9 must see places in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has no end of activities. The only thing that'll hold you back is the nordic weather. But do as we did, wrap up and face the city, just make sure that you stop a lot for coffee and culinary treats. You'll find plenty of choice!
Botanical Gardens
Øster Farimagsgade 2B, 1353 København K, Denmark
After a meander through the stunning Botanical Gardens, and a good 45 mins spent examining palms in the hot house to get warm, we headed to the nearby...
Danish National Museum // Statens Museum for Kunst
Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København, Denmark, +45 33 74 84 94
To dose up on the aesthetic. Save at least 2 hours to explore the collection (for free) and be sure to spare another 20 mins for the shop, which sells a gorgeous collection of mini Danish classics. I was sorely tempted by a Flensted Mobiler classic mobile to decorate the house, but was restrained in the interests of excess luggage.
Rosenborg Castle
Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark, +45 33 15 32 86
After the museum, we suggest you head across the street through the grounds of the Rosenborg Castle, and then head back north through the rows upon rows of beautiful terraced workers houses that make more many a pleasing photo and should be seen just for the incredible shade of mustard that they all sport.
Kastellet
Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1, 2100 København, Denmark, +45 72 83 98 55
From there it's an easy walk to the pentagram star shaped Kastellet, where you can head through the cobbled streets laid out with military precision, and still put to army use, until you reach the opposite side, where you'll spot the famed Little Mermaid perched on her rock, looking like she'll catch her death of cold. Frankly, I could have enjoyed a trip to Copenhagen without meeting her, she's not a must-do on the scale of the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben, but if you have the time, take a stroll to visit her.
Designmuseum Denmark
Bredgade 68, 1260 København, Denmark, +45 33 18 56 56
Is well worth a two to three hour visit if you are aesthetically inclined, as I am. Home to many a design classic, the layout is a little confusing at times and if you don't speak Danish you'll need wifi and Wikipedia to decipher some of the stories behind the displays, but the hands on nature of a lot of the exhibits, and the inspiring ergonomics of the Danish approach to design doesn't need translation.
Christiania
Prinsessegade, 1440 København, Denmark
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a pilgrimage to the eternally alternative Christiania, which despite the threat from fast encroaching developers eyeing up prime, central city real estate, the elders of this famed free town are clinging on to their society that challenges western standards of lifestyle that many of us hold as the norm. Whatever you think about where it's headed, Christiania is a brillaint place to
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark, +45 33 41 81 41
But I think my favourite place in Copenhagen was the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. One of the most unexpectedly incredible museums, filled with the private collection of the founding father of the Carlsberg dynasty. It's not just the expansive collection of dazzling white marble sculptures that are impressive, but the structure and majorelle blues used to present them. The restaurant in the central orangery amongst the leafy greens makes a great break during the time you spend here, and make sure take at least 4 hours to do the Glyptotek justice.
Aquarium
Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark, +45 44 22 22 44
If you have a couple of hours before your flight home from Copenhagen, make sure you head to the airport early: 10 mins walk away is the aquarium, one of the best I've ever visited and making for a relaxing pre-flight adventure under the sea.
Worker's Museum
Rømersgade 22, 1362 København K, Denmark, +45 33 93 25 75
Finally, the Worker's Museum, which had come highly recommended, and although quaint, we wouldn't perhaps recommend on a short weekend break. Nonetheless, a good one if you have children in tow, and the highly authentic underground restaurant made for an unusual lunch spot to sample local and traditional fare of years gone by.