Hello friends,
Today, I’m sharing an article that’s a bit different from my usual posts. I’ll be recounting my recent three-day stay in Copenhagen around New Year’s, complete with tips and great places to visit!
So here are my experiences in wintery Copenhagen!
Some destinations already at your disposal
As a travel enthusiast, I would explore the entire world if I could! In the meantime, here are my articles about my recent travels:
Discover my trip to Thailand, my 3-day stay in Hong Kong, my trip to India, my weekend at Georges Blanc, or my culinary walk in Bali!
But let’s get back to Copenhagen…
Day 1 – The Historic Heart
We began our journey by leaving the Danmark hotel (where we stayed, conveniently located near the City Hall) to visit the Round Tower. This was a fascinating first stop, allowing us to climb to the top for a 360-degree view of the city.
Afterward, we strolled through the historic center, walking along Strøget, the lively pedestrian street that buzzes with activity even in winter. We then made our way to Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), followed by the charming alleys of Gammeltorv and Nytorv.
Next, we joined Nyhavn, where the colorful houses lining the canal create a picturesque scene perfect for photos! We’ve actually returned several times, both at the end of the day and in the evening, to experience this beautiful place in different lights. At dusk, the illuminated facades reflect a magical atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we took a leisurely walk in the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) and then visited Frederiks Church, a stunning marble church that’s definitely worth a look. We then wandered towards Amalienborg Palace (the royal family’s residence) along the waterfront.
As the evening approached, we experienced New Year’s Eve fireworks near Tivoli, right by City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen). This isn’t your typical fireworks show; anyone can buy and set off their own fireworks in this square (or other public squares), creating an extraordinary atmosphere with firecrackers exploding in all directions! And it continues for hours! 😉
Day 2 – Visits on a Public Holiday
It’s New Year’s Day, so we adjusted our plans for a day when many attractions are closed. We focused on outdoor sites, such as visiting the Little Mermaid. It might not be extraordinary, but it is the city’s emblem, and we couldn’t miss it!
We also explored Kastellet, known for its historic red garrison buildings.
Next, we made our way to Amalienborg Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, with soldiers dressed in full regalia—definitely a must-see!
Then it was time to visit Rosenborg Castle, an excellent spot for a chilly day with its cozy interiors and royal treasures, including the crown jewels. It’s a lovely experience.
In the afternoon, we headed to Christiania. Honestly, I wasn’t overly impressed; it might be more enjoyable in the summer. I found the atmosphere a bit strange and not particularly pleasant. However, researching the history of this place offers some cultural insight.
If you have the chance, I recommend experiencing something undeniably Nordic: bath and sauna by the harbor (CopenHot or Badeanstalten).
We wrapped up the day at Tivoli Gardens, which was magical in winter with its Christmas lights, decorations, attractions, and offerings of mulled wine.
Day 3 – Nautical Visit
In the morning, we ventured to Go Boat, located near Islands Brygge. We had booked a one-hour guided boat ride through the city’s picturesque canals.
The boats were equipped with heated seats and blankets, which was wonderful since the wind chill made it feel like -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) that day!
This way of seeing Copenhagen from the water provided a different perspective, allowing us to admire the stunning Danish architecture. It was truly delightful. Our guide was fantastic! I highly recommend this experience.
In the afternoon, we visited the Town Hall, an impressive building.
We concluded the day with a little shopping session.
How to Enjoy Despite Early Nights
Opt for shopping, museums, cafés, baths, and restaurants in the evening. Enjoy the inner light: candles, cafés, glass roofs.
Adopt the local pace: early dinners and cozy breaks.
Dress warmly to savor evening strolls.
In winter, Copenhagen can be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors: it’s the perfect time to fully embrace the concept of hygge.
But by the way, what is hygge?
Hygge is a Danish concept centered on well-being, togetherness, and simplicity.
More than just a word, it’s a warm atmosphere characterized by shared moments, often with loved ones. Hygge manifests in simple gestures: lighting candles, enjoying comforting meals, reading under a blanket, or chatting over coffee. It prioritizes comfort, slow living, and being present in the moment.
Originating in the Nordic countries to help cope with long, dark winters, hygge encourages the creation of a soothing bubble in daily life. It emphasizes authenticity, human connection, and the joy of small pleasures, fostering lasting happiness and balance.
My Shopping Addresses
You’ll find a plethora of shops and boutiques on Amagertorv street and in the surrounding area.
Some of my favorites include: Notre-Dame (tableware and decor), Illums Bolighus (also tableware and decor), Det Gamle Apotek (Christmas decorations, Danish ceramic houses), and the concept store Norr. Throughout the city, you’ll also discover many souvenir shops offering Danish puzzles and other magnets.
My Gourmet Addresses
The pastries: Andersen & Maillard, Lagkagehuset.
The smørrebrød (famous Danish open sandwiches): the Torvehallerne market (very nice, reminiscent of the halles in Bayonne for those who know) or Aamanns (a fantastic restaurant with minimalist Danish style and a wide selection of sandwiches, each better than the last!).
For a chic and somewhat gastronomic experience: Cofoco, where we spent New Year’s Eve; the menu was exceptional.
For brunch: The Union Kitchen, which offers a lovely atmosphere with great food that’s very varied.
To enjoy mulled wine: try the restaurants by the canal at Nyhavn.
For a nice, budget-friendly Asian meal: Wagamama.
For a unique dining experience, we had dinner at the restaurant in the Manon Les Suites hotel, known for its trendy Asian cuisine. It’s quite a pricey hotel, famous for its pool set amidst lush greenery. The ambiance is stunning, and just visiting the place makes it worthwhile to dine there, plus the meal was excellent!
I hope I’ve inspired you to consider a Danish weekend in Copenhagen. I certainly want to return—perhaps in nicer weather…
To be continued!
Other Ideas Just for You
If you enjoyed this « travel diary » format, I’ll take you even further than Copenhagen! For instance, I loved sharing my trip to India, which remains one of my most vibrant cultural and culinary experiences, filled with spices and colors I won’t soon forget.
And if you prefer to stay within France, I also share my getaway in Brittany, perfect for a big breath of salty air and some well-deserved crêpes.
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