Destination Copenhagen: with Steph and Diane
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
We arrived in Copenhagen and were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get into the city by train or metro. The station is under Terminal 3 and tickets are available from the machines. The journey from the airport took around 15 minutes. From our stop it was a 10-minute walk to the Hotel Kong Arthur where we were staying. The hotel is located over 5 buildings but has a real boutique feel to it. There are great indoor and outdoor seating areas, and we really enjoyed the “cosy hour” every night between 5-6 where you can have a free drink and chill out before heading out for dinner.
After checking in, we explored on foot, getting our bearings and enjoying our first stroll through the city streets – flat, compact and very walkable, though busy with cyclists! As we had lots of hotel visits planned, we didn’t have time to visit any museums or palaces. However, for anyone planning to visit several attractions, the Copenhagen Card offers excellent value, including public transport and entry to over 80 attractions.
Day 2: Nyhavn, Canals & the City Centre
After a delicious breakfast we set off to explore the heart of Copenhagen. We walked along Strøget, the main pedestrian shopping street, making our way towards Nyhavn where we had more hotel visits planned. The colourful canal-front buildings were a highlight, and it’s such a lively and popular area, with lots of canal side restaurants. Well worth a visit! A canal cruise was a lovely way to see the city from the water and pass many of the key sights, including the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace and the historic harbour and narrow canals of Christianshavn.
We rounded the day off with an amazing afternoon tea at the landmark Hotel D’Angleterre where we were thoroughly spoiled.
Day 3: Train to Malmö & Exploring Local Neighbourhoods
Today we took the train across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden, just 40 minutes away. From Malmö Central Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Lilla Torg, the main square near City Hall. The old town, with its cobbled streets and cafés, was perfect for a relaxed wander, and we saw the striking Turning Torso, the city’s most famous modern landmark. Malmö is a great option for a day trip from Copenhagen or even as an added stay for a couple of nights. We arrived back in Copenhagen in the afternoon and explored Christianshavn, a cool, creative neighbourhood and home to the alternative community of Freetown Christiania. As it was such a lovely day, we walked to Nørrebro which feels more residential but has plenty of artisan shops, cafés, and a lively nightlife scene.
Day 4: Tivoli Gardens and The Latin Quarter
Tivoli Gardens was a must for our last day. It’s a unique mix of theme park and botanic gardens, with beautifully landscaped paths, a lake, and lots of places to eat and drink. There are also theatres and live performances – when we visited, there was outdoor live music which added to the atmosphere. It’s worth noting that while there is an entry fee, rides are not included and must be paid for separately. As we had a bit of time before heading back to the airport we decided to take a walk through the Latin Quarter which is known for its narrow, winding streets filled with hop boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafes.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen proved to be a fantastic city break – easy to navigate, welcoming and full of character. From colourful canals and green spaces to relaxed neighbourhoods and easy day trips, it’s a destination we’d happily recommend and revisit.
To find out more about Steph & Diane’s visit to Copenhagen or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
