Denmark is heralded as being the happiest country on earth and a visit to its capital Copenhagen is sure to be a testament to this Scandinavian country’s reputation. From strolling through the streets of the villages to utilizing luggage storage in Copenhagen Central Station, you will not only be welcomed by the natives but feel incredibly safe in your surroundings.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before you head off on your Copenhagen vacation, there are a few important things to know about this country.
- Passport/Visa: You will need a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date to travel internationally. If you need a visa, US citizens can get a free 90-day visa upon arrival.
- Currency: Danish Krone (Kr)
- Power Voltage: 230V at 50 Hz
- Language: Danish
- Climate: Copenhagen enjoys summers that are comfortable and partly cloudy while the winters are long and very cold with snow and wind. It tends to be mostly cloudy.
Day 1
For your first day in Copenhagen, feel free to take it easy as you adjust to your new home for the next week. After a day of travel, you will want to recharge so you are prepared for all the adventures you are about to enjoy. Day 1 is perfect for exploring Freetown Christiania, which features stunning displays of colorful art. It’s perfect for a low-key day to stroll around and enjoy a picnic or bike ride.
Day 2
After a low-key day, it’s time for some adventure. Tivoli Gardens, located in Copenhagen, is the world’s second-oldest amusement park and was the inspiration for Disney theme parks. One step through the grand entrance and you’ll find roller coasters, shows, food, flower gardens, and more for a full day of fun. At Tivoli, you will be expected to pay a fee to enter and then additional fees for some of the attractions, such as the roller coasters.
Day 3
A day at the zoo is always a fun vacation day and the Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1859, is among the oldest and largest zoos in Europe. At the zoo, you can enjoy watching lions, seals, polar bears, monkeys, reptiles, birds, and more. The zoo even has an observation tower so you can look out over the park for a spectacular view.
Day 4
On day 4, take in the main attractions in Copenhagen that you’ve heard so much about. Most of these are located close enough to visit each of these in a single day and it will be a nice opportunity to take in more of the city.
- Amalienborg Castle
- Christiansborg Palace
- Kastellet & The Little Mermaid
- Nyhavn Harbor
- Rosenborg Palace
- The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
- Town Hall Square
Day 5
As you wind down your week, take in some culture by visiting museums and the aquarium in Copenhagen. There are lots of places to visit and learn from, and you can even take in more than one on this day.
- Danish Architecture Center
- Frilandsmuseet Open Air Museum
- National Museum of Denmark
- The National Aquarium Denmark (Den Bla Planet)
- The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)
- Thorvaldsens Museum
Day 6
Ready for another amusement park? A short 20-minute drive north of Copenhagen will bring you to Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, which dates back to 1532. The park is free to enter so you can find plenty of enjoyment from a simple walk through the historic area to having a thrilling experience on the roller coasters. Similar to Tivoli, there are shops and restaurants to round out your day and the park is a good option for young children if you are traveling with your family.
Day 7
On your last day in Copenhagen, check out Strøget Shopping Mile where you can find plenty of boutiques and restaurants to occupy your time. A shopping day is a perfect way to unwind during your week and pick up souvenirs for yourself or gifts for your loved ones back home. Choosing to shop on the final day allows you to reflect on your vacation and choose meaningful pieces that will help you remember your trip. Plus, if you have any leftover vacation money you didn’t spend during your week, this is a great time to splurge.
Conclusion
Your vacation to Copenhagen will surely be a memorable experience. With so many historic, beautiful, and fun places to enjoy, you will have lots to share with your loved ones back home. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures so you can share and remember your trip.