It’s Thursday evening and you’re browsing Ryanair’s cheap flights for fun, as most travel-obsessed 18- 24 year olds do. A great deal catches your eye, inviting you to spend a weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark. You have nothing else going on that weekend, no shifts at work, nothing to study… and it fits in the budget- so why not? You go ahead and impulsively buy the tickets. You’re all set for the weekend. Now you just need to decide what to do once you get there. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1- Boat Hop On Hop Off Tour: Exactly what it sounds like, the Copenhagen Hop On Hop Off Tour is just what you’d expect it to be, and the same as what we have here in Dublin. The only difference is that in Copenhagen, it’s on a boat. So not only do you get some fun facts about the city’s history and the chance to get on and off at different points of the tour, but you also get to spend some time out on the water, soaking up the sunshine. The tour brings you to famous landmarks such as the Nyhavn Harbour (aka the beautiful waterfront you’ve seen in all your travelling friends’ Instagram posts), and the Little Mermaid statue (hopelessly overrated if you ask me- despite the well-known story inspired by it, the statue itself is tiny and surrounded by other tourists).
2- Freetown Christiana: This hidden neighbourhood in Copenhagen comes with quite an interesting story. To keep it short, its residents have developed their own set of rules and ways of life, independent of the Danish government. The neighbourhood is known for its overwhelming smell of pot and the many vendors out in the open. But if that’s not your thing, don’t worry- there are also stands selling delicious street food, cool souvenirs and homemade clothing.
3- Rundetaarn: For the best view of the city, make your way to the 17 th century rundetaarn (which quite literally translates into Round Tower), and start climbing the many steps. During the climb, be sure to check out the art exhibitions on the different levels. And once you finally get to the top, take advantage of the Instagram-perfect background, or buy a snack from the little café they have at the top and enjoy the view.
4- Tivoli Gardens: For those who enjoy a little more of a thrill during their vacation, take the time to go visit the Tivoli Gardens. Don’t be fooled by its name, it’s actually a 19 th – century amusement park, complete with antique roller coasters and live entertainment!
5- Lastly, don’t forget to try some traditional Danish fare. My recommendation is Sm ørrebrød: a fancy open-faced sandwich that consists of bread, meat and vegetables. Not too heavy, and a perfect lunch to give you the energy you need to walk around the city. No matter what you end up doing during your 48 hours in Copenhagen, enjoy the fresh air, the friendly people and finally understand why Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the world.
