Copenhagen, Denmark was a short stop on our trip, but it completely wowed us. Getting there from Hamburg wasn’t exactly smooth—we took several trains, and it was a bit of an adventure. Some people didn’t have reserved seats and were sitting on the floor, while we had ours sorted. A little chaotic, but once we arrived, it was totally worth it.
First Impressions: Beautiful, Clean, and Expensive
The city is spotlessly clean and feels super polished. It reminded us a bit of Boston, but even nicer—think colorful streets, canals, and perfectly maintained architecture. Walking around Copenhagen was an absolute treat, though we quickly realized it’s not cheap. Food, coffee, and activities can add up, so definitely budget a bit more if you’re planning a visit.
Exploring the City on Foot
Even on a short stay, we managed to see quite a bit just by walking around. Some of our favorite areas included:
- Nyhavn: The famous canal with colorful buildings, cafés, and boats—perfect for a stroll or grabbing a drink by the water.
- Strøget: One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, full of shops, cafés, and street performers.
- The Little Mermaid statue: Iconic, small, and very touristy—but worth a quick photo.
- Christianshavn: A charming neighborhood with canals, historic buildings, and plenty of spots to just wander and enjoy the scenery.
Everywhere we walked, the streets were lined with bike paths, locals commuting on bikes, and squares that were perfect for people-watching. Copenhagen has this cool balance of modern design and historic charm that makes strolling around so enjoyable.
Food, Coffee, and Culture
Even though it’s expensive, the food and coffee scene in Copenhagen was a highlight. Fresh pastries, strong coffee, and little cafés around every corner made the city feel cozy and approachable. We didn’t have time to try everything, but what we did try felt elevated—even the simple meals were delicious.