I was so looking forward to this trip! Not only to visit one of the most incredible cities – and cultures – in the world, but also to see Gaby and celebrate her 21st birthday with her. Seriously, what an honor. And we’re finally here!
We arrived in Copenhagen mid-afternoon to weather that was partly cloudy and in the 60s! Absolutely perfect when you’re leaving close to 100 degrees everyday. Taking the metro was easy and cheap! And on the above ground portions little glimpses of the city came into view. It was a quick walk to our hotel – Bryggen Guldsmeden – termed an Urban Eco Resort in the district of Islands Brygge. It is so sweet! The décor is very modern and sleek and even looks sustainable. It’s an adorable small room but with all of the amenities you’d need including a perfect location near – but not in – the touristy heart of the city: Indry By.
Next up – seeing Gaby for the first time since Christmas! She met us at the hotel and we did the first thing you should do as a tourist in Copenhagen – rent a bike to explore the city. Per a recommendation from our hotel, we used Donkey Republic Copenhagen, a local bike rental company, which uses pretty sweet tech to access and lock the bike via an app on your phone. Note – you do need to be connected to Wifi or cellular – probably obviously – to use the app.
Gaby had wanted to see the Royal Copenhagen Library since she’d arrived in May. This library is an architectural gem of the city and also called the Black Diamond representing the look of the library. It sits right on the harborfront and allows for fantastic views of the canal from the 7 glass-front stories. The glass also sits at less than 90 degree angles which allows for the light reflecting off the canal to more effectively power the building. Incredible.
Next we were off on our donkeys to see the most touristy thing we’ll see while we’re here. It’s a must-do according to any blog or article you read on Copenhagen – Nyhavn Harbor. This is the place to take your Instagram photos! It’s a lovely, iconic area where boats line the canal and the cobblestone streets are surrounded by pencil houses of every color imaginable. Restaurants and nightclubs line the street and it is teeming with tourists. It is extremely picturesque and I now know why it’s a must-do. My research also said it’s the last place you want to buy food or drinks as it’s overpriced and not worth the money. So we didn’t sit down but just strolling down the cobblestones and taking in the sights, sounds and smells is worth it. I can actually see why people want to spend the extra money to sit along the canal. The people watching is incredible as are the views of the canal and gorgeous Copenhagen architecture in the background.
Next – food! Gaby was our personal tour guide but she just so happened to have the same food hall on our list of places to go. Called Torvehallerne it is a covered marketplace featuring stalls with local fruits and veggies, fresh fish and cheese and meat, gourmet foods, fast foods and desserts. There are also fresh flowers and plants and countless small kiosks featuring all types of local cuisine. It encompasses two buildings with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy your food of choice.
What a “feast” for the senses! Unfortunately we arrived about 30 minutes before closing and one of us was getting hangry (who, me?) so we made quick work of the place. We’ll DEFINITELY be going back! John and I decided on Palæo – a vegetarian, vegan, Paleo-themed kiosk featuring healthy fare. Seriously, we’d eaten airline food and chips for 24 hours and needed something green! Butternut squash salad. It was delicous! Gaby decided on a fishcake from Boutique Fisk – which was pretty amazing as well. We sat outside on a little bench near a park and watched a mom and her little one roll down a hill as we ate our dinner; chatting the whole time. Really wonderful…
We got back on our Donkey’s (bikes) and followed our tour guide (Gaby) back to her apartment to check out where she’s been staying. On the way we ended up on Stroget street. Stroget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian-only shopping streets in Europe. This was also a must-do according to me (!). Most shops were closed when we got there but it was nice. Very calm – we had the street to ourselves – and quiet. We did a bit of window shopping on the way to Gaby’s place. I say window shopping because this street is the place to go for a Prada bag, or a Hermes scarf or a Gucci wallet. Very high end and well kept.
Being good tourists and giving back to the local economy, we had to stop for churros on the way to see Gaby’s place. Churros in Copenhagen??!! I know, but churros are frighteningly unhealthy and incredibly delicious. Sometimes you’ve just gotta!
Gaby’s apartment is right off Stroget street. It’s in a great area and perfect for a young woman to be safe and explore this beautiful city. She’s sharing it with 7 other young women studying furniture design here. We got a quick tour and then headed back to our bikes where we said goodbye for the night. We were WHIPPED.
I always try to stay up until the “normal” local time. We may have seemed high or drunk but we did it! 9:30 pm local time – 1:30 am Boise time – and we passed out in our charming little eco hotel.