Seven Reasons Why You Should Visit Copenhagen

Effortlessly edgy and enviably chic, there’s few who can resist falling in love with Copenhagen and its charms.

If you’re fancying a trip to the Scandi-cool Danish capital, here is a bit more encouragement to make you hop on that plane.

1. The food scene is incredible

Copenhagen has gastronomic delights to suit every budget.

For a light lunch option, chow down on the Danes’ signature smørrebrød – a delicious open-faced rye bread sandwich at the historic Sans Souci restaurant.

It’s traditional to wash it down with a tipple too, so get into the Scandinavian spirit with a shot of aquavit.

Or if you fancy pushing the boat out, head to the stunning Mielcke & Hurtigkarl restaurant nestled in the beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens for a true foodie dining experience.

Sample exquisite, elegant and flavourful food paired perfectly with the finest wines in a sumptuous setting where Swarovski crystals drip from the ceiling and lifelike butterflies adorn the bathroom.

2. There’s an amusement park in the heart of the city

Twinkling lights, gorgeous gardens and funfair attractions, Tivoli Gardens is a magical melting pot that is sure to transport you to new heights.

Inside the historic theme park you can take a turn on one of the oldest rollercoasters in the world – and no two rides are the same.

Built in 1914 but still running, the wooden coaster can reach stomach-flipping speeds of 31mph so it promises to thrill both adults and children alike.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite scaring yourself silly, feast on fine dining delicacies at the sumptuous Nimb restaurant nestled calmly in the centre of the buzzing throng.

Tivoli changes with the seasons, rocking the city with chart-topping summer gigs or bewitching the masses with ghoulish Halloween delights come autumn.

But promise me, you’ll leave the park feeling warm and fuzzy no matter what time of year you go.

3. It’s close and cheap to get to

It takes less than two hours to fly to Copenhagen from London and you can snap up plane tickets with a budget airline for as little as £20 return, so there’s little excuse not to go.

4. Danes know how to party

Head down to the achingly hip meat-packing district (Kødbyen) for a night out you’ll never forget – or perhaps won’t remember.

By day it’s a place where former slaughterhouses are reimagined into artist studios but by night the area is brimming with youngsters heading to the eclectic mix of restaurants and watering holes.

Do a bit of bar-hopping while getting tipsy on beer and bang your head to the pumping beats coming straight from the slick DJ decks in the industrial yet trendy venues.

5. It’s so happy, it’s the happiest place in the world

The Danish are consistently ranked among the happiest people in the world, according to global surveys.

Last year the annual World Happiness Report declared Denmark as the most contented country on the planet, beating places like Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Finland to the number one spot.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Copenhagen takes the crown for the smuggest city on Earth too.

6. Cycling culture

This place is built for cyclists and all the locals get around on two wheels thanks to 350km of bike-friendly paths covering the city.

Copenhagen is so cool that even the city’s own hire bikes are electric, so you don’t have to put as much effort into pedalling, and they boast in-built tablets between the handlebars.

Hopping on a hire bike isn’t just great for the environment, it’s also a cheap way to get around and see the sights, with prices starting at DKK 30 (£3.45) per hour.

7. You can hop over the bridge to Sweden

A stone’s throw from Copenhagen is Sweden’s third largest city Malmö, so you can double-up on your cultural city breaks by taking in two Scandi hotspots for the price of one.

Connected by the five-mile long Øresund Bridge – which TV fans will recognise as the setting of crime drama The Bridge – you can cross the border by train, car or bus in as little as 35 minutes.

Where to stay

Bed down for the night at the charming Avenue Hotel, which is housed in a 19th century building designed by the same man behind Tivoli Gardens’ entrance, Emil Blichfeldt.

Make sure you take advantage of the hotel’s free wine hour too, between 5-6pm every day.

Getting there

Norwegian Airlines runs low-cost flights from London Gatwick to Copenhagen.

Gatwick Express trains will take you directly from London Victoria to the airport in 30 minutes, with services running non-stop every 15 minutes.

Visit Denmark, the country’s official tourism portal, has plenty of advice and insider tips for visitors in Copenhagen.

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