Here’s our Copenhagen Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Copenhagen is one of the most well-known capitals in Scandinavia. The Danish capital is mostly known for its sustainability, rich history, and culture. It has a lot of famous tourist attractions, like the Mermaid statue, the gardens, and the harbor, which draw a lot of tourists every year. But we’ve got some hidden gems in the city for you to check out so read on for our Copenhagen Anti-Tourist Guide.
How many days should I save to visit Copenhagen?
As with any other major city, it’s hard to say exactly how long you’ll need to visit Copenhagen. But if you’re mostly interested in the tourist attractions and don’t have a lot of time to relax, two days should be enough. If you want to relax a bit more in between, we suggest adding a day or two to your trip.
What are the main highlights of Copenhagen?
1. Copenhagen’s Music Scene
a) Festivals in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s got big festivals all year, like Distortion, which is the city’s biggest street party with electronic music. 100,000 people usually show up to walk through different streets in the Danish capital. When the daytime parties end, the clubs pick up where they left off, so you can party all day and night. But if electronic music isn’t your thing, there’s always the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. This massive jazz festival is one of the biggest in Europe, with tons of performances in the streets, city squares, and jazz clubs.And what’s better than a free festival? Byhaven Pumpehuset is one of them! This outdoor festival takes place in a green oasis during the summer nights, with lots of up-and-coming artists performing.
b) Live music in Copenhagen
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends or family, you should check out La Fontaine. They’ve got live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with jazz performances from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. If blues is more your thing, you’ll love Mojo. Most days, they’ve got blues bands playing while you enjoy a drink or a bite. And if you’re really looking for a typical Copenhagen live music venue, you’ve got to check out Drop Inn. They’ve got live music acts on a regular basis!
c) Clubbing in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s got some great nightclubs, and Culture Box is definitely one of the best. This place is known for its electronic music and awesome vibes. Werkstatt is another great spot. It’s got a super fun interior with a disco-cow on the ceiling and a top-notch lighting system that’ll make the vibes in the club totally unparalleled. Last but not least is Chateau Motel, a giant club with four stories, each with its own music style, making it perfect for a night out with friends!
2. Where to eat in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s got tons of places to grab a tasty bite. If you’re craving coffee, breakfast, or lunch while you’re in the city center, 42 Raw Cafe is an awesome spot. They’ve got unique and delicious coffees and dishes. They’ve got something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan options. And if you’re into food markets, you’ve got to check out Streetfood Market Reffen. This food market is right on the water, has outdoor seating, and offers a wide variety of global cuisines, from Greek to Indian.
3. What to see in Copenhagen
Our Saviour’s Church
This church is one of the most famous in Denmark, mostly because of its unique spire. The spire is shaped like a Serpentine, and at the top, there’s a statue of the Saviour. Every year, tons of tourists climb the tower to see it. The church is really special because of its spire, but it’s also got a dark, almost black color, which is pretty unusual for most churches. If you’re not sure what to do in Copenhagen, this is the perfect place to start exploring!
Grundtvig’s Church
This stunning Gothic church is one of the best spots in Copenhagen that you really can’t miss. At first glance, you wouldn’t guess that it’s a church because it looks nothing like your typical church. It has some similarities with the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland. This over-the-top building is an absolute must-visit!
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
The Carlsberg Glyptotek is a special place, especially in the capital of a country. If you love art, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. The most unique piece of the museum is its oase in the middle. The oase/garden has some trees and a beautiful fountain in the middle of it, which makes it an inspirational place in the middle of Denmark’s capital.
4. Alternative places in Copenhagen
Botanical Garden
Another gorgeous oasis in the heart of Copenhagen is the Botanical Garden, which offers plenty of peace and a chance to reconnect with nature. It’s not just your typical garden with a few trees, plants, and flowers; it’s home to some of the rarest plants from across the globe. And let’s not forget the iconic ‘Palm House’ — a must-see spot in the botanical garden. After a long day of exploring Copenhagen, it’s the perfect way to unwind.
Christiania
Christiania is probably something you’ll only see once in your lifetime. It’s also called a micronation or a freetown. It’s an intentional community and an anarchist commune, and it’s popular because there are no laws. The laws of Copenhagen don’t apply in Christiania. However, in 2024, the police shut down the cannabis trade with help from the neighborhood. Before that, it was a place for open trade of cannabis.
5. Where to stay?
We couldn’t leave you without a great recommendation. Our friends at the Copenhagen Downtown hostel are the best in town and they’ll make sure you have the greatest time on your trip.
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