
A weekend in Copenhagen: 48 hours in the Danish capital
Yet another delivery of the 48-hour weekend guides, this time in the Nordic city of Copenhagen.
In this guide, we propose a simple and original way to experience Copenhagen, away from almost all the “main tourist attractions”. On the other hand, we present a different itinerary based on personal preferences above all, like architecture and design, as well as a convenient route. During this weekend we were favored with good weather, so, we spent most of the time outside on the street, therefore, you won’t find any museums in the advice below. We will leave that for another time in Copenhagen!
Without further ado, here are 8 things to do in Copenhagen :
#01 Walk the district of Norrebrø
To assist with the sense of direction, also to learn what’s exactly interesting around this neighborhood we used the help of this self-guided tour app: Know your Bro’.
In the app, you will find a circuit marked by numbers, which are the places of interest, the information of each place will be only unlocked if you get close enough. Therefore, this will make you move your butt and walk around, while the app reveals to you the facts about parks, buildings and important places.
Get Started
Visit this website with your mobile device and have fun!
If you are short on time and don’t want to do the whole loop of the tour, don’t miss these places:
Superkilen park
The park is a multi-purpose urban space symbolizing the 57 different cultural backgrounds of Norrebrø. Superkilen emerged because of an idea born by local activists who helped with the design of this place.
The street Jaegersborggade (Norrebrø)
Converted from being a dodgy area, it is now one of the hippest street in Copenhagen, hosting more than 40 stores ranging from organic food, design ceramics to cafes and bars.
Ravnsborggade
Also a cool street, famous for the summer flea market, the Norrebro theatre and the antique shops full of treasures that start to disappear, being replaced by restaurants, bars, and wine boutiques.























#02 Bike all along the quay and waterfront
Start at Skuespilhuse, meaning the Royal Danish Playhouse (theatre), bike towards Longeroo bridge and cross the channel, making a semi-loop going in the direction of the Opera. This circuit certainly will reveal lots of architectural spaces, different views and perspectives of the city. On the other side, in Christianshavn district, you will cross as well the wonderful Circle bridge design by Olafur Elliasson.
Most noteworthy, the easiest way to grab a bike is to rent it for the whole day through the app Donkey Republic.







#03 Admire the stunning modern architecture
In Copenhagen, the modern architecture, likewise urban spaces really stand out.
We were dazzled by how the interiors are designed. Most of the time, bars and restaurants are separated into several cozy spaces, giving you the impression to be in a really small and intimate address.
Even walking in the street we found some super cute self-service laundry shops, and man, even in this kind of places you can appreciate the high level of design!
Here’s a list of the places the architecture lovers can’t miss:
➞ Royal Danish Playhouse
National theatre built in 2004 by Lundgaard & Tranberg architecture firm. The building received a RIBA European Award in 2008 as well as a Red dot design award.
➞ The Copenhagen Opera House
It opened its doors in 2005 and it was designed by Henning Larsen.
➞ Circle Bridge
Bridge for pedestrian and bicycle traffic designed by Olafur Eliasson. Opened in 2015 It consists of five round decks and in the distance, it resembles a group of sailing yachts.
➞ Royal Library(Black Diamond)
Completed in 1999 and designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen architecture firm.
➞ National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet
Opened in 2013 this public aquarium was designed by 3XN architecture studio.
➞ Tietgen Residence Hall
This circular building is a student residence and its inspired by traditional southern Chinese Hakka architecture. Designed by Lundgaard & Tranberg.










#04 Walk around Nyboder
Located right between the Kastellet and Kongens Have park, there is the historic row house district, made up of former naval barracks. All the houses are painted in a bright yellow color and this uniformization makes this area really pretty and enjoyable to hang around.
The golden hour was starting when we were walking in this area, the change in the tones and the shades of light went down quickly and this made this exploring activity really delightful for us. AKA: Nice photo time!










#05 Go to take the vibes of the meatpacking district
Definitely, worth the visit, this area is being completely transformed and renovated. Some years ago this place was an enormous slaughterhouse that provided all the meat for the greater Copenhagen area. Today with just a few abattoirs operating, the rest of the locals are being replaced by delightful design brands, trendy bars and inviting finger food joints.
This is just another perfect example of how the public space in Denmark is transformed thinking in the benefit of all.











#06 Visit the Botanical Gardens
We always take some time to visit the botanical gardens of the cities we visit, well Copenhagen was no different. This time we didn’t have the time to go inside the glass house as we were on a flash visit, but we are sure it worth your money and time to stay wandering inside the gardens.
Not a lot of time? Don’t hesitate to go anyway, the park where the botanic gardens are located is beautiful as well, like that you can have a look at the wonderful structure and have a walk inside this pretty green area.





#07 Enjoy the independent creation shops centered around design
If, like us, you like design, the beautiful objects, and ceramics you will want to enter in all the shops of the city! Fortunately for you, we have shortlisted the coolest in our opinion:
➞ Studio Arhoj, Kigkurren 8M
A wonderful showroom and workshop of the colorful brand.
➞ Keramik & Glasvaerkstedet, Kronprinsessegade 43
in Nyboder
➞ Linnemann Ann, Kronprinsessegade 51
Ceramic art gallery with incredible artwork.
➞ Hay House, Østergade 61
Worth it to go inside and have a look!







#08 Offer yourself a 360 view of Copenhagen
Climb up the tower of Christiansborg palace, it’s free and up there you will be able to appreciate the real extension of Copenhagen, as well as a magnificent view of the city.
Tip
We went up in the middle of the day, there was not a lot of people, but you might want to consider going towards the end of the day and maybe watch the good light start to announce the sunset.




We finish with a short list of addresses we loved
➞ breakfast
For breakfast, we enjoyed having a typical roll and a brioche in Meyers Bageri.
Meyers Bageri, Jægersborggade 9


➞ COFFEE
A nice hygge place with a really good espresso.
Coffee Collective, Jægersborggade 57


➞ A CHEAP ALTERNATIVE
Delcious homemade kebab/falafel elected the best in town!
Durum Bar (Döner
➞ BEER BAR
This is a beer institution in Denmark. Make sure to try the sour beer
Mikkeller & Friends, Stefansgade 35


➞ COCKTAIL BAR
Good selection of cocktails and spirits. Design written all over the place!
Lidkoeb,Vesterbrogade 72B
➞ WHERE TO EAT ON ISLANDS BRYGGE
Relatively cheap place with a really good service and home made food.
Egils Deli, Islands Brygge 23
To know
➞ Easy access to/from the airport there is a metro line that will take you directly to the city center.
➞ If you are short in time, SKIP Christiania. we found nothing interesting in an “independent neighborhood” full of drug dealers and no option for decent food.
➞ Do you really want to see the little mermaid? You have to know that she is never alone.
➞ Nyhavn is the Copenhagen of the postcards, it is really cute. Why not just pass by and take a picture! but be ware! is really touristic and any activity around this area will come with the according price!
➞ Be careful, the « street food market » Homemate Torvehallerne is overpriced.

Laura
Me encanta lo facil y detallado que esta todo, me puedo ubicar muy bien cuando muestran el mapa, y como siempre la fotografia increible, mi gusto se queda con la de floriane en la pared roja, que pader viaje, hasta el proximo.
Cobalt State
Una super organización en la ciudad. Todos andan en Bici y hay edificios incríbles. Nos gustó mucho Copenhagen!