Copenhagen is small and cozy, or “hyggelig” as the Dane says. The capital of the ancient kingdom offers stately castles alongside modern architecture, a kilometer-long pedestrian zone for extensive shopping tours, an amusement park in the city center and numerous cafés and restaurants on the waterfront.

My personal highlights in Copenhagen:

♥ strolling the colorful Nyhavn
♥ harbour boot trip with a detour to Christiania
♥ walk through the Tivoli

Copenhagen has much to offer, but is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe. We have some tips for an affordable getaway in Copenhagen.

Short trip Copenhagen – Day 1:

3 pm: Hotel room with a kitchen and harbor view
Check in at a hotel with small apartments: The Adina hotel in the new harbor area at the Cruise Terminal offers fully equipped apartments with living room and kitchen. Bargain hunters enjoy their dinner on the balcony – from the higher floors with views of the numerous spiers of the city and the cruise ships next door.

5 pm: Visiting Copenhagens most famous statue
Copenhagen is famous for biking and there are more than 300 kilometers of cycle paths. So borrow a bike and ride to the historic “Kastellet”. On the bright red barracks of the old weir system the red and white national flag Dannebrog is waving. The highlight: Next door at the harbor channel the little mermaid already celebrates its 100th anniversary a few years ago, the landmark was donated in 1913 by brewer Carl Jacobsen.

7 pm: Dinner at the Nyhavn
Along the promenade we continue to Nyhavn – the “new” port. Historic sailor ships are in the small port. The formerly sinful, colorful row of houses is now full of sunny cafes and restaurants. If there are no seats left, buy a bear and sit down next to the students on the quay wall.

Short trip Copenhagen – Day 2:

10 am: Discovering treasures in Rosenborg Castle

At the Rosenborg Castle by Christian IV. you will find royal treasures in the highly secure treasury, the rooms are full of art and the huge ballroom is really worth a visit. By the way: Who wants to visit different attractions, saves money with the Copenhagen Card. It includes many free admissions or boat tours and trips by bus and train.

11.30 am: Changing of the guards
Every day the guards line up in front of the Rosenborg Castle at the same time. Tourists join the small group and follow them to the royal residence Amalienborg, where the soldiers with the black fur hat are expected at exactly 12 noon by hundreds of tourits.

2 pm: Tasting “Frokost”
Time for a Smørrebrød – a danish sandwich! During the day it is much cheaper to eat in Copenhagen than in the evenings and many restaurants offer up to 5 pm the Frokost, that means lunch. You have to try the Danish speciality with lots of toppings like herring, egg salad or sausage. On the old fish market Gammel Strand you can enjoy the classic neal while overlooking the Christiansborg Palace.

3 pm: Shopping time!
Now it is time for shopping, because in Copenhagen you will find one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. At the Strøget you will find on about two kilometers length fast food chains and souvenir shops but also elegant luxury labels. If you like Danish Christmas decorations, turn into Knabrostræde 3 for Christmas Shopping.

6 pm: Cheap dinner
The alternative to an expensive dinner or even cooking in Adina hotel is to go to a Pølsevogn – a sausage shop. Everywhere at the crowded places of the city, they offer fresh Danish hot dogs.

Short trip Copenhagen – Day3:

10 am: Visiting the Tivoli

In the middle of the city you will find one of the highest swing carousels in the world – it turns on 80 meters height! In addition to historical horse carousels there are so modern attractions and the beauty of the flowers on the lake atrtacts photographers for many years: Already in 1843 the Tivoli the mother of all themeparks – opened at the Central Railway Station.

12 am: Nice boot trip
After the exciting adventures at Tivoli a one-hour canal cruise from Nyhavn is very relaxing. The flat boat slides comfortable by the trendy district of Christianshavn, overlooking the controversial Freetown Christiania and the redesigned hangars, that are homes and offices now.

2 pm: Visiting the brewery Carlsberg
For lunch we stroll to the nice city quarter Vesterbro and walk along the Værnedamsvej with its bistros and flower shops. At “Little France” you can buy delicious and affordable baguettes. Those who still have time, can visit a few bus stops further the traditional brewery Carlsberg and taste a Tuborg or Carlsberg on ancient recipe. Tips for women: Order Jacobsen Velvet Ale.

Further informationen at Visit_Copenhagen.

Note: This trip was supported by Adina hotels and Visit Copenhagen. The report is intended solely as our own opinions.