Jordan Courtenay’s Field Notes from Copenhagen, Denmark

Courtesy of Jordan

Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and/or by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Jordan Courtenay shares her notes from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Color, character, charm—Copenhagen is the ultimate Scandi spot. 

The Danish capital had been on my bucket list for years—I had heard so much about it from friends and family and seen so many pictures and reels all over social media. I was dying to see it for myself—the rows upon rows of colorful buildings lined up along gorgeous blue canals and the great big palaces rich in history and splendor—it would be a far cry from the bustling city life I’d always experienced. 

Finally, this past June I made the trip to Copenhagen with my partner, and it was well worth the wait! From exploring the vibrant culinary scene to embracing the city’s "hygge" culture, I soaked it all up, indulged in all the Danish pastries I could find, and enjoyed every ounce of adventure Copenhagen had to offer. 

 

Top Scandi Spots

  • Tivoli Gardens—Once you pass through the grand golden gates, you’re met with an explosion of color, from the beautifully well-kept gardens and greenery to the intricately adorned architecture and world-famous Pantomime Theatre stage. There’s ample to do here, including any number of family-friendly rides and arcade games, as well as delicious eatery options and thirst-quenching spritz stands for the adults. 

  • Royal Palaces & Castles—When I was looking up what to do in Copenhagen, I was a little overwhelmed by the number of palaces and castles to choose from—I wasn’t sure if we’d have the time to see them all, and I wasn’t sure how to choose between them. So, let me save you some time and trouble if you’re headed to Copenhagen next…

Favorited Food & Drink

  • The Street Food Scene—With the largest street food market in Northern Europe, Copenhagen is a hotbed for street food—you can experience culinary delights from around the world in just a single space. There are various spots you can go to—each a diverse, vibrant oasis of people and produce—and if you’re like me, you’ll find it hard to choose between the various stands and their culinary offerings. Here were my top two…

Parting Thoughts

  • By European standards, Copenhagen is expensive—there’s no doubt about it! It was good to keep this in mind before our trip, especially if it meant tightening our purse strings a little. 

  • All in all, we were pretty lucky with the weather. What I would say, though, is that the weather was extremely unpredictable. So, we learned not to trust our phones and instead prepare for anything and everything that may have come our way. I’d suggest you do the same and bring a light jacket to brace that cold Baltic breeze.

 

Courtesy of Jordan

Courtesy of Jordan

Also included in Jordan’s notes:

  • A cool, bohemian eatery that’ll tantalize your tastebuds

  • The city’s best bakeries and must-try local delicacies

  • Waterfront districts brimming with Copenhagen charm

  • Where to enjoy panoramic views of the city…

    …And more

 

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