Copenhagen is often seen as a summer destination, but it also makes the perfect weekend getaway for solo travellers, couples and families alike this Christmas.
Denmark’s scenic capital is best known for its fashion, award-winning restaurants, café culture and, frankly, unrivalled shopping – I did the leg work to figure this one out. Though as I quickly learned, there’s much more to Copenhagen than aesthetics.
On the surface, it serves as an ideal weekend break for those seeking a change of scenery at any time of year. But dig deeper and you’ll find there’s no more magical place to usher in the Christmas season.
Fairy lights illuminate the harbour at Nyhavn, the row of multicoloured buildings that will first pop up on a Google image search of Copenhagen. Good food can be found in abundance in this area.
The market stalls that line the cobbled streets serve mulled wine and there are plenty of spots to savour smørrebrød (an open-faced sandwich) and æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls).
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It’s not far to walk from here to the most magical attractions in Copenhagen – the revered Tivoli Gardens. This amusement park served as inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland and, during the Christmas period, it’s clear to see why.
From 14 November to 4 January, the park will transform into a winter wonderland, with every corner sparkling with strings of twinkling lights, Christmas trees and magic. There’s a full programme of Christmas music, dance, parades and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Entry to Tivoli Gardens is free, however some experiences do require a paid ticket.
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Where to stay in Copenhagen
When it comes to hitting the sack after a long day, or too many mulled beverages, there’s no shortage of comfy, cosy hotels.
The Indre By area is a great location for a weekend stay. It’s close to the city’s retail hotspot — a godsend for buying those last few Christmas gifts. For a home-away-from-home, try 25Hours Hotel. The doormat as you enter reads ‘hello stranger, goodbye old friend’, which is exactly what a stay here feels like.
Multiple communal rooms invite guests to relax in the hotel’s spaces, including a record room, where you can listen to your favourite tunes.
In this city, you never have to choose between aesthetics and quality: it does both with a painfully effortless flair.
Take Hotel Bella Grande, for example. Something about it feels magically nostalgic, even down to being presented with a real room key, accessorised with a rich crimson-red tassel. Food-lovers are well-catered for too: the hotel is part of Copenhagen Food Collective (Cofoco), a group of over 20 restaurants.
In fact, Bella Grande makes the promise that no matter how last minute your reservation, they’ll make sure you never go hungry.
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Where to eat in Copenhagen
Speaking of hunger, where’s the best place for a cosy festive meal out of the thousands of restaurants to choose from? While it’s difficult to find a bad meal in this city, there are some places ideal during this time of year.
Reffen is a street-food market, with options from across the world, complemented by an ice rink during the winter season.
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But, if you want to eat like a Danish local, a bodega is the place to go. A bodega is to the Danes what a pub is to the British, where friends and colleagues gather in a casual environment to enjoy a beer and speciality dishes.
For the festive period, Toldbod Bodega is the place of choice for many. Established in 1787 it’s a step back in time. Enjoy a draft of beer from a local brewery to wash down the star of the show: stegt flæsk med persillesovs (a traditional fried pork dish). Indeed, a weekend well spent.
Feature image: Canva
