1. Go on a rollercoaster at Tivoli Gardens
You don’t need to be a kid to enjoy this most famous of Copenhagen attractions. Having opened its gates in the mid-1800s, Tivoli Gardens is renowned for being the world’s second oldest operating amusement park.
Though you may not think to visit an amusement park at night, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained at Tivoli. Besides the park’s plethora of thrill-inducing rides and rollercoasters, Tivoli also offers great dining and drinking options, beautifully manicured gardens and pathways and also boasts some impressive venues that host a variety of arts and cultural performances.
From Sunday through Thursday, Tivoli operates until 11pm and stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
2. Catch a film at Vester Vov Vov
If catching a film in a charmingly restored old cinema sounds like something you’d enjoy, then make sure to add Vester Vov Vov to your Copenhagen itinerary.
The cinema often shows independent movies with limited releases that you would generally not find in mainstream cinema complexes; having refreshments in the delightful foyer cafe is very much part of the whole experience.
3. See the picture-perfect canals in Nyhavn
Though it has the potential to get rather crowded and feel somewhat overrun by tourists, Copenhagen’s postcard-worthy Nyhavn district is still an absolute must-visit destination, especially if it’s your first time in the Danish capital.
Famed for the many bars and restaurants that line its picturesque canals, Nyhavn’s atmosphere is lively. If you aren’t able to get a spot at one of the neighbourhood’s busy establishments, grabbing a Danish beer and sitting on the water’s edge as most locals tend to do, watching the world go by is just as, if not more, enjoyable.
4. Soak in the atmosphere at Christiania Beer Garden
Situated within Copenhagen’s famous hippie enclave, Christiania, Nemoland (below) is a beer garden, cafe and live music venue. Open until midnight during the week and until 3am on weekends, Nemoland is a great place to sit back, enjoy some hearty food, local brews and live music performances.
A wildly popular spot during the summer months, Nemoland is especially inviting on Sunday evenings from about 6pm when free live concerts are hosted on their open-air stage.
5. Watch a performance at The Opera House
Futuristic in its visage, the Copenhagen Opera House is a true icon of the Danish capital and somewhere that should be visited by anyone who loves opera and theatre in general. The Opera House’s main stage is able to accommodate up to 1,400 people, and together with its second stage, the Opera House hosts an always impressive variety of top-rated performances.
In addition to the excellent shows you can catch at the Opera House, the Restaurant Kost & Mask, which sits at the top of the Opera House’s 14 storeys, serves up an ever-changing selection of mouthwatering dishes, with the fare equally focused on vitality as on taste.
6. Go bar hopping
When it comes to getting the most out of Copenhagen’s varied nightlife, stopping by one of the city’s many watering holes is an absolute must. From chic cocktail bars to more laid-back pubs, the city has it all. Two celebrated establishments that are definitely worth the visit would have to be Ruby and Strom (below).
Having opened for business in 2007, Ruby has since become an iconic institution on the Copenhagen cocktail bar scene, with the current cocktail menu featuring such concoctions as Goosebumps (champagne, gooseberry juice, pisco and a hint of pine) and Hip Hop Oloroso (sherry, grapefruit juice, salt and house-brewed Ruby lager).
Off a quaint square in central Copenhagen, you’ll find Strom, a bar steeped in rich Art Deco design and flair, offering up an excellent array of expertly prepared cocktails.
7. Swing by the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre
If jazz is your thing, then you absolutely have to pop into the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre, which is somewhat of a Copenhagen institution, having originally opened its doors in the 1950s. Easily regarded as one of, not only Europe’s, but the world’s premier live jazz venues, Jazzhus Montmartre presents regular performances from some of the jazz world’s best acts, as well as many up-and-coming artists. The venue also provides guests with delectable dining options, with its acclaimed restaurant serving up lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
8. Make reservations at an award-winning restaurant
Copenhagen is famed as being one of the most distinguished culinary destinations on earth. Though the city’s former gastronomic superstar, Noma – the restaurant regularly voted as the world’s best – is temporarily closed for business, Copenhagen is awash with award-winning fine dining establishments to tempt even the most discerning of gourmands.
With so many exceptional options, your time in the Danish capital is sure to be a tasty one. Three Michelin-star Geranium presents a highly lauded, seasonally changing 20-plus-course Universe menu. AOC (below), housed in the vaulted cellar of Moltkes Palae, a historic Danish mansion, focuses on fresh Nordic produce and the aim of stimulating all the senses; taste, vision, colour and smell.
9. Party the night away
If dancing through the night to some incredible tunes is high on your Copenhagen wish list, you’ll be guaranteed an unforgettable night out in one of the city’s many clubs and dance venues. From mainstream dance clubs playing commercial music to underground venues pumping out somewhat more experimental sounds, there’s somewhere in Copenhagen to suit every type of partygoer.
For a relaxed industrial chic vibe, check out the supremely popular Jolene. For a giant club experience, there’s KB3 (below); and to experience the best in electronic music, there’s nowhere better than Culture Box, Denmark’s premier electronic music venue, which often hosts impressive line-ups of both local and international artists.
10. Stroll the city streets
While having a specific itinerary planned is helpful in ensuring you get to enjoy those things you want to experience while travelling, when in Copenhagen it’s never a bad idea to simply stroll along the streets without a particular agenda in mind. Not only is Copenhagen a charmingly beautiful city, but it’s also incredibly safe, so you can literally walk anywhere at night. Chances are you’ll stumble upon some hidden gem that may turn out to be the highlight of your Danish adventures.
Two local favourite spots around which you can plan your perambulations include the darling Bopa Plads square (below) and the trendy meatpacking district, Kodbyen.
PHOTOS: COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTRE, TY STANGE, 123RF.COM, INSTAGRAM, NEMOLAND FACEBOOK, LARA SCHMIDT, STROM BAR FACEBOOK, JAZZHUS MONMOARTE COPENHAGEN FACEBOOK, RESTAURANT AOC FACEBOOK, KB3 FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings
