Why visit Copenhagen? My Top 10 reasons
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
by Anders Holte
http://www.welcome-to-my-copenhagen.com
Growing up in Copenhagen I dare say I know this city like the back of my hand. I have now lived abroad for some years and I've noticed that whenever I'm back on visits I'm "re-discovering" many new places in my home town.
People abroad often ask me what Copenhagen is like. I realize that most people don't know much about the capital of Denmark. Allow me to lift the veil to some pearls among the many places to see in Copenhagen.
.. but for me Copenhagen or "Kbenhavn" as we call it - is obviously more than a tourist destination. It's is my home town and I visit as often as possible.
Here are my heart's Top-10 reasons for visiting Copenhagen..
* The city is simply beautiful. It's old and yet more modern than most cities. With a centre consisting primarily of 17th and 18th century buildings gives the town a cosy feel and atmosphere. Plenty of cafes and Danish bakeries close by.
* When I'm in Copenhagen I bike. When I sit on my bicycle on the way to somewhere - I know I'm in Copenhagen. It's a nice way of getting around and extremely practicle. Sometimes the fastest way to get around.
* I love the water which surrounds and runs through the city. Taking a stroll at one of the beaches feeling the wind in my face, hearing the screams from the sea gulls, that's Copenhagen for me. In the centre of town you can catch one of the numerous boats that will take you almost anywhere on the city canals. I actually didn't try this until I was a grown man - when I had to show my traveller friends around the city. As the saying goes - you only get to know your own city when you get visitors. So true.
* I know that Tivoli Gardens is a world famous tourist attraction and for a reason. I'm not afraid to admit.. I still love to come there as I have since I was a boy. Beyond the fun stuff, the rides, etc. - this place is a gorgeous calm oasis situated in the heart of the city. This place has an almost magical atmosphere.. not unlike how I imagine it must have been when it first opened on August 15th 1843. Go there and be bewitched.
* Do go see The Little Mermaid too. She's not much to look at but real cute. There's a poetry in her appearance. It's also a nice walk along the water. I always continue out to Langelinie where you can see Swedenin the horizon and the big ships come in. A very nice area for strolling.
* I'm actually not much of a night life person.. but if you're looking for some fun after midnight - Copenhagen will offer you more than you can handle in one evening. Whether for concerts, dancing or just hanging out, you are covered.
* Copenhagen is a green city. Parks are all over the place and the we Copenhageners use them. In the summer especially the beach parks such as Charlottenlund Beach Park and Bellevue Beach Park - just north of the city centre - are the places where people meet to barbecue, swim and enjoy the bright evenings. It doesn't get dark until past 11 pm. Life is sweet ..
* Take a stroll in the old medieval town centre and walk to the top of the Round Tower from 1642 with its astronomic observatory on top. From here you have a superb view over the roof tops of Copenhagen.
* "Christianshavn" is a particularly idyllic part of town with buildings from the 17th and 18th century. I used to live there when I studied. I would sit right on the canal and have our breakfast with my brother and sister and friends. Back then it was kind of a "funky" area - whereas now most houses have been restored.
* On every visit I take a trip along the coastal road north of town centre enjoying the spectacular views. This is where some of the most beautiful areas are. I rarely miss the gorgeous museum of modern art "Louisiana" in the town of "Humlebaek" on the way back. Go there.. you won't regret it.
For a city with 1.3 million people Copenhagen still feels small to me - although Hans Christian Andersen would probably disagree with me.. and that's okay. After all.. quite a lot has happened since 1819 when he first came to town.
About the Author
The author Anders Holte is a Danish writer and musician born and raised in Copenhagen, currently living in Munich, Germany. He is the owner and creater of www.welcome-to-my-copenhagen.com - a personal travel guide about his home town.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)hi anders, i feel like i've just been to Copenhagen. i don't know if i'll ever get there, but it sounds divine. thanks for the description, best regards, sue thom
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