A while back I wrote an article entitled “8 reasons to visit Copenhagen.” Even then, I said we had only scratched the surface. Another visit this year revealed 7 more reasons to visit Copenhagen. Hopefully, these articles will inspire you to explore the most livable city on the planet.
We previously highlighted Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg, Christiania, Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and more, in this highly walkable city. Next, let’s take to the water.
Navigate the canals
A quick metro to Christianshavn drops us off near GoBoats in the Islands Brygge neighborhood. Minutes later we are on a self-guided nautical adventure through narrow canals and bustling waterways. We choose the two-hour option, with “Captain Charlotte” at the helm of our quiet electric boat. We are treated to interesting water-level views of Christiansborg Palace and Nyhavn, the Opera House and more. Picturesque houseboats and sailboats line the canals of Christianshavn as we make our way back.
A few items to note. Weather in Copenhagen can change rapidly. I would only take this tour with the promise of good weather. Also, there are other options. We saw guided canal boats packed with more than a hundred people – not a great experience! Another self-drive option worth checking out is Friendships.
Danish Royal Library Garden
A short walk across the bridge from GoBoats takes us by the Danish Architecture Center, where a local citizen suggests we maneuver along a path that takes us by the War Museum and the Danish Royal Library. The library is both an old building and a modern extension, called the Black Diamond. The highlight of this side trip is a century-old hidden garden, a quiet oasis with lovely grounds (and no tourists).
Botanical Gardens
Speaking of lovely grounds, Copenhagen’s free Botanical Garden has been nature’s living museum since 1874. Exploring the 10 hectares (25 acres), with its 13,000 species of plant life (all labeled) can be an interesting diversion for a few hours. Enter a fascinating butterfly house in the famed Palm House (small admission fee) for even more fun.
King’s Garden
Right across the street from the Botanical Garden is Rosenborg Castle, positioned at one end of the expansive King’s Garden. With 18 hours of daylight, any summer day brings couples and families out for a stroll or a picnic along the tree-lined lawns. Walk in the historic footsteps of King Christian IV, who acquired this 12-hectare (30 acre) land way back in 1606.
Torvehallerne Market
If all this garden walking works up an appetite, you are in for a treat. Copenhagen has several large markets, our favorite being Torvehallerne. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the aforementioned gardens. You can expect nothing short of top-quality product here, from the plentiful fresh fruits and vegetables to the numerous independent permanent stalls. A dozen kinds of ripe tomatoes? Check. Fresh fish to take home or have them cook for you? Check. Delectable bakery and patisserie? Check. Food ranging from Mexican tacos to Japanese sushi? Well, you can see why we visited nearly every day.
Royal Copenhagen
The city has managed to somehow keep most of the international chains away, whether that be hotels or retail (though we do love the huge Muji store). You won’t find the mediocre brands that crowd the tourist-jammed streets of Amsterdam. That leaves room for some quality establishments, such as the iconic Royal Copenhagen flagship store in the city center. Of course, all the famous porcelain dishes are for sale here. But it is also like a museum, with the famous Christmas plates from each year of the last century displayed and an exhibit of creative work. Take time to admire the hand-painted exquisite Flora Danica collection.
Why not dance?
The people of Copenhagen like it here and are among the happiest in the world. High taxes provide free education, free health care, and more. They might be so happy they just have to dance, as we see in the above video. Within 30 minutes, strangers become dance partners, and everyone seems to be having a good time. You will too in this land of fairy tales.
Don’t forget to check out my other story, “8 reasons to visit Copenhagen,” and add your own reasons after visiting.
Do you have any questions or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
What’s upscale?
Quality of life comes with a price. Copenhagen can be expensive.
What’s budget?
Much of what we talk about in this article are free places to explore.
