A Weekend in Copenhagen

Written By Michelle Plante

Coming from the canals in Denmark’s capital

Copenhaven! It’s one of the places that leaves a lasting impression, even after a short visit. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend two weekends there during a five-week work trip to Malmo, Sweden, a few years back. This was before I became obsessed with luxury hotels, so I Opted for an AirBnB in the city center - perfect for exploring on foot. And, full disclosure, this was also before I embraced an alcohol-free lifestyle, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying all of the bauty and culture Copenhagen had to offer.

The city felt relaxed, yet energized at the same time, which was perfect for a weekend getaway. I spent a lot of times people watching around the iconic color houses of Nyhavn, sat in the a lot of cafes, and also got lost in the woods.

I’m excited to share my favorite things to do for a weekend in Copenhagen.


The Cutest Airbnb To Ever Exist

One of the highlights of my time in Copenhagen was staying at the most adorable Airbnb hosted by a woman named Mia. The apartment was exactly like my house - maps hung on almost eveyr wall and plants in clustered into every corner. These are two of my favorite things!  I didn’t want to leave! Mia was an amazing host, offering a ton of local advice on hidden gems in the city, while checking in regularly, but not in an annoying way, to make sure I had everything I needed. I was like… “can we be friends?!”

I’ve tried to find her lists again, but no such luck. However, I’ve come across a few similar ones on Airbnb that capture the charm of Copenhagen.

Cosy flat in the heart of Copenhagen Østerbro

Cosy apartment with balcony

Cozy Østerbro apartment

The Luxury Hotel Scene

Copenhagen’s luxury hotels are where classic elegance meets modern style, offering much more than just a room for the night, and on my next Eurotrip, I hope to stay in one of these beautiful properties.

The hotels are all about creating an experience, combining flawless service with beautiful design and top-notch dining. HERE FOR THIS.

Here are my top 3 luxury hotels in Copenhagen:

Hotel d'Angleterre:
One of the first luxury hotels in the world, opening in 1755, was founded on the love story of two royal servants whose passion for service continues to inspire the hotel's staff today. Set within a grand neoclassical building, the d'Angleterre combines classic elegance with modern touches across its 92 rooms and suites. It’s a love story, baby just say yes.

Hotel Sanders:
COMPLIMENTARY BIKES!!! This hotel has 54 rooms and is tucked away on a quiet street behind Nyhavn canal, and I love that this build mixes Danish art with East Asian touches - think rattan, bamboo, and ALL OF THE PLANTS. It’s laid-back and cool, with a beautiful rooftop terrace to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset.

Nimb:
This hotel has been proudly family-owned for generations. Most of the 38 suites have a fireplace or balcony overlooking the Tivoli Gardens, giving it a lovely view with the amenities to match. All rooms have Apple TVs, Bang & Olufsen televisions and sound systems, and Nespresso machines. Dining includes Nimb Brasserie, a French brasserie; Nimb Bar'n'Grill, with elegant Asian cuisine; Gemyse, with organic, green cuisine recommended by the Michelin Guide; Fru Nimb, serving Danish sandwiches; and Cakenhagen, with its sumptuous cakes. The Nimb Bar has a fireplace and afternoon tea.

Book your hotel using this link to get receive VIP amenities, upgrades, and other exclusive offers any hotel in Copenhagen.

Exploring all of Copenhagen:

Nyhavn You’ve likely seen the iconic, colorful buildings lining the waterfront in photos of Copenhagen. Nyhavn is postcard-perfect and a lovely spot to wander. You can enjoy a casual bite from one of the nearby food stalls or sit along the harbor with a snack and take in the views.


The Mermaid: Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but there’s something special about seeing the statue up close. I didn’t spend long here, just enough to take a quick photo and enjoy an ice cream as I walked along the Langelinie promenade. Plus, I took a sweet photo with a fellow tourist that I met.


Tivoli Gardens: Whether you’re into amusement parks or not, Tivoli Gardens is a must-see. It’s a magical spot that feels straight out of a fairytale with its charming rides, lush gardens, and evening light shows. I didn’t spend much time eating there, but grabbing a Danish pastry to enjoy as I explored was enough.

Getting Lost (not on purpose) in Copenhagen:

Do you ever get those signs a few days before you leave for a trip, and you know you’re on the right path? I RARELY read magazines but I recall picking up one (I think it was an Airbnb magazine - is that a thing) and finding a photo of these iconic trolls inside. This was before I spent 5 weeks in Sweden for a work trip, and I knew I had to find them.

Artist Thomas Dambo creates these, and they’re not your typical trolls, either - they’re GIANT sculptures made entirely from recycled wood, tucked away in forests and open spaces ALL OVER THE WORLD. Everywhere, from the US, to South Korea, to Mexico, and I hope to continue visiting these whimsical creatures through my travels. His studio, an old farm, is actually in Copenhagen, in the middle of the Danish countryside.

I had a rough idea where to look based on his Trollmap, but of course, nothing ever goes as planned. And I was by myself. Classic. What was supposed to be a casual stroll through the woods quickly turned into me wandering off the beaten path and completely losing my way. One minute, I was following a trail; the next, I was in a Blair Witch Project forest, trying to make sense of a map that was clearly not for people like me. I kept thinking I was getting closer, but then, nope.

Thomas Dambo also has a fantastic TedTalk on “The fine art of dumpster diving.” It’s pretty interesting. Check it out:

It’s people like Thomas who give a new perspective on “things” and, ultimately, saving the world.

What’s your take on the matter after watching his video?

//

Going back to getting lost in the woods, eventually, I heard people from afar and saw that there was a full-blown race happening near me?! I LOVE RUNNING! This is another cool sign! Obviously, I started cheering people on, and someone pointed me in the right direction, where I would find Little Tilde.

But first, I had to get a hot dog.

Little Tilde, pictured below, hiding behind a tree because, as Thomas Dambo says, she’s a little afraid of humans because most of the time when we go visit her forest, “we come with a big chain saw to cut down the forest.”

His stories are each art piece are so beautiful and meaningful.

Thomas Dambo also has a fantastic TedTalk on “The fine art of dumpster diving.” It’s pretty interesting. Check it out:

The Culinary Scene Copenhagen:

SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. Honestly, I find good food everywhere. brushes dirt off my shoulders*

Here are my picks for food:

Breakfast: Sidecar - super fresh breakfast menu with seasonal ingredients

2 Cafes for snacks, obviously

Bevar’s, Bevar’s is known for it’s laid-back vibes, & Paludan’s (cafe meets bookstore) is perfect for a quick place to flip through a book

Lunch: Aamanns 1921


Dinner: Fiskebaren - prepare to indulge, where the fresh catch is served in a minimalist setting in the Meatpacking District.

This is their ‘Smørrebrød’ menu at the time of writing this:

Smørrebrød are open-faced sandwiches built on a thin layer of dense sourdough rye bread called rugbrød. The name of the sandwich itself comes from the words for butter (smør) and bread (brød). YES.

The menu is valid between 25/06/24 – 02/09/24 25.06.24 – 02.09.24

‘Smørrebrød’
We recommend two to three pieces of ‘smørrebrød’ and dishes per person.
New Danish potatoes, fermented gooseberries, pickled red onions, lovage (V) – 125,-
Tomatoes, garlic cheese emulsion, cress, buckwheat (V) – 155,-
Mushroom toast, hazelnuts, laurel oil, chives, sourdough bread (V) – 175,-
Old-fashioned matured herring, elderflower, crème fraiche, glass cabbage, dill 135,-
Herring plate – Four different herrings, crispy onions, crème fraiche, lardons 285,-
Cold smoked salmon from Hiddenfjord, pickled fennel, celery, dill, horseradish 150,-
Hand peeled shrimps, egg, sun-dried tomato emulsion, chives, buttermilk toast 185,-
Butter-fried and breaded plaice, cabbage and root vegetable remoulade, lemon – 155,-
Butter-fried and breaded plaice, shrimp salad, chives, lemon 175,-
Chicken salad, courgette, cress, crispy chicken skin 150,-
Beef tartare, cornichons, potato chips, anchovy-mustard emulsion 150,-
‘Frikadeller’, potatoes, cranberries, browned butter sauce – 175,-
Children’s favorite – ‘Frikadeller’ and potatoes, butter fried plaice
with remoulade and vegetable sticks. Only available for children under 12 years – 125,-

Cheese and Dessert
Three Danish cheeses, ‘knækbrød’, jam 150,-
‘Pålægschokolademad’, apricot, miso caramel, brioche 95,-
Strawberries, vanilla cream, meringue, basil 120,-
Petit fours, five pieces of sweet 105,-

3-Course Lunch Menu – 390,-
First course – Choose from
Smørrebrød – New Danish potatoes, fermented gooseberries, pickled red onions, lovage (V)
Smørrebrød – Old-fashioned matured herring, elderflower, crème fraiche, glass cabbage
Smørrebrød – Cold smoked salmon from Hiddenfjord, pickled fennel, celery, dill, horseradish

Second course – Choose from
‘Smørrebrød’ – Tomatoes, garlic cheese emulsion, cress, buckwheat (V)
‘Smørrebrød’ – Chicken salad, courgette, cress, crispy chicken skin
‘Smørrebrød’ – Beef tartare, pickles, potato chips, anchovy-mustard emulsion

Lunch dish of the day – Minimum order two people (+50kr)

Cheese and Dessert – Choose from
Two Danish cheeses, ’knækbrød’, marmalade
Strawberries, vanilla cream, meringue, basil

The FINALE: Christiana

Freetown Christiana. I love this place. I still would today, even as a sober person.

In 1971, 700 Christianians established squatters rights in an abandoned military barrack, 10 minutes away from the Danish parliament building.

A generation later, this “free city” still stands. Full of idealists, hippies, potheads, and happy children. Last I checked there were 900 people, 200 cats, 200 dogs, 17 horses, and 2 parrots).

This place has become a major part of the economy, and is now the second most visited place in Copenhagen (the first being Little Mermaid).


These rules apply:

1) No cars
2) No hard drugs
3) No guns
4) No explosives

… etc. You get it.

I don’t know, I’m kind of for it. The idea is a completely free community, where everyone supports one another, without corporations or government. Some people see dirt, and I see peace.

Goodbye for now

Honestly, my favorite part of Copenhagen was, hands down, visiting the hidden trolls and exploring Christiana. These two places were unlike anything else I’ve seen and gave me that sense of adventure and discovery that I live for.

Getting lost and eventually finding the trolls felt like a treasure hunt, and knowing that Thomas Dambo built those TROLLS only a few miles away in his studio made it that much sweeter.

Then there’s Freetown Christiana, which was completely different but equally unforgettable. I was so interested in this alternate way of life.

I feel like I only scratched the surface of Copenhagen, and it left my wanting more. I’m not sure I’ll visit anytime soon but if I do, you know where to find me.

Here’s what to do next:

If you have any questions, need more info, or want to share your experience with Copenhagen, send an email to hello@michelleplante.com 

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Michelle Plante https://michelleplante.com
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