I recently visited the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark, for leisure during November 24-26, 2018. I specifically went there for a concert. I will share some highlights and tips with you about Copenhagen.
While many people living in Southern Sweden visit Copenhagen regularly, this was a treat for me since I am located in the far north of Sweden where traveling anywhere cuts into the pocketbook or takes a lot of time.
This was my third time visiting Copenhagen. I visited the city two times in 2007 when I was a Rotary International Youth Exchange Student living in Älmhult, Sweden, though it was only for a couple hours each time. This time I was able to see the city for a few days.
I flew from Luleå Airport in Luleå, Sweden, the most populated city in the far north of Scandinavia. I would have preferred to fly from Kiruna airport, but it was twice the price as flying from Luleå! I normally do a three hour train ride to Luleå, but this time circumstances persuaded me to drive there. I left my car in the extended parking area of the airport. I connected to a flight in Stockholm to the Copenhagen airport.
I arrived at Copenhagen airport at 11 at night and immediately bought a tourist ticket that covers public transportation, such as buses and trains, for 48 hours. There are options to have the ticket cover 24, 48 and 72 hours, or longer. I picked up a map of the train system and hopped on the metro, thinking it would take me right to the central station. To my surprise, I learned that the metro line I was on did not go to central station, and there was no way to transfer directly to a metro line that did. I actually had to go to the surface, cross the street, and go back down to the “S-tog,” a completely different train system. So be aware you may have to look at the train maps a bit more closely if you are trying them for the first time.
There are plenty of hotels located around central station, and many great sites are located right in the city core. I visited Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world that first opened in 1843. I also visited the National Museum of Denmark, and the beautiful colorful buildings that line a canal in Nyhavn (one of the most popular destinations for tourists).
Tivoli Gardens is wonderful to see at the very end of November and throughout December because it has beautiful Christmas displays that are lovely, especially at night. The National Museum of Denmark contains many interesting artifacts found throughout Scandinavia, though you should make a whole day out of visiting since it is time consuming to go through the reading material.
The concert I went to was held at the venue called TAP1. I have been to music venues all over the United States and Europe, and I will say TAP1 is the worst venue I have ever been to. It is an old warehouse that was obviously not designed for live music, and has huge columns that block the crowd’s view. Additionally there is limited public transportation nearby. I will not be going back to that venue again!
Cycling is very common in Copenhagen because the majority of residents in the city ride a bike to commute to work. I think the cycling gives a more lively and social feel to the city compared to Stockholm. There is also food everywhere! From small hole in the wall fast food joints to bars to larger restaurants.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city with charm. While it was not the most interesting European city I have visited, it is a city that I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again if the chance came up.
Lauren Ell was born and raised in Southern California and has been living in the far north of Sweden for over two years. She works as a marketing consultant and part time English teacher. She is the founder of Americans Sweden and Nordic Republicans. Contact Lauren by emailing info[at]americanssweden.com.
