route as I’ve done before so maybe the 00 and 30 are potentially different but the general route is the same. Nettobådene costs 50DKK as opposed to 109DKK at the Canal Tours Copenhagen.

3. Wander around Tivoli gardens

This is something for all ages, my Nan went on the demon and the sky flyer rides! You can buy an entry only ticket for 155DKK and any rides on top of this can be purchased at the ride start for 90DKK or a ride pass for 299DKK. Depending on if you’re wanting to do on rides or not it’s cheaper to get the ride pass rather than paying for each ride individually. I’d highly recommend eating in the tivoli food hall, especially if you’re travelling in a group as it allows you all to get what you want without any arguments. My favourite food places in the hall are the Mexican stall, the Thai stall and the pasta stall.

4. Explore Chrisiansborg Palace

This you can do by either wandering the grounds for free or purchasing different packages to go inside. I’ve done this a few times now, once was part of a ‘Politically incorrect tours’ free walking tour and I would highly recommend them (at least I would if you’re not easily offended)! It’s also great when you get the chance to see the horses out in the courtyard. It is worth doing this as part of a tour as you learn so much more information this way, however there are also self-guided audio tours that you can purchase on the GET YOUR GUIDE app that will give you some of this information as well as information about other attractions in Copenhagen.

5. Eat falafel in Christianaia

I visited Christiania as part of an ‘unofficial’ politically incorrect tour and I would recommend it to anyone else. It’s a Freetown ‘micro nation’ in the Christianshaven neighbourhood. It’s likened to the red light district in Amsterdam (although the locals will tell you it’s miles better) and has such a great vibe. I really enjoyed actually getting to see the other side to Christiania though, seeing the community there and how it’s not completely centred around the nefarious businesses of pusher street. The falafel stall in the square at the end of pusher street is the best (granted only) falafel I’ve ever eaten however other people who ate there with me also said the same. I would highly recommend visiting Christiania to anyone as it’s one of my favourite things I’ve done in Copenhagen. There’s also a great photo opportunity at the entrance to Christiania, where you can take a photo of yourself crossing the ‘border’ into the EU and out of the EU.