Copenhagen is an expensive city and it may be hard to make the most of it on a budget. Do not fear! Here is a guide to enjoying one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities without breaking the bank. I take you through two days of activities that keep the costs down – and a couple that you could sprinkle into your trip as a treat.
In terms of travel and accommodation, it may work out to be cheaper to fly to Copenhagen and stay in Malmö, Sweden. A forty minute train journey gets you to central Copenhagen and puts you in the perfect place to start your journey around the capital. How easy this is may depend on Covid restrictions at the time you travel, so check these before you plan your trip. However, if there are few restrictions it is easy to travel between the two cities.
Day 1
Morning
The good news is that Copenhagen is a city that can be walked around easily, so there is little need to spend too much money on public transport. When you emerge from the station it can be overwhelming which way to turn, especially if you’re not a confident traveller. I would suggest heading out of the station and making your way up to Copenhagen City Hall, exploring this area until you reach The Round Tower.
The Round Tower or Rundetaarn, is a 17th century tower that follows a steep path to get to the top. Once there, it overlooks the whole of Copenhagen, giving you a panoramic view of the city. Nearby is Kongens Have, a luscious park to relax in after the dizzying heights of the tower. If you are visiting in summer it is the perfect place to chill, read a book or soak in the city. It can also be punctuated by a visit to Rosenborg castle if you want to tick that sight off your list.
Rosenborg Castle / Sheona Mountford
You could spend a whole day here, however, if you want to pack in as much as possible during your mini-break, I would move on. Go for a little wander until you end up in the iconic Nyhavn. The chocolate box houses in primary colours are essential additions to your camera roll during a trip to Copenhagen. If you want to digest more architecture there is Amalienborg, the royal palaces, and Frederik’s church, all incredibly impressive.
It is about this time I would stop for lunch. If you want to, treat yourself to a sit-down meal and sample the renowned Danish open sandwich. Or perhaps make your own packed lunch and eat by the water, catching a glimpse of the Little Mermaid statue as you munch through your lunch.
Afternoon/Evening
There’s a great range of museums and galleries to consider visiting in the afternoon, such as the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or the National Museum. However, I would invest in a visit to Tivoli Gardens. The amusement park is one of the oldest in the world and contains a range of unique rides that all have a quirky Danish charm. Performances often take place, so check what is going on before you book. The theme park can easily take up a whole afternoon and evening, but it is a great way to spend your time before you head back to base in Malmö.
Tivoli Gardens / Sheona Mountford
Day 2
Morning
When you wake up the next day to the sound of seagulls and the smell of gravlax, you may be tempted to stay in Sweden. Here is why you should hop on the train back to Copenhagen!
Start your day at a coffee shop in the very trendy neighbourhood of Nørrebro. If visiting the graves of famous people is your thing, pay tribute to a Danish icon, Hans Christian Andersen, at the Assistens Cemetery. Or for the foodies reading this, your appetite will be satisfied by the Torvehallerne. It is a market where you can sample local produce, food and desserts – a hub of city activity.
Afternoon
For a more subdued experience after navigating the hectic streets, the Workers Museum is just a three minute walk away. It details Denmark’s social history, and explores what people’s homes looked like in the past. There is also a brilliant gift shop full of all manner of left-wing gifts.
Workers museum / Sheona Mountford
A trip to Copenhagen is not complete without a visit to Christianshavn and its famous commune, the Freetown of Christiania. Remember to respect the rules of the community and to not take any pictures, simply enjoy the experience instead.
For those that struggle to plan trips, I hope this has been a useful guide to 48 hours in Copenhagen! It is up to you if you wish to visit more places, but this basic guide will help you navigate the city's main attractions. Copenhagen is a wonderful place, where being amongst the buildings and backdrop alone is a great experience, and hopefully through my help, can be an attainable experience on a budget.
0 Comments