A local's tips for Copenhagen: Experiences, architecture, and hidden gems
How to spend your time in Copenhagen. Get tips for your (next) visit to Copenhagen from a local
Hi. Recently, I drew and painted the iconic cinema in Copenhagen called ‘Palads’. I think the building is both fun and playful. Watch my video here and learn how to draw the cinema! (link to YouTube). As promised in my video description, I will also share a previous drawing of mine of Cineplex Rundkino Dresden located in Germany.
This is one of my first drawings. Cineplex Rundkino Dresden, Germany.
Today, I will help you decide on what to do and see on your visit to Copenhagen. The city is definitely most magical and blossoms during May-September when the days are longer and the atmosphere is lighter, but most activities will be available throughout the year. Let’s explore.
Enjoy the Beautiful Architecture, Museums and Gardens
Copenhagen is filled with beautiful spots in terms of architecture, museums and gardens. It is easy to walk from one place to the other. Here are some of my favorites categorized by area in the city:
Indre By (City Center)
In the city center, you will find Jorcks Passage, which is a passage between Strøget and Skindergade. The passage, built in architecture style historicism, has a beautiful glass ceiling. The telephone exchange of Copenhagen used to be located there. Last time I went, I enjoyed a coffee at Original Coffee Jorcks Passage (link to Maps) at their charming Parisian café table set. Although a different architecture style, the passage brings me back to the wonderful Hackesche Höfe in Berlin.
Klostergården Passage is a neoclassical passage located close to Amager Torv. It is longer compared to Jorcks Passage, and as I remember, it has a beautiful navy and white basin with geometric tiles. While walking through the passage - maybe with a bubble tea in your hand? - it feels like stepping into a different age in time, and although it is in the city center, it is completely quiet.
Nikolaj Kunsthal is an old church in the city center that has been transformed into an art gallery showcasing changing exhibitions by both local and international artists. You can read about previous, current and upcoming exhibitions here. On certain days, you can even climb all the way to the church tower and get rewarded with a stunning view of Copenhagen. Over the past years, I have visited the museum multiple times, and although the quality of the exhibitions vary, it is always fun to be challenged.
Nørrebro
Den Sorte Plads (The Black Square) is a cool and urban hangout spot in Nørrebro. It offers a playful urban space that contrasts with Copenhagen’s typical minimalist design. The area is often filled with children and parents enjoying the mosaic fountain and groups of friends playing chess. Grab a coffee from a local café or bring your own drinks and food.
Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg is a municipality and it is an enclave in Copenhagen Municipality. You should definitely visit when staying in Copenhagen. Here is a list of highly recommended activities that you can combine in various ways.
Landbohøjskolens Have, a part of the University of Copenhagen, has a beautiful garden - that, in some ways, reminds me of Japanese gardening style. It has a large ‘hidden’ spot filled with beautiful roses in every imaginable color, and it is delightful to witness the blossoming season year after year. There are benches for enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by the colorful rose garden. Afterwards, do as the locals do who celebrate both big and small occasions in life: Grab a pizza and relax on your blanket in the park area of the garden.
While Frederiksberg Garden is delightful to explore on foot, one of my most memorable experiences there was a slow and relaxing rowing tour a few Summers ago. The rower shared stories about the garden's history, the buildings, and the bridges, making it a highly recommended activity. Link to boat location on Maps here. From what I recall, the house where the boats depart has been passed down through several generations, and I believe the owner is also rowing.
If your stomach starts rumbling after your boat trip and you feel like trying Danish food for dinner, I highly recommend Café Lindevang at Frederiksberg (link). They serve huge platters and are generous with the sauce. I love the fact that the waiters wear uniforms. Remember to book a table to ensure you have a spot.
Next to Frederiksberg Garden, you will find Søndermarken, where the museum Cisternerne is located. It is an old water reservoir that has been transformed into an amazing museum. There is a new exhibition each year. My favorite exhibition, centered on sorrow, was by Tomás Saraceno where we paddle through the reservoir to experience the exhibition (link).
Lastly, a general note on coffee: Coffee is very popular in Copenhagen, and it is normal to meet friends for a coffee after work to catch-up. In fact, coffee is much more widespread and popular than tea. It is especially the Italian-style warm coffee that is prevalent, but I see iced coffee gaining a bit more popularity. The coffee in Copenhagen is generally very expensive ($5-6.5 pr. cup is not unheard of) and the quality is generally high. Coffee Collective, located all over the city, is extremely popular - and with good reason. If you want a more casual and fun hangout place where the coffee is cheaper, you could visit the old church Absalon that has been transformed into a café with daily activities and events. It is located at Sønder Boulevard, Vesterbro.
I hope you have gotten inspired for your next trip to Copenhagen.
Until next time!
My drawing and painting of Palads, iconic cinema in Copenhagen, Denmark