Wonderful Copenhagen

Getting Around in Copenhagen

Many Danes walk or bike because it is the cheapest and best way to take in the sights and sounds of the City and the surrounding areas.  Bicycles can be rented at some train stations such as the Central Station (Hovedbanegården).  There is always a place to leave your bicycle, but remember to lock it before you go on your sightseeing tour.  There are also buses, trains, metro and harbour buses, and the same ticket can be used on all public transport.   

A travel card or tickets can be purchased at Copenhagen Airport, online, using the free APP, via smartphone, on buses, at 7-11 kiosks, at metro stations, or at any DSB ticket office.  Ask about a Rejsekort Anonymous, City Pass, Copenhagen Card, 24 hour tickets, or single tickets.  Be sure to have a valid ticket as the fine is a hefty 750 DKK.

Where to Go and What to Do

Some of the most popular attractions in Denmark are Tivoli, Copenhagen Zoo, Christiania, The National Museum (free entry on Sundays), and The National Gallery.  A guided food tour and cultural walk should also be part of your to-do-list.  Copenhagen Food Tours will introduce you to Copenhagen and the Nordic cuisine.  The tours are 2 or 4 hours long and start at Torvehallerne near Nørreport Station. 

Take a guided canal tour.  Sit and gaze up and out at Copenhagen’s architecture. The tour takes you past known landmarks such as Børsen (Danish Foreign Exchange), Christiansborg (Parliament), Skuespilhus (Royal Danish Playhouse), The Little Mermaid, the Opera House and bit of Christiania, Denmark’s ‘freetown.’

Where and What to Eat and Drink

There are many places to eat in Copenhagen depending on the amount of money you budget for your meals. There are the usual fast food restaurants, along with other famous eateries.  Many Danish restaurants serve authentic meals such as frikadeller, a large meatball made from fish, ground beef and/or pork, and flæskesteg og kartoffler med brune sovs og rødkål - roasted pork and boiled potatoes with gravy and red cabbage.  Another Danish favourite is the open faced sandwich called Smørrebrød–buttered rye bread garnished/decorated with various toppings.  Hot dog stands called pølsevogn are in many places around the City, and an organic meat and vegetarian sausage stand is located near the Round Tower on the walking street.  You will not tire of the various shops and restaurants which specialise in authentic cuisine.

A cosy and reasonably priced café is the lounge at Palads Theatre –not far from the Copenhagen Central Station, where coffee and cake is only 20 DKK, and hot chocolate costs only 15 DKK. Torvehallerne is a great location to get ‘a taste of Scandinavia.’  Try a variety of cheeses, teas, seafood, herbs and spices, organic products, and much more.  Sunset Boulevard located - among other places - in the Central Station, offers a small but delicious snack burger for only 15 DKK.  7-11 which is open 24 hours has locations on every corner in the city.  Try their foods, snacks, hot and cold drinks, plus gluten and lactose free ready-made meals.

Meals are even better when topped off with a slice or two of Danish layer cake (lagkage), made from layers of chocolate or plain cake with whipped or cake cream, jam and fruits between the layers and additional fruits, marzipan and/or melted chocolate as toppings. 

Coffee is a popular drink of the Danes.  Many coffee shops, cafes and other locations sell coffee and other beverages.  Danish beers are popular with many visitors, and so is cider with a range from less than 1% to 5% alcohol content.  During the winter season, Gløgg, or mulled wine, made from red wine, spices and raisins is a favourite among the Danes.  Some varieties are made from white wine or apple cider. This alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink is usually served as a hot drink. 

Wienerbrød, a famous Danish pastry known around the world as ‘Danish’ or ‘cheese Danish’ is sold in many famous pastry shops, supermarkets and other locations around the city.   It is made up of three or four cooled layers of dough interspersed with butter (a variation of puff pastry), rolled and cooled several times, filled with cream, jam, or marmalade and then baked.

The Central Station and Nearby

There is always a hive of activity at the Central Station.  It has a DSB ticket office, a TV studio, money exchange locations, accessories and cosmetics stores, a supermarket, post office, and eateries which sell meals, snacks and beverages at reasonable prices.  Take a quick tour of the new Supermarket which just opened in March of this year near the DSB ticket office and see their assortment of ready-made meals, reasonably priced coffee, and other hot drinks which cost 10 DKK. 

Behind the Station are two authentic Chinese restaurants, and Hard Rock Café is just a few metres away from the Station’s front door near Tivoli. All-you-can-eat pizza is one minute from the door of the main entrance to the station (entrance with the big clock), and the Phønix café is just across the street from the pizza shop. 

Places to Stay

Danhostel has three locations in the Copenhagen area.  Danhostel Copenhagen City is just a 10 minute walk from the Central Station.  This is the largest hostel in Denmark with over 1000 beds, and every room has panoramic views of the water and the city’s skyline.  Danhostel Copenhagen Amager is only two stops from Copenhagen Airport via the Øresund train, within walking distance of Fields Shopping Centre and Bella Centre, yet just 5 minutes by train from the Central Station. With 80 en-suite rooms, this hostel can accommodate up to 500 guests.  Danhostel Copenhagen Bellahøj has 234 beds and is situated in peaceful idyllic surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close enough to enjoy all the attractions after a restful night’s sleep.  For more information regarding our city hostels, visit our website at: http://bit.ly/1eaGpIY.

Whatever your plans are when you reach Copenhagen, you will never be bored.  You will certainly experience 'Danish hygge,' and have an enjoyable holiday without breaking the bank.