Port Review: Copenhagen, Denmark

Overview

It’s home to some of the best preserved medieval architecture in Europe, and Copenhagen is also a cosmopolitan and laid-back city with people who know how to kick back and have fun. On the surface Copenhagen is a mix of historical buildings, church spires, and inspired modern architecture all connected by cobbled streets, but at its heart the buzzing cafe, bar and shopping scene make this one of the hippest places in Scandinavia. And while Stockholm may have a problem with that, Copenhagen is a place that’s also setting new benchmarks in the culinary world and on the fashion scene.

The Details

Location: On the east coast of Denmark.

Language: Danish, although English is well spoken.

Currency: Danish krone or crown.

Docking/Anchoring: Docking at either the Langelinie Pier or Freeport Terminal.

Transport: From Langelinie Pier it’s a pleasant 15 minute walk to the city centre and there are usually taxis and buses at the pier.

Don’t Miss

Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s many buzzing outdoor spaces, and today it is a pretty harbour known for its brightly coloured buildings, old boats and it's a popular starting point for canal tours. The best way to enjoy it is to do what the locals do; buy a few bottles of beer from a shop and sit on the kerbside to people watch.

The Little Mermaid is a small and unimposing statue at just over one metre high, as well as a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale character. She sits on a rock near the cruise terminal in Langelinie and greets maritime visitors as an elegant and fitting welcome to the port of Copenhagen. 

Since 1843 the Tivoli Garden has entertained locals and visitors alike. Reminiscent of a fairy tale village, yet right in the heart of the city, it's the place to find all manner of attractions from theme park roller coasters, to theatres and restaurants.

Amalienborg Palace is less than a kilometre away in the city centre and one of the most visited sights in Copenhagen. The stunning building isn't actually a single palace but four different ones linked by an impressive square, and built by four noble families in the 18th century.

Best Photo Op

At noon every day, Amalienborg Palace has a Changing of the Guard which is a colourful procession which lasts for about 20 minutes. 

Shopping

Perhaps the heart and soul of Copenhagen can be found around Strøget, which claims to be the longest pedestrian street in the world at just over one kilometre in length. Here you can wander the cobbled streets and check out everything from designer stores, to bargain chains and do what the locals do - discover a convivial bar or restaurant down a side street and kick back and watch the world go by.

Eating And Drinking

Copenhagen is renowned for its excellent array of restaurants spread right across the city and a few local delicacies include “smørrebrød”, or open-faced sandwiches, “frikadelle”, rissole with potatoes, preserved sour vegetables and thick brown sauce. And of course Danish beer including Carlsberg and Tuborg is a real local favourite.

Excursions

A city Hop-on, Hop-off Tour is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. For a single fee you can get on and off these buses as many times in a day as you like and they include many of the major sights including the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace and The Tivoli.

You don't have to love beer to enjoy a tour of the famous Carlsberg Brewery but it probably helps! One of the most famous Danish brands, it was founded by J.C. Jacobsen in 1847, who pioneered steam brewing and single yeast strain. The Visitor Centre attracts 150,000 visitors a year who want to learn about the brewing process, and enjoy a tasting.

If you have been there and done that, take a trip over the Oresund Bridge to the Swedish town of Malmö. It takes only 30 minutes by train from the centre of Copenhagen, and there are plenty of sights to see including Malmöhus Castle, which dates back to the 15th century, and the Turning Torso, a unique building.