Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
So, I just got back from Copenhagen, and wow, talk about a whirlwind. I've been meaning to grab coffee with you and share some of the best things to do in Copenhagen, but honestly, it feels like I've just stepped off a moving train, and my brain is still catching up. It's wild how one city can surprise you at every corner.
This spot? Total surprise.
You know when you have a vague idea of what a place is going to be like, and you get there, and it's nothing like you imagined? That happened to me at Torvehallerne. I had heard bits and pieces about this place—an indoor food market and all—but I thought it'd just be a gussied-up version of your standard fare. I almost considered skipping it altogether. I mean, how good could a bunch of stalls be?
I walked in, and suddenly, bam, the smell hits you. It's like an explosion of aromas—freshly baked bread, spices, coffee, seafood. My stomach actually growled. I wasn't even that hungry, but it's like my body just kicked in and said, “Get something, anything!” The first thing that caught my eye was this stall selling all kinds of open-faced sandwiches, or smørrebrød, as the locals call them. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from what I thought was going to be a ho-hum lunch, but let me tell you—the shrimp one I tried was pure bliss, topped with creamy mayo and dill.
It didn't take long for me to realize I was in for a treat. I ended up chatting with the vendor, who was super friendly and passionate about what he was doing. It felt less like a transaction and more like sharing a meal with an old friend. I don't know why I thought I'd be in a crowd of tourists, but instead, it felt like a local hangout—a treasure trove of flavors I never knew I was missing.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Another unexpected treasure was a random afternoon I spent at Nyhavn. You know how those images of colorful buildings lining the canal always look so picturesque? I figured it'd be a pretty spot to grab a beer or some overpriced food, but wow, it caught me off guard. I found this little dock where a jazz band was playing.
I plopped down on a bench, not really sure what to expect, but as I listened to the music and watched boats bobbing on the water, my whole mood shifted. It was like the world was telling me to chill out. My phone was buzzing with messages, and for once, I didn't care. I didn't even think about snapping a dozen photos—I just sat there, soaking it all in. With the sun creeping through those colorful buildings, I felt a warmth wash over me.
A woman next to me started chatting, and she was lovely—traveling alone as well. We bonded over our shared sense of adventure and desire to escape our daily routines. It was one of those unexpected moments where you realize how amazing people can be. It wasn't in my original plans, but instead of hopping on a tour or a crowded restaurant, I just let the moment be. I even kind of forgot about the places I wanted to see for a bit.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Oh, and you have to hear about my navigational disaster that turned into a delightful mishap. I swear, my sense of direction is absolutely nonexistent. I had this master plan of hitting up The Little Mermaid statue because, duh, it's iconic. But I ended up walking the opposite way—with zero clue I was heading toward an entirely different waterfront, called The Opera House.
At first, I was like, “Oh great, just my luck.” But as I got closer, the building came into view, and I was struck. It's one of the most stunning pieces of architecture I've ever seen, like something so modern and yet so respectful of its surroundings. I sat down on a nearby bench, trying to process how I'd stumbled upon something so breathtaking by total accident.
That day, I finally decided to grab lunch from a small café nearby, and it became one of my best meals in Copenhagen. I ended up sitting next to a couple who told me about their life in the city—throwing out insider tips that were way better than anything I'd read online. We ended up chatted for what felt like hours over their homemade pastries and strong coffee.
I’ll never forget that meal
Speaking of memorable meals, let me tell you about this little place called Restaurant Schønneman. The name came up a few times during my trip, and I almost passed it by because I thought it was going to be super fancy and over my budget. But curiosity got the better of me, and I went in, anyway.
The interior was so charming—the kind of place that felt simultaneously sophisticated yet homey. I ordered the herring platter, thinking, “Why the hell not?” I wasn't too sure about herring at first because it seems like one of those foods people either love or hate. But oh man, let me just say, take a chance on it! It was marinated to perfection and paired with all these delicious sides that made the whole meal feel like such a celebration of flavors.
I was reflecting on how iconic meals often stick with you for years, and this one punched through all the noise of the regular travel chatter. It felt intimate and real, like sitting at your grandmother's table where everything is made with love and care. And here I was, in another country, feeling those same warm vibes. It's funny how food can turn strangers into friends.
Reflections post-Copenhagen
As I sip on this last bit of coffee, I find myself mulling over my Copenhagen experience. I went expecting a city tour, tight schedules, and typical tourist traps, but what I got was laughter with locals, unexpected conversations, misadventures, and moments of pure awe. The best things to do in Copenhagen? Honestly, it often felt like just letting the city take me wherever it wanted to go. Maybe that's the real magic of traveling—allowing those detours to lead you to something beautiful.
I still have so much swirling in my head, and I can't wait to catch up again to hear about your latest adventures. There's just something about sharing those moments that feels like a warm hug in the best possible way.
