An escape from the hustle of life, Copenhagen and Malmö are tranquil destinations for enjoying the simple details of life, or for long, engaging conversations with those you love.
Hygge vs Fika. What’s the difference?
Hygge – Denmark’s signature word and concept towards life. The true meaning can be whatever creates the most warmth and peace within yourself. The glow of a candle, the kiss of a loved one, enjoying the good things with good people.
Fika – Sweden’s signature word, with emphasis on taking a break for coffee with loved ones. Usually with cake or pastry, this coffee break can be at any time of the day – during work or at home – and for however long is needed to recharge.
Copenhagen was never a place that others recommended I visit. I don’t usually see it on the “top” lists of Europe. Before I went, I wasn’t sure what to expect of this city in Denmark. After visiting, it is now one of my favorite cities in Europe!
In terms of tourist attractions, I agree that it isn’t a city with the most things to do. But it felt clean, safe, and had such a great, comforting vibe. The only place I feel like I can compare it slightly to is New England in the USA. I haven’t even to Boston, but it is how I would imagine a “European Boston” to be.
Our perfect weekend itinerary:
- Day 1: Democratic Coffee, Torvehallerne Market, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Castle, Fredrik’s Church, Kasellet; The Little Mermaid Statue; Nyhavn; Cinderella-the Ballet;
- Day 2: Hans Coffee; Train to Malmö, Sweden; Fika
With 1 night in Copenhagen, I felt like I just had an introduction to the city. It is one of the more expensive cities in Europe, so one night with 2 full days was okay for us. Our restaurant choices might not have the most authentic Danish & Swedish food, but we went to highly rated places in the areas!
Getting there: My husband, Andrew, and I flew from Frankfurt to Copenhagen’s airport (CPH). From the airport, we took Metro line 2 (M2) to Kongens Nytorv. We bought tickets in the airport at kiosks, and there were many workers helping us get to where we needed to go. You can also take the train or bus, but the metro seemed like the best option.
Where to stay: We stayed as close to Nyhavn as I could find, at the Huxley Copenhagen, and I’m glad we did. We had easy access to major metro stations, the ferry, and the train station.
Getting around: Copenhagen is very walkable, so we walked most everywhere once we were in the city center. We used public transportation such as the metro, train, and ferry. I bought individual tickets for everything since we were only there for 2 days, and knew we were going to walk most places. However, you can buy a Copenhagen Card, which makes it very easy to use all of the public transportation. You tap when you enter a mode of transport, and tap when you leave with your Copenhagen card. You will also get free access to some attractions with this card, so if you are planing on visiting museums and castles, this could be beneficial.
Day 1: Democratic Coffee, Torvehallerne Market, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Castle, Fredrik’s Church, Kasellet; The Little Mermaid Statue; Nyhavn; Cinderella-the Ballet
After leaving the airport, taking the metro, and dropping our stuff off at our hotel, we were out and about in the city by 11 am. Our first means of business was to get coffee and Danish pastries.
Democratic Coffee
I was blown away by the quality of this coffee and food. It was absolutely delicious! We ordered 2 pastries – 1. cinnamon bun and 2. caramel – and flat whites for our coffees.
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Torvehallerne for smorrebrod
Excited to try more Danish food, we walked to the Torvehallerne for lunch. This indoor market was full of appetizing cafes, bars, and high quality stores. There were 2 separate buildings for this market, separated by an outdoor flower and produce section. The first market was full of appetizing cafes, bars, and high quality stores, while the second market was mainly meats, cheese, and seafood for purchase.
We tried smorrebrod, translated directly to sandwiches. I’ve read that these are a popular and must try type of sandwich, and they did not disappoint. One was tuna, while the other was vegetarian with chickpeas and carrots.
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Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle, located in Kongens Have, was a short walk from the markets. The guards protecting this castle were very prominent and have been securing this building for the past 400 years. This castle is well known for keeping Danish king’s and queen’s most prized jewels, such as crowns. It was originally built as a summer house for a past king, then became the Danish treasury, so it makes sense why high valued possessions were kept here. Entrance to this castle can only be accessed by booking a tour, with more information regarding tickets here.
We did not go inside, but we walked around the free grounds while looking at the virtual tour offered on the castle’s website, found here.
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Amalienborg
Amalienborg is a palace in Copenhagen. Guards were protecting this complex at every corner. If you have the Copenhagen Card, you can get free access to the interior. We didn’t go inside, but we stood in the middle of all 4 of the different buildings in this complex. We could see the palace where the Danish royalty lives, a museum, and the other buildings that make up this palace.
The changing of the guards takes place everyday at noon. The guards will march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg through Copenhagen’s streets, like a parade. We didn’t realize what was happening while on our way to Rosenborg Castle, and ended up passing all of the guards on their way to do the changing of the guards! There was a band playing music with the guards. It was an awesome surprise.
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Frederik’s Church
Frederik’s Church. Located next to Amalienborg Palace, this beautiful church is a perfect place to take a quiet moment of prayer.
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Kastellet & The Little Mermaid Statue
A current military base, Kastellet, was a great spot for a leisurely walk. Starting your walk at the vibrant red barracks, then onto the walking paths with views of the harbor, you will reach the Little Mermaid statue. It is underwhelming, but fun photo spot if you are already nearby.
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Nyhavn
Nyhavn – the canal that comes to mind when I think of Copenhagen! Lined with restaurants, it is a colorful and exciting canal to stroll next to. This canal felt like a hygge moment to me!
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Admire Nyhavn at night. There aren’t many things I love more than colorful lights reflecting and dancing on the water. Take in the sights, the beautiful ambiance, and hygge! Andrew and I went back to our hotel and took an hour long nap since we had such an early morning, and knew we would have a late night.
We strolled along these lights while on our way to the ferry pickup spot, to go over to the Opera House for the Cinderella (Askepot) ballet!
The ferry ride was no longer than 5 minutes. The ferry dock had a sign with a QR code to an app where we bought ferry tickets.
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Cinderella Ballet
Presented by the Royal Danish Ballet, this ballet was my birthday present, and I couldn’t have had a better time. The Opera House was beautiful and I’m convinced there isn’t a bad seat in the house. We ordered tequila and whiskey while waiting for the ballet to start. Then we bought some beer and water to drink during the ballet!
Day 2: Hans Coffee; Train to Malmö, Sweden; Fika
Hans Coffee
Hans Coffee was a much needed stop before we took the train to Malmö, Sweden. We split one croissant and each had a flat white.
It was a Sunday, and locals were at this coffee shop in full biking gear after long bike rides with friends.
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We could have taken the metro from our hotel to the train station, but we decided to walk and enjoy the nice sunshine on our last day. We walked past Tivoli Gardens, but saw it in a different light than most because it was closed.
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Train to Malmö, Sweden
The train ride to Sweden was about 12 euros per person each way and took about an hour. We bought our tickets at the red ticket machines, as shown below!
Our main goal while in Sweden (since we only had a few hours) was to have a Fika!
After walking through the charming streets, we originally tried to have our Fika at Villa Kafferosteriet, a highly rated coffee shop, but it was so busy!
Fika
We had our Fika at Qoffee. Blueberry pie, chocolate coconut oat ball (Swedish chocolate balls), and flat whites were the favorites here.
Walk the charming streets of Malmö, Sweden.
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Lunch at Holy Greens. We could have had a more “authentic” food experience in Sweden, but we were on a tight budget and needed something quick, so we split an amazing bowl here! Eating like a local on their lunch break.
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We took the train back to Copenhagen. Then, the Metro to the airport, and flew back to Frankfurt.
Copenhagen exceeded my expectations. I would recommend this city as a weekend trip for anyone!
Feb 3-4, 2024
GRAB GELATO & GO 
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