10 tips for a city trip Copenhagen

The highlights of the city

Visit Copenhagen by train: a city full of life, history and design. Visit the beautiful museums, enjoy the innovative architecture, rest in the parks and taste local delicacies. On the train back you may realise: I forgot the mermaid! But just go again, as Copenhagen is a city to revisit. We have collected the best tips and sights.

1. Enjoy cycling in the city

Copenhagen is a very bicycle-friendly city. Cyclists usually have their own bike lanes and people are really considerate of one another. At traffic lights, you will sometimes see a bar where you can hold to and wait for the green light without having to dismount. The traffic rules are very similar to the Dutch although there are differences. Cyclists who are planning of stopping or sorting ahead to make a turn, lift up their hand.
There are many places where you can rent a bicycle. There are also planty of nice cycling routes, such as the Arkitektur Route.

2. Visit the Danish Architecture Center DAC

The Architecture Centrum, houses alternating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. You will find the museum on the waterfront and the building itself is well worth a visit. Have you arrived on the top floor after seeing everything? Then a big surprise awaits: you can take a slide down! Using the free app, you can explore the city on foot or by bike.
Address: Bryghusgade 10

3. Swim in the outdoor pools

All over Copenhagen there are ponds and lakes where you can have a great swim. There are city beaches for the ultimate summer feeling. Many locations have picnic tables and offer swimming jetties and diving boards.
The real diehards swim outside even in winter. The water quality in Copenhagen harbour is so good that it is safe to do. You can take a dip in the Vinterbad Bryggen and afterwards go to the sauna to get warmed up.

4. Wander about Freetown Christiana

Freetown Christiania is a self-declared autonomous neighbourhood. Established in 1971, it attracts many visitors with its colourful houses, organic food outlets and art galleries.
The community has its own currency and is largely traffic-free.

5. Go to Andersen Cemetery

In the city centre there is a large, lush cemetery that doubles as a park. Notable are the large lawns between the graves where people sunbathe, read and relax.
Hans Christian Andsersen is buried here, as well as the physicist Bohr.
Address: Kapelvej 2

6. Discover the Design museum

Denmark and design. Two sides of the same coin. The Design museum is housed in an old hospital and showcases the works of well-known Danish designers. You can see Poul Henningsen's first drafts of the eventual Louis Poulsen pendant lamp here. Lovers of beautiful designs, furniture and fabrics can get their fill here.
Address: Bredgade 68

7. Watch the changing of the guard

Every day the guards at Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family, change. At 11.30 hrs, the bodyguards walk from Rosenburg Castle through the shopping streets to Amalienborg. The line of tourists behind the guards becomes longer and longer.
When they arrive at the square around noon, a crowd has gathered there too. At Amalienborg Palace, there is another ceremony to enjoy.

8. Rummage jumble shops and flea market

Copenhagen is a paradise for fans of vintage and bargain hunters. The selection is vast and diverse, and there is a different selection of finds than you can get at home.
On the corner at Nørrebrogade 116, you will find a nice shop with all kinds of knick-knacks, a nice collection of vinyl, clothes and much more.
There is a large foodhall, the Torvehallerne, in the Nørrevold district. Near the hall is a flea market with nice items. Furniture, clothes, crockery and art. A big plus is that on the way back on the train, you will not have to weigh your luggage!

9. Relax or exercise in the park

The Architecture Centre explains how the city of Copenhagen was designed in 1947, the 'finger plan'. The map of the city is shaped like a hand with spread fingers. The palm of the hand is the centre and the fingers are the roads and tram lines with buildings. Between the fingers is the greenery, the parks and ponds. This makes it easily accessible by public transport for everyone.
In many of the parks, you will find people playing and exercising. And dancing! You might just find yourself attending a salsa class in the park on a summer evening.

10. Go on a shoppping spree

Copenhagen has Europe's longest shopping street in the city centre, Strøget. There you will find well-known brands such as Zara and Prada.
The Vesterbro neighbourhood is hipper with vintage shops, boutiques, and art galleries. You will also find trendy bars and restaurants. Ideal for a break between shopping.
The Nørrebroche district is popular with young and artistic people. It has a mix of old bookshops, hip cafés and boutiques.

Travel by train in comfort and with ease

Copenhagen is easy to reach by train from the Netherlands. Travel to the Danish capital via Hamburg with ICE International or Intercity Berlin in 10:46 hours. Ticket prices to Copenhagen starts at € 57 one-way.

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Tips Copenhagen

From € 57