My Western Eurotrip Galore: Denmark - Copenhagen

Fourth Stop: Denmark

Copenhagen

Nyhavn

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is absolutely trendy, modern, uber cool, and environmental friendly. I love Copenhagen for its neoteric architectural buildings, urban design furniture, electric powered forms of transportation, and open green spaces. This city is like a development stage of a futuristic world. A spirit of youthful dynamism transpires in this city, where people of international scope gather and revel in the vivacity. I really liked Copenhagen and it was my favorite destination on my eurotrip. I felt safe, loved the modernism, and the people were very friendly. If I could get a job in Europe, this is where I would want to work. Because the coolness of this city will ease any work related stress.

Our friends from Geneva decided to join us on this leg of our trip. From Geneva to Copenhagen, we flew on Easyjet. In the airport, we walked over to the SIXT outlet to take our free shuttle bus to our hotel. You need to ask the agents behind the desk to call for a bus. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers located at Oerestads Blvd 114-118. If we had splurge on hotels, I have to say this would be the one, and it was worth it. This hotel is not for budget travelers, but occasionally you might find a decent deal like we did on Priceline. This hotel is absolutely the most stunning hotel I've ever stayed in my life. The hotel is ultra contemporary and sleek with a high ceiling lobby entrance. There is also a nice club lounge to mingle, a convenient business center to access the internet, and a free shuttle to the airport that takes you there in just a few minutes. Our view from our room was also magnificent capturing the serene side of Copenhagen. Surrounding this area are also various captivating construction of intricately, puzzle-like, and complex architectural buildings. The nearby train station is also very convenient allowing you to easily explore every part of this city. http://www.cpcopenhagen.dk/

The following are some of the places we've visited and recommend.

SIGHTS:

Stroget

If you want to go shopping, this is the place to go. This pedestrian street is the longest shopping area in Copenhagen. But if you are one of those guys who ended up being dragged by your girlfriends to go shopping, have no fear. Along Stroget, especially between Nytorv and Hojbro Plads, are also filled with free entertainment from burgeoning talents and creativity by musicians, street performers, and magicians. Some of the artists I've seen here are simply amazing. It's probably something you would pay for to see in NYC. Another great thing about this street is its vicinity to Nyhavn on one end and Tivoli Gardens on the other. You can literally have one day planned out by grabbing lunch around Nyhavn, then go shopping along Stroget, and end the night at Tivoli Gardens.

Nyhavn

Royal Danish playhouse

I remember when I was a little kid, I saw a photo in a calendar of these colorful townhouses along a harbor. I had wondered where that beautiful place was and only knew it was in Europe. I don't know why I remember that photo so vividly, but I knew someday I will visit that place. When we arrived to Nyhavn, I had an instant deja vu. That photo was taken at Nyhavn! Nyhavn used to be a gateway from the sea where ships unloaded cargoes and fisherman their catches. Today it is not so much the case. Nyhavn has turned into a colorful 17th century waterfront filled with townhouses, bars, restaurants, cafes, and boats. On a cloudy day that we've visited, the gloomy sky did not attenuate any bit the vibrant life in the area. Nyhavn is such a wonderful place to meet up with friends to relax and enjoy the crowd and have a drink. Even someone like me who is not a fan of beer managed to find a beer here called Somersby - Elderflower, which I absolutely loved. Do they even sell this in the states? My friends decided on the Carlsberg beer, the famous Danish beer. Along with our beers we also shared the notable smorrebrod, open sandwiches, a traditional Danish lunch dish. And a bonus for me, given that I am a modern architecture enthusiast, not too far away in the Frederiksstaden neighborhood is the Royal Danish playhouse by Lundgaard & Tranberg. What a perfect afternoon: good company, delicious meal, and beautiful buildings and people all around. To me, Nyhavn is Copenhagen. I highly recommend a visit here.   

Tivoli Gardens

Honestly, I was not thrilled when my friends suggested to visit an amusement park. That is something we can do in the US?! And I am certain that the parks in the US are larger and have far crazier rides. A $22 entrance fee, especially on something that I thought not worthwhile, didn't make me too happy. But boy was I glad my friends made that suggestion. Tivoli Gardens turned out to be fabulous! It is a must see not for its rides, but for the atmosphere and energy inside this park. The park is surprisingly popular amongst locals, perhaps a great date destination. There are charming cafes and fine restaurants for people to hang out. And the open live concerts are just brilliant. And the coolest part is that this park is opened until 11pm at night, I think. I don't remember, but I know it was late at night! Rides and music until late in the night?! How awesome is that?! I have always dreamed about wanting an entertaining destination to go to at night time. And here it was - everyday. I highly recommend this place. We had such a blast that my friends decided to visit it again the next night. Note: The park is closed from January to March. http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-3351.htm

Christiania

Exterior walls of Christiania

Quite honestly, if the travel books hadn't promoted this place, I wouldn't even step into this community. Just by looking at the exterior walls reminded me of the ghetto neighborhoods in NYC. But when I learned about this self governed nonconformist community near Christianhavn, and how the inhabitants are not fond of cameras here, I couldn't help being intrigued. I must say this place is not a typical tourist destination. Inside, I felt we were visiting the hippie paradise world of the potheads and drug addicts. There are some amazing pieces of artwork and cool accessory shops, but also quite noticeably stands selling weed. I don't smoke and don't do drugs so I'm not sure what I saw but they appeared to be some sort of inhalants offered in various flavors. Seeing that many different flavors sure made me feel like I was in a candy shop. I couldn't believe how easily I could have purchased some pot and smoked it, not that I would want to. And it's true about taking pictures inside. If you should attempt to take a picture, get ready to be yelled at by residents here. I failed to sneak a snapshot of how it looks inside, but if I were to describe the place, it's dirty, destitute, somewhat intimidating, and plenty of pot. But it is safe here because there are many tourist around. Now that I think about it, hm, why are there that many tourist here...

Sweden
Yes, you read it right, Sweden! With the Oresund Bridge, it takes only 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen city center to the center of Malmo, Sweden. Or you can take a ferry from Helsingor, Denmark to Helsingborg, Sweden. Such a convenient opportunity for us to see more of Scandinavia. So guess where we headed for our next destination?

TRAVEL EXPENSE: (excluding attraction fees and food):

Flight: from Geneva to Copenhagen: $104usd on Easyjet

Hotel: my portion - $138 for 2 nights

Shuttle bus to hotel:  free

Local train: $3-$5