This is the one where we didn’t go to Tivoli Gardens! I know the story goes that this is the place that inspired Walt Disney but my husband and I are not into fair rides. However, if we had our daughter with us it would have been a completely different story and a much different trip altogether.
This was a difficult decision for us when I won the trip a few months back. I was torn whether to take her or not. In the end, as it was our anniversary and we hadn’t had a proper trip away without her since she was born we decided not to. It was a bit of a logistical nightmare but we got there in the end. However, Copenhagen is a great place for kids, on a couple of occasions I did think ‘ahh, she would have loved this or she would have loved that…..’ but this just means that we will have to go again another time as a family, it’s only a 90 minute flight from Heathrow.
Getting Around
Copenhagen is incredibly easy to get around being compact, flat and with efficient transport links. We were lucky enough to have a Copenhagen Card which entitled us to free public transport and free or discounted entry into a lot of attractions, museums and galleries (e.g Boat Tours, Rundetarn, Jens Olsen’s Clock).
I do regret not taking advantage of this cycle friendly city, it was such a pleasure to see cyclists and cars on the roads harmoniously, and bikes can be hired for as little as 20 DK. However, with our history of cycle accidents in our house I was a bit reticent. We were absolutely fascinated by the number of cyclists and all the quirky bikes. One of our favourites was a family going by with Dad cycling and mum and children were in a large box at the front. I’m sure it would have been a right scream but I don’t trust my hubby that much.
We went at the end of September and it was surprisingly mild. I’m not sure why I thought it was going to be so cold.
It was a jammed pack weekend, but weirdly we still managed to see a lot of it at a leisurely pace. Here are our highlights in no particular order!
Jens Olsen’s World Clock
located in the town hall, not one of the better know attractions but very interesting it was set running in 1955 and has over 14,000 parts, it tells the time, moon phases, solar eclipses and planet orbits. The slowest gear takes over 25,000 years to make a complete a circuit!
Nyhavn
A very trendy part of town, lined with bars cafes and restaurants. It’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a beer and people watch. If you are travelling on a budget you can always enjoy a drink and then hit one of the ‘Sausage Wagons’ on the way home.
A boat tour
is a must especially if you’re limited on time as it allows you to take in many of the sites; The Opera House, The Little Mermaid, The Canals of Christianshavn, Our Saviours Church, Christiansborg Palace and the Old Stock Exchange. Do take an umbrella as it hammered it down.
Harbour Wall
If you’re travelling with a sea lover like I was, a stroll along the harbour is a must. There are some beautifully crafted wooden boats moored up.
Kastellet
The oldest functioning Military base in Europe. An idyllic place for a stroll and only a short walk from Osterport Metro Station.
St Alban Church
Is next to the Kastellet Citadel and is simply known to locals as the ‘English Church’. It was named after the first Christian Martyr who coincidentally was beheaded in our home town St Albans, Herts UK.
Amalienborg Castle
Home of the Danish Royal Family since 1794. We stumbled across the changing of the Livgarden and were surprised how similar the uniforms were to the Guardsmen in the UK.
Rundetarn (Round Tower)
a spiral ramp winds its way to the top, it’s the oldest functioning observatory in Europe and a great vantage point to see the sprawling city.
Stroget
Also known as the walking street. If you’re into shopping and people watching this is for you. Personally, it was a bit busy for me but we did find an outdoor pub with a Happy Hour half way up.
MASH
This one is a bit embarrassing. Whenever I travel to new countries I always make a point of trying the local food. A local recommended this restaurant to us for our Anniversary, it was amazing with the most extensive wine list and probably the best steak I’ve ever had but then I worked out why it was called ‘MASH’ – Modern American Steak House. Whoops! But nonetheless I highly recommend it. You’ll find it at 20 Bredgade.
A huge ‘Tak’ to Visit Denmark and Scandinavian Airlines for a very memorable anniversary.
