As I was recently randomly browsing flights, I found a cheap flight to a rather expensive destination. I booked a return London-Copenhagen for £15 only! That’s cheaper than my transfer from London to Luton Airport, from where I flew. Anyway, I took this short 48 hours city-break in Copenhagen just to reconnect with a destination I absolutely love but also get to do things a bit off the touristy trail. I visited Copenhagen back in 2013 for 5 days and I got to do the touristy stuff, from the Little Mermaid to the colourful Nyhavn.
City: Copenhagen, Denmark
Where I stayed?
Woodah Hostel is a really cute place with an interesting concept attracting many international travellers to its comfy and cosy dorms. There are many good things about this hostel. Firstly, its location: it is 5 minutes walk from Copenhagen Central Station, nearby many supermarkets, plenty of bars and restaurants. It is basically at the heart of busy Vesterbro. Secondly, the hostel offers free yoga classes to all guests which is amazing! It brings a spirit of peace and relaxation within all guests which makes us more friendlier with each other. I spent time talking until the late nights with other guests at the common room and everyone is just great! The staff was just as friendly as the guests, we had many laughs and stories to exchange.
The hostel also offers free wifi at the reception, lockers, free shampoo, hair dryer, free breakfast,… all included in the price, so no hidden charges. I simply just hate it when I have to pay extras at hostels so I was happy about that point. The reception area is also really lovely, with a simple Scandinavian taste decoration and groovy music playing on the loop. I love the playlist selection! I stayed on a 12 beds dorm, it was quite good as beds are fine and the design simple as not to feel bored inside the room. But I wasn’t there to stay at the room only, I had only 48 hours in Copenhagen to explore.
More about Woodah Hostel here.
Day 1 – Christiania
This is kind of a city inside a city, or even a world within a world. Christiania is surely an unique part of Copenhagen. Its residents claim independence for a long time now as they first occupied this part of the city as part of some hippie movements. Even though it attracts huge crowds of tourists, it doesn’t feel so touristy afterall as those tourists don’t carry city maps around nor wear ponchos for the rain.
Christiania is a really cool place to discover some interesting art, learn about Danish hippie movements and simply have fun. There are several restaurants, bars and also shops available. But also plenty of nature to just sit back and relax on the grass. On top of that, there’s the famous Green Light District where it is possible to buy weed and just get high without fear of being taken to jail as it is a liberal part of the city. However, a board makes it clear that buying or selling marijuana is forbidden by law, but a contradictory rule tells you to just have fun. And it is clearly what most locals seem to do, some come with their suits and bikes after a long days at what I can assume as their office jobs, sit down and smoke a joint. Easy as it sounds but I was super surprised that Christiania was not closed for its people only but anyone can visit and have a great time.
I liked it there but I assume that some people may not enjoy it simply because it can seem a bit dodgy for certain people or especially families coming to visit. But I personally felt great there, I loved it! I will be visiting again this part of the city.
Tip: It’s unmissable but you never know, you could be high after a visit to Christiania, but look up for the nearby Church of Our Saviour, a spiral church in Copenhagen. Tourist hotspot but worth a visit.
Day 2 – Nørrebro
I did not use any public transport in Copenhagen but instead I went for long 40 to 60 minutes walks. I did the same to get Christiania from my hostel and again the same to get to another nice area known as Nørrebro. This part of the city is known for the huge amount of hipster cafes, bars and restaurants. But also known for its diversity as many non-Danish people live there so it’s most likely a good place to have a great Turkish kebab on the go. All over the place, there is a lot of street art. And of course, many commuters on their bikes going to the center and back.
A very unusual thing I did in Nørrebro is visit Assistens Cemetery which not only is a resting place for many notable Danes beneath its grounds but it is a park. A park where families come enjoy their time, the sporty types come for a run and students come for a lunch break, all within the cemetery. I was so surprised and no doubt if it was sunny, I would have seen people sunbathing. What is funny is that people do not seem to care it is a cemetery, they just enjoy their moment!
Just after passing this huge cemetery/park there is a famous street called Jaegersborggade. I went there with high expectations but I was honestly disappointed. It is meant to be the trendiest street in the neighbourhood. It surely looked pretty with the beige and blanc cassé buildings and the overly hipster concept stores but it was just neutral. Anyway, I had some overpriced food there before heading back to my hostel for a rest.
To end my day, I went to the heart of Copenhagen at Tivoli Gardens. This garden is actually an amusement park with many rides and attractions, from restaurants to bars and show theatres. I discovered it quickly and I think it’s a perfect place to enjoy with friends or family. I did not stay long because unfortunately it started raining, so I left.
The next morning, I was heading back to London with some new and fresh memories to take back from Copenhagen. Well, since I visited twice, I think there is a third time coming. See you soon!
Disclaimer: Woodah Hostel hosted me for two nights to write on my blog about my stay. All views on this article are my own. Likewise for Tivoli Gardens who were kind to invite me for a visit.
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