Canals and palaces and a European Meatpacking District (can you tell I miss New York?) are just a few of the top things to experience in Copenhagen. Known as one of the happiest places in the world to live, Copenhagen left me refreshed and relaxed. Visiting in the summer allows for all the canal cruising and harbor hopping to your heart's content. The international hub has also attracts cuisine from around the globe, including Texas BBQ! Plan a trip and you won't be disappointed (except maybe in the Little Mermaid statue... it's so small!).
FRIDAY
After checking in (Absalon Hotel was a great spot), head to the Meatpacking District! There are countless options for a pre-dinner drinks, including NOHO and Mesteren & Lærlingen.
If you're partial to BBQ (I'm deprived these days), I highly recommend Warpigs. Their chef was sent to Texas for training with the best grillmasters. If you prefer seafood, Hooked is nearby and has a yummy lobster roll and calamari. TIP: Tommi's Burger Joint has delicious milkshakes if you want something sweet.
After dinner, pop into the famous Danish brewery Mikkeller for a pint! You can even buy a glass with their iconic logo.
SATURDAY
Start your day off with a visit to the colorful Nyhavn Harbor! At one point this was the busiest harbor in Copenhagen, so the houses were painted different colors to help drunken sailors know which building was their hotel. TIP: It is the most photographed spot in all of the city, so go first thing to avoid the crowds.
I had breakfast at my hotel, but heard great things about Kompa9 for brunch!
Take some time to wander around this part of the city, maybe even do a walking tour! The Grand Tour of Copenhagen offers a great overview of the city.
For lunch, grab some seafood at Havfruen or the Tipsy Mermaid (more of a local spot). Or, if you're a Texpat like me, La Neta has a few locations around town with delicious tacos and the best margarita I have found in Europe.
If you need a shopping break, the premier shopping in Copenhagen is on one of the longst pedestrian streets in Europe, Strøget (& other stories has quickly become a favorite since moving!). There is also the famous department store, the Magasin du Nord, that sits on the beautiful King's New Square.
Looking for something more historical? The Museum of Danish Resistance gives an overview of the role that Denmark played in WWII.
For an Italian dinner, check out La Vecchia Signora or Ristorante IL Rosmarino!
Round out the evening at Curfew for an unmatched speakeasy experience! TIP: make a reservation if you go on a weekend.
SUNDAY
It's time for a boat cruise! If you're in a group, opt for the Hey Captian group tour. Solo travelers might enjoy the Stromma a bit more, as the group is bigger. TIP: grab a cold drink from the Stromma dock bar before coming aboard.
For lunch, get a smørrebrød, which is a traditional Danish lunch dish. There are many places around town to get one, but I took a bus out to the Borens Gadekokken, an outdoor food hall on the water. It's a fun scene!
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
Copenhagen is known for being pricey, so keep that in-mind when budgeting! A funny thing for Americans, 7-Eleven is very popular here and has some tasty salads for a budget meal.
The Little Mermaid statue draws huge crowds every year, despite being one of the most disappointing attractions in Europe. We saw it from the water on the boat tour and I felt like that was enough.
Cyclists are out for blood, so if you decide to rent a bike, stay aware of your surroundings.
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