The boyfriend and I have always wanted to visit Copenhagen, having heard so many great things about it. So with a quiet weekend ahead of us we decided to hop on a plane to visit the world's most liveable city.
We spent a peaceful 4 days wandering around the city, visiting all the sights, drinking chai lattes and soaking up the sun, but to be honest we got a bit bored. Strike me down for being so unappreciative of all Copenhagen has to offer, but I felt like I was missing what everyone raves about. Perhaps 4 days is too long, perhaps the boyfriend and I have lost the ability to relax and just be, perhaps I'm not a sit with a beverage and watch the world go by for hours type of person, whatever, I don't think I need to go back (sorry Copenhagen).
We did however uncover some lovely things to see and do in Copenhagen.
EAT
Torvehallerne - This little food market housed some culinary gems. We ate spicy Vietnamese baguettes followed by fabulous ice cream. If you visit I beg you to try the cherry and nutella concoction, it had me going back everyday. The glass boxes that house the various food stalls are surrounded by lots of open air seating and is always bustling.
Hot Buns - After wandering for ages on Sunday night to find a bite to eat in a restaurant that wasn't deserted we stumbled across Hot Buns. We were pleasantly surprised with the creative vegetarian option (an almond, spinach and egg 'burger') with crispy sweet potato fries, but less impressed with the exorbitant charge for a glass of tap water. Regardless if you like burgers seek out Hot Buns.
Cafe Paludan - Tucked away down a side street and resembling a library inside was this cafe. We dined on sandwiches so large and yummy that I needed a doggy bag. The board games were a fun addition to help wile away some time.
SHOP
Stroget - This is the main shopping street housing all those high street favourites you'll find back home such as H&M, Topshop and Zara. Globalisation at it's finest. Use this street as a navigation point but search the surrounding area for more unique shops.
Acne Archive - The main Acne store resembles the red room in Twin Peaks and I loved it. The staff were super friendly and pointed us in the direction of the Acne sample shop, a 20 minute walk north of the main town past some beautiful lakes. The store is tiny but is well worth the trip as the discounts are hearty (at least 50% off) and the rails are full of last season stock and one off runway pieces. The boyfriend and I were suitably impressed.
HAY - The boyfriend and I love the Danish designs of Hay. We recently acquired the modular sofa; we have tea towels, stationary, cushions...it's fair to say that when department store Liberty recently opened a concession we were there salivating and stroking things. So it was with great happiness that we wandered around the flagship store wanting to buy more things for our home.
VISIT
Design Museum - If you love Danish furniture and design this museum is a must visit. The cafe has some yummy offerings and the gift shop has a great selection of greeting cards and jewellery.
Citadel - Having exhausted all of our to do list in a day or so we were clutching at straws at how to kill time so meandered to the Citadel. It was beautiful. Lots of green grass, meadow flowers, swans in the lakes, statues, trees in blossom. The boyfriend got excited as lots of runners were zooming around and he joined them that evening. A very pleasant surprise.
The Little Mermaid - Close to the Citadel is one of Copenhagen's main tourist attractions, The Little Mermaid. It's a brass statue sitting on a rock in the sea, the story behind it is pleasant. It's worth going to visit just to say you've been but more importantly to marvel at the hoards of tourists clambering over themselves to get a picture with it leaving you wondering what they are going to do with that picture.
Rundetaarn - Another place we had no intention of visiting but was actually good was this 17th century round tower in the centre of Copenhagen. If you're not very mobile it isn't for you as getting to the top involves a step climb up a cobbled incline. The views from the top show Copenhagen in all it's prettiness and there's a great gallery space halfway up with the most beautiful light wood floors. I wanted to live there!
Statens Museum for Kunst - A great freebie museum housing mainly Danish and some international artworks through the centuries. Definitely worth a stroll around.
Maybe I've been too harsh on Copenhagen, it was a lovely little city. I sometimes think that I'm spoilt living in London. So don't take my word for it, go visit.
