A Weekend In Copenhagen
I have wanted for years to visit Scandinavia, and earlier this month was able to tick Copenhagen off my list. When I researched the trip I was torn between Copenhagen and Stockholm, and made the decision based on price. I managed to book Copenhagen for quite a bit less (and a gorgeous hotel to boot). Stockholm will have to wait for another trip I'm afraid.
I booked a weekend at the Hotel Skt Petri, which I later learned was one of the up-and-coming hotels to stay in the city. Set Petri has recently been refurbished, and offers luxurious and comfortable rooms, comfy beds and one of the best hotel bars I've ever come across. The hotel is located super centrally in the Latin Quarter, just a stones throw from some amazing bars and restaurants, and a ten minute walk to the city sights. Never in my life have I ever met such friendly and helpful staff, from concierge to reception to the lovely people serving at the bar. The concierge staff were even lovely enough to help me out when I realised I had left my passport in the room's safe (not until I was about to get on the plane - luckily I was allowed to travel with my driving license!). My passport arrived home safe and sound just a few days after I did (thanks Skt Petri!)
The gorgeous hotel lobby
As for Copenhagen itself, I knew I was going to love the city thanks to the many, many recommendations of various friends. It is definitely a walking city, and with so much to see I spent so many hours doing just that. I had heard about how safe Scandinavia in general is, and knew that Copenhagen would live up to the reputation when I had no hesitation in walking around at night time. With so much to see and do it seemed important not to waste a second!
As with a lot of cities I've gone to, I booked myself onto a walking tour for the first day to get a feel for the city and to find my bearings. Coming from Glasgow's grid system, I can get so confused (and lost) when it comes to winding streets and random roads. I booked onto the Copenhagen Free Walking Tour, one of the top recommended tours in the city. We met at 11am outside the City Hall in Radhuspladsen - the easiest place to find in the city. Whilst we waited for everyone to arrive we watched a good few weddings come out of the Halls - lovely entertainment for a few minutes! We were separated into groups and set off in our different directions. Our guide Dan, a chatty, knowledgeable Aussie, told us stories about everything from the Royals to diving competitions to war with Sweden. It was a quick 3 hours in which I felt as though I learned so much about the city I felt as though I had been there weeks instead of a day. We were also lucky enough to catch the changing of the guard whilst on our coffee break - and saw the marching band make its way through the streets. I couldn't recommend a day with Copenhagen Walking Tours more - I only wish I had more time to do the tour of Christianshavn the same day. I'll have to go back to see the alternative side of the city another time.
An area I was excited to check out was the iconic New Harbour, filled with bars and restaurants, and the famous colourful houses. the half hour I meant to spend here turned into an entire afternoon of wandering, taking photos, popping in and out of bars and eating allllll the food (hello waffles, I still miss you). I would love to see this place in the summer, when the colours are vibrant and bright thanks to sunshine. I was lucky enough to have a dry day though, and the ice in the canal made for some cool photos!
When it comes to food and drink, Copenhagen is notoriously one of the most expensive places in Europe to go, and sadly I didn't quite have the cash to front for some of the amazing Michelin Starred restaurants - although it has now become a definite goal of mine! On my budget, I decided to hit up some of the cute little hotdog carts that were dotted around the major attractions. A friend of mine had said how good they were and Oh.My.God do I agree. Super affordable and super cheap made me super happy. I had also decided to check out as many Danish Bakeries as possible. I was lucky enough to be just a few streets away from the amazing Skt Peders Bageri, Copenhagen's oldest bakery which was founded in 1652 and is famed for it's cinnamon buns. Safe to say I spent a lot of money here - which is arguably hard to do since pastries are one thing which aren't expensive. I even went on my last morning and stashed one in my bag to take home and force feed to my mum. That's dedication. As far as alcohol goes, the odd glass of wine was about as much as I was going to be able to afford - although I do wish I'd had time to visit the Carlsberg factory - something else for another visit.
Delicious, delicious waffles...
I wish I had more time in lovely Copenhagen. It's a city I could have spent a few more days in for sure. Also, did I mention I've never seen so many bloody beautiful people in my life?? Definitely worth a return trip.
