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Copenhagen is one of the most talked-about cities in Scandinavia. It is a winter wonderland, with just the right amount of city, fashion, and shopping. During my visit, I was frozen but loved every minute of it. The city is so clean, and it was the perfect time to end the year with my closest friends. Now I am sharing all the tips to make your trip to Copenhagen easier and more affordable. 

Getting There

• During my trip to Copenhagen, I arrived by plane at Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport. The airport is a short distance from the city center, so I suggest budgeting around a 15-20-minute commute. The most affordable and easiest way to reach the city center is by the regional train, which departs directly from Terminal 3. These trains are not only cheap but also clean. 
• The ideal time to visit Copenhagen depends on your preferences and interests. Copenhagen is a fantastic destination year-round, but is known for its Christmas Market and beauty in the Winter. During our visit in December, we encountered fewer crowds and had the opportunity to explore the markets. Summer in Copenhagen offers a moderate temperature, perfect for a unique European summer experience.

Where to Stay

• When visiting Copenhagen, we chose to stay in the city center because we found affordable options there. Our room was very generic with 3 beds, a bathroom, and a small window overlooking the river.  I have heard nothing but great things about the clean hostels and private rooms here, with so many hotels offering a wide selection of activities and amenities. 
• Copenhagen is quite expensive, so if you choose not to stay in the city center, you should be fine. There are so many cute neighbors, great cafes, and shops. Everything is pretty walkable, and most days we just walked despite having a 3-day MetroCard. 

5 Foods and Drinks to Try

• Gløgg
  • If you are visiting during the colder seasons, you need to try Gløgg. It is a type of muled wine that is sweet and cinninony. It is perfect for the cold; it was my hyperfixation during the winter. (contains alcohol)
• Kardemommesnurrer
  • Kardemommesnurrer is a pastry with cardamom, and although these originated in Sweden, Copenhagen has now adopted them with famous places like Juno the Bakery.
• Pølser (Hot Dogs)
  • They may seem like nothing special, but in Denmark, Danish Hot Dogs are a thing, and it’s your duty to compare them with the ones you’re used to. 
• Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs
  • This is the national dish of Denmark, so if you are trying to get into the culture, trying it would be necessary. It is a pork belly with potatoes and a parsley sauce. 
• Smørrebrød
  • This is a toast with a topping on it, and these vary, so they are definitely something you will like. Think of a sandwich without the top bread, and that is what Smørrebrød is. 

Budget-Friendly Activities

• The Little Mermaid Statue
  • The little mermaid statue is so unique and, honestly, quite charming. It is some ways from the city center, but that doesn’t stop people from coming. There is a nearby park with local shops to enjoy. We decided to bike there and loved the views on the way. 
• Rent a Bike
  • Biking around Copengan, or any city, is a great way to see it, especially since it is so spread out. We decided to rent electric bikes from Lime, but there are plenty of different companies you could use. 
• `Amalienborg Palace
  • At Amalienborg Palace, you can watch the changing of the guards. The changing of the guard takes place every day at noon, but to get a good spot, arrive at least 15–20 minutes beforehand.
• Freetown Christiania
  • What is now an artsy community/neighbourhood in Copenhagen was once a military base in 1971. It is very hip with artwork on the walls, flea marks, and unique stores. I do not see enough people talking about this. 
• The Black Diamond Library
  • In the buildings of the Royal Danish Library on Slotsholmen, you can enjoy exhibitions and events, use the reading rooms, and visit the cafe, all while enjoying the harbour view.

Cultural Insights

• While being in Copenhagen, I noticed there were not many people of color or immigrants. As I never felt like anyone treated me differently for being a person of color, I think it’s still something to be aware of. 
• Just because Denmark is part of the EU doesn’t mean it uses the euro; in fact, it uses the Danish Krone. So be aware that the exchange rate differs from your usual prices in Europe.

Practical Tips

• If you plan to be in Copenhagen for 3 or more days, I recommend purchasing the city pass. It gives you access to so many attractions, inside and outside of the city center, a river ride, and so much more. 
• Visiting Copenhagen in the winter means you get less sun, which I wish I had known, and I did not see anyone mention it. Most days, the sun sets around 3:40 PM (15:40). We also noticed that, despite what we have seen on social media, the city in winter is nearly empty. This is a plus for reservations and other attractions, but it felt quite lonely at times. 
• I have mixed feelings about the Metro Card pass. First off, if you decide to get the Metro pass, get it on your phone (you can download and purchase it on the Rejsebillet App) because my friend lost her physical pass, and it was quite expensive. If you decide not to get a pass, I think you’ll be fine since you won’t use it much. Most of the places we wanted to go were farther away on public transportation, so we always decided to walk. 

Copenhagen offers plenty to explore in just a few days, with its various districts and abundant attractions, many of which are free. When planning your visit to Copenhagen, consider allocating more time to experience all that it has to offer by venturing beyond the traditional city center. Copenhagen is undoubtedly a top Winter European destination, and I hope this guide helps you navigate your visit. I recommend immersing yourself in the city and watching my Copenhagen YouTube video for a more vivid experience. Stay connected for more travel-related content from Idalis Worldwide!