Copenhagen is like a miniature version of Scandinavia. It has tall, beautiful people who seem to be happy with their lives, a friendly but somewhat competitive rivalry with its Scandinavian neighbors, and it costs a lot. I learned how to get around the city in a few days. Here are some other things you could do.

When you should go to Copenhagen

Summer is the best time to go to Copenhagen. The weather can change quickly in the spring and fall. Winter is cold and wet, with short days and cold winds. If you go in the summer, you’ll have the best chance of good weather, but there will also be a lot of people. Don’t forget your umbrella! April and May might have the best weather and the fewest people.

Things to do and see in the middle of Copenhagen

The city is built around a few main areas: Strøget, a pedestrian-only shopping street; Gammel Strand, a beachfront area across from Christiansborg Palace; and Nyhavn, a beautiful (and very popular) area that backs up to the royal palace of Amalienborg. There are many other things to see as you walk west toward Tivoli or north to the Round Tower, but this is likely the first thing you’ll notice in the middle.

This long street goes from the Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) to the big square with lots of flowers at Kongens Nytorv. It’s a good way to get started. There are a lot of luxury shops and coffee shops, as well as the usual Irish clubs and gift shops. 

Many side streets lead to the water, north to the university, or maybe down Lille Kirkestraede to the Nikolaj Arts Center, which is in a former church and has a cute little café attached. But once you’re tired of tripping over tourists who are just looking, you should go in a different direction.