Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, is my next Scandinavian destinations after visited both Finland and Norway. We boarded an early flight on SAS from Oslo and landed at Copenhagen Airport aka CPH. Thereafter, it’s an easy train ride from the airport’s Terminal 3 to Copenhagen Central Station. CPH is located at around 8 km from the city center, and hence the ride took less than 15 minutes. Right outside the Central Station is the great-looking Tivoli Gardens. But I suppose the amusement park cannot be the reason for Copenhagen to be consistently voted as one of the happiest places in the world. What’s the secret of keeping the Danes happy? Or is it because of Carlsberg? It certainly tastes better here…LOL!
Given my limited time here, perhaps it’s better to see what the air of happiness can do for me as a tourist. The first place to go is the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) where the Copenhagen City Hall (Københavns Rådhus) is situated. It’s an office building for the Municipal Council and Mayor of the Danish capital. The building is such a joy to look at, especially when the late afternoon sun gives it a nice glow.
Nearing to City Hall Square is Frederiksberggade street where the lively pedestrian strip “Stroget” begins. The popular shopping district consists of connecting streets from Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, Østergade to Kongens Nytorv (New King’s Square). Strøget is lined with cafes, restaurants and all kinds of shops that cater to different need or budget. If that’s not enough, there are more options that stretch from Købmagergade all the way to Kultorvet. That’s a lot to see and shop if you ask me.
Nyhavn
The colourful Nyhavn (New Harbour) is minutes’ away from Kongens Nytorv. These well-preserved waterfront buildings set aside the canal are so picturesque! It’s a nice experience to be wandering around the harbour area to have a closer look at the buildings. It would be great to sip or munch comfortably while taking in the view. But I suppose everybody thinks likewise since most restaurants and cafes here are filled to the brim.
It’s perhaps better to grab some quick bites from the hot dog stands instead of waiting forever for somebody to leave. Even finding a space at the dock to hang around is equally challenging. That’s how popular Nyhavn is!
Nyhavn is equally charming during the night and a lesser crowd. Nice!
Vaffelbageren
Vaffelbageren or ‘Waffle Baker’ is a small ice cream shop well known for its home-made ice cream and crispy waffle cones. The popular shop is tucked at one corner building of Nyhavn which is easy to spot. It does attract a crowd consisting of locals and tourists but thankfully, the queue moves rather quickly. The ice creams here are rich in flavour and we super-like the waffles too. And we were back here a couple of times to try out the different flavours. Its prices aren’t the cheapest around but I would not mind coming back here again!
The Little Mermaid
It’s quite a walk from Nyhavn to where the Little Mermaid is situated. But there are quite a lot to see along the way so it’s not that bad I suppose. Amalienborg Palace is one of them and this is the home of the Danish Royal Family. The four identical buildings of Amalienborg Palace form an octagonally shaped courtyard with its centerpiece being the statue of King Frederick V on horseback.
The waterfront promenade along Larsens Plads and Langelinie provided some nice views of the harbour. There’s even the replica of David statue in front of a building.
Finally, it’s now time to meet the Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue). I would think that besides Nyhavn, this bronze statue must be the most photographed place in Copenhagen.
Thereafter, we had a splendid dinner at Madklubben while resting our tired feet. The food served here is absolutely delicious though it’s difficult to catch the attention of the busy waiting staff.
STAY: First Hotel Excelsior Copenhagen [CLOSED]
I have chosen this hotel mainly because it is near to the Central Train Station. However, the room was quite small and the décor looked tired. It’s unlikely that I will return here again.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Copenhagen! I lived there fro 2 years (my partner is a Dane, but now we’re located in Singapore). I feel like the Little Mermaid was never a highlight of the city for me, but everyone visited me, always wanted to go there :) I love this city though, especially when you live there and own a bike! Thanks for beautiful memories :)
Hi Zenja, thanks for dropping by my humble blog. And yes, I enjoyed my time in Copenhagen and would gladly swap place with you guys to be located there. The environment definitely seems way more chilled and the available green spaces are amazing. I understand what you meant about the Little Mermaid but I suppose it’s the must-see landmark for Visitors (myself included LOL). It’s like I will always shrug when my overseas friends request to visit Marina Bay SANDS or Sentosa haha.