A Non-Traditional Copenhagen Itinerary (for Weirdos like Me)

Sharing is caring!

Copenhagen Travel Itinerary (But Not Your Average Copenhagen Itinerary)

Hello, my faithful, or fearful followers, I can’t decide which one is more likely (Get pumped for this weirdo Copenhagen itinerary).

But:

If you know me at all then you know I am rather, er non-traditional.

I Know:

Some would say insane or weird or eccentric. But alas, you aren’t here to discuss my multitude of character flaws.

Nope!

You’re here to create a Copenhagen suggested itinerary that is perhaps, um, a little less than normal. An itinerary that somewhat accurately reflects my 3 days in Copenhagen in Winter.

Well, if this describes some of your travel preferences, then you’re in luck!

Yes!

I like to go BEYOND the normal and create a Denmark itinerary that might not bore you to tears.

Okay, you’re right:

Not EVERYTHING on this list is super original, If it was, then as a first-time visitor, I would never have heard about any of these unique things to do in Copenhagen, now would I?

Fair Point:

Well, I just hope that something on this list surprises you. And if not then what can I say? I guess I’m more normal than I think.

***Planning a Copenhagen card itinerary? Just check the price and the amenities included in the card before you buy it. Believe it or not, Copenhagen is a very walkable or bikeable city (you really should do as the Danes do and hope on a bike).

That’s part of the reason why I didn’t actually use public transportation while I was there (except to get to and from the airport).

I also didn’t have time to visit a lot of attractions included on the card so I decided against it. But you never know, it may work for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

If you’re booking a trip right now then I IMPLORE you to get travel insurance – even if it’s not from me.

After all, this past year has been a wild ride and I don’t want you to lose money because government regulations have changed. 

Truth be told though, I’ve never traveled without travel insurance and don’t think you should either – especially since I think we’ve all had plans drastically change because of the pandemic. 

Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. You can also read more about which policy is right for you in my full review here.

1. Freetown Christiana

The uniqueness of this autonomous, anarchist district in which residents openly sell cannabis in the, you guessed it, “green light district” is old news (Bring a gas mask. Unless you like the overwhelming smell of hash, pot, cannabis, or whatever you want to call it. Just remember kids, weeds are for whacking).

Yes:

Christiana is awesome and unlike any place, you’re ever seen, but it’s hardly a secret. Still worth putting on your Copenhagen travel itinerary though!

But Let’s Be Real:

There is a cafe called Munchies down the street, need I say more?

Actually:

They sell those insanely delicious bubble waffles that you wrap into an ice cream cone and that everyone, me included, takes 10,00 photos of. You then plaster the aforementioned photos on Instagram so everyone gets a serious case of food envy. Yup, I’m a sheep. Ba!

Now::

Just because this quirky, Copenhagen district is well known amongst tourists, doesn’t mean you should skip it.

Seriously:

I’m from New York, one of the street art capitals of the world, and I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like this eclectic assortment of totally rad art (sounds like outdated verbiage but somehow, rad describes Christina quite perfectly).

Just Be Warned:

Residents do NOT like it when you take pictures of the cannabis stalls. Therefore, keep your eyes open for rather obvious signs that say, “No pictures please”. Yup, totally missed those and got a stern talking to.

Yup!

Yet another Girl with the Passport travel fail. But legit, I was taking pictures of the art. No really!

But Other Than That:

The people are super chill, the art is super awesome, and the experience is super neat since you see signs that announce, “Now leaving the EU”.

And no, you don’t need a passport if you want to add Christiana to your Copenhagen weekend itinerary. Just bring money because they sell some super cool t-shirts like “Raised by Hippies”.

***I walked to Christiana but if that’s not your thing, just take the metro to Christianshavn St. From here, head southeast (like you have a compass handy) towards Dronningensgade.

You’ll see Christina on your right after about 15 minutes. And I promise you won’t be able to miss it. 

2. Rundetårn (Round Tower)

I’ll admit It:

This Copenhagen attraction isn’t very original at all.

In Fact:

You’ll probably find this the Round Tower listed on any and all, Copenhagen activities brochures that are within a 15 kilometers of the city center.

And For Good Reason!!

The round tower was an observatory that was later turned into a racetrack that now stands 34.8 meters tall (I’m American so I have no idea what that means but it’s tall).

Today:

The only races here are races, between tourists, to figure out who can see some of the most spectacular views, in all of Copenhagen, first.

But It Gets Better!

I actually put this stairless (Hell yes! Just ramps) tower on this list of things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark because it defied all of my expectations!

Really:

I thought it was just going to be another over-priced, tourist trap that you were obligated to visit because your ever demanding Instagram account is incessantly yearning for photo ops like this.

But It Was So Much More:

For the bargain basement price of DKK 25 for adults (and DKK 5 for children between 5 and 15), not only do you get stunning views of the surrounding city, but you also get to explore a historic observatory, glance at an ever-changing series of modern art installations, and even sneak a peek at the Trinitatis Church.

We Call this Three for One, Copenhagen Sites of Interest!

Just don’t be a punk and make sure to check this place out. No really! This is the one time that you can go along with the masses (Get the church joke? No? Okay, I’ll cease and desist) and it’s totally okay.

***The Round Tower is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

3. Nasothek Nose Collection

Doesn’t this sound like some weird, Hannibal Lecter style exhibit that you would find in a deranged plastic surgeon’s office?

No?

Okay, clearly I’ve lost my mind. But no surprise there. Moving on.

Anyway:

This assortment of well, rando noses (One hundred to be exact. But who’s counting? Besides the curators) actually comes from a ton of Greek and Roman sculptures that are known as Glyptotek. Okay, well sort of.

See:

It was so common for the noses on these sculptures to fall off that nineteenth-century curators had the brilliant idea of giving these statues a nose job, so to speak.

Sorry, just ignore my weakness for really bad puns.

Okay, I’m Just Trying to Be Funny!

They would basically make a copy of the lost nose and stick it on the statue so that the statue looked all pretty and complete! Tada! Magic! Now, where’s that rabbit…

But like Bob Dylan said, “Times, they are a-changing'”

Today, replacing the lost noses with the fake ones is a big museum faux pas. But what’s a curator to do with all these leftover copies of fake noses?

Why make a Nasothek of course (aka nose cabinet)!

So that’s the short reason why the Glyptotek Museum has an enormous cabinet of noses that are just, ya know, nosin’ around.

I know, I’m not funny. But Don’t Worry: 

If noses are not your thing, the museum also has a vast collection of statues, paintings, and even an enormous glass foyer that is exquisitely bathed in sunlight and adorned with a multitude of plants, fountains, and benches.

Talk About a Great Place to Relax!

Especially on Tuesdays when the museum is free (Woot, woot! Except the special exhibit which is 60 DKK)!

But If You’re Totally Uncool and Have My Luck:

You’ll probably end up visiting on a day other than Tuesday when admission is 115 DKK for adults, 100 DKK for groups of 10 or more, 85 DKK for people under 27, and free for anyone under 18.

***The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm and Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm (closed Mondays and right next to Tivoli Gardens and the National Museum (two of my favorite Copenhagen, Denmark things to do). Therefore, you can easily do all three in one day!

4. Genetically Modified Little Mermaid Statue (Say What?!?)

Okay, I think it’s pretty safe to say that when you hear the name Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid is probably the first thing that comes to mind.

Am I right?

Come on, you remember Sebastian. You know, the little, red dancing crab that had a slight Jamaican accent?

No?

Okay, well you have to remember the slightly risque lyrics to “Under the Sea”. Alright, the lyrics were totally G rated but my friends and I had SUPER dirty minds (“That’s where it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me…”).

Okay well, that was the Disneyified version of the Hans Christian Anderson classic.

Yes, people. It was a book, written by Hans Christian Anderson, that people actually used to, gasp, read!

Oh, wait, wrong Little Mermaid.

But it Gets Weirder!

Hans Christian Anderson was actually from, you guessed it, Odense, Denmark (Okay, maybe you didn’t guess the Odense part but whatevs)! Hence the now, immortal statue in Copenhagen.

But this Statue is Old News!! Lame! We wanna see something cool!

Well, then stop by the Black Diamond Library (a modern extension of the Royal Danish Library’s old building and part of any bookish guide to Copenhagen) and sneak a peek at the rather odd looking Little Mermaid statue right outside the building.

Why is she so jacked up?

Well, her DNA was probably mutated as the result of too many chemical pollutants in our oceans or because she just ate way too many genetically modified foods.

Either way:

It’s a weird commentary on the destructively evil power of modern technology. But it’s bizarre and totally free so it’s all good.

Actually:

it’s not all that good for Ariel since I’m not sure if Eric really wants to deal with that kind of baggage. But they can figure it all out on Jerry Springer because relationship advice is not really my area of expertise.

Plus:

The library itself is worth a visit too. Just smoosh your bag into a locker (make sure you bring change), and explore the gift shop, the cafe (which has awesome coffee), the historic library exhibitions, and even the stunning view from the top floor.

Yeah, I’m Kind of a Library Nerd. But it was epic!

And even if you don’t enjoy libraries, just think of it as visiting two totally different attractions in one tiny area. A real win, win, win all around, if you’re a weirdo like me and put this on your, “What to do in Copenhagen Denmark” list.

5. Bertels Salon

So my passion for libraries and books is closely followed by my passion for…FOOD.

I just wish sugar didn’t make you fat. I also wish that I could eat anything I want and not get fat but that’s another story.

Let’s just say that my love of food led me to, Bertels Salon, a cafe that is known for having the BEST cheesecake in all of Copenhagen (And it has lines out the door to prove it.

They also don’t accept cash so bring a card).

And yes, even this New Yorker thinks the cheesecake here is amazing!

But don’t expect New York Style cheesecake, which is super rich, dense, and creamy. I mean sure, it’s delicious but it leaves you feeling like Fudgey the whale after just one bite.

Nope!

This cheesecake is light, fluffy, totally delicious, and doesn’t sit in your stomach like a led brick. I got the pistachio cheesecake and have absolutely no regrets.

Just Note That:

This cafe gets super crowded because the food and ambiance are both bangin’.

So if you hate crowds, just grab a slice to go, or twelve, and take it to your room or the park or basically any place that doesn’t have mobs of people.

It Doesn’t Get THAT Crowded. I just loathe hordes of people. 

***Located at Kompagnistræde 5, 1146 København K, Denmark. The staff are friendly, the food is amazing, and it’s open daily from 11 am – 9 pm (open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). 

6. Paludan Bog and Cafe

This is the place where all of my booklover dreams came true.

No Really! It’s NOT Just Another Coffee Place!

As a proud, card-carrying member of the nerd herd, this cafe/book lovers paradise is a place where all my nerdiest fantasies became a total reality. And they serve yummy cheesecake too!

Can it Get ANY Better?

The short answer is no by the way. Unless that cheesecake is served with a side of Ryan Gosling. Then I’d never leave the cafe.

But Back to Reality.

In English, this cafe is known as the Palludan Book and Cafe; and you can see why since this enormous coffeehouse is all about books.

Yup!

Not only is this a fabulous cafe that serves everything from alcohol to coffee to cakes to lunch and dinner, but this cafe also operates as a second-hand bookstore.

I mean not that I could buy much because I don’t speak Danish but a girl can look can’t she?

Actually, don’t answer that.

Just grab a cup of coffee, peruse through the second-hand books, and snag a nice cozy armchair, and table that lies among the quaint, picturesque bookshelves that line the walls,

 7. The Cisterns (Insert creepy horror music here)

No, the cisterns aren’t some weird, voodoo haunted house.

Trust me, this art installation is WAY cooler than a haunted house (but it only takes about twenty minutes to stroll through this place so no need to spend the day here).

Okay, they are underground, completely dark, and rather creepy, but I promise, Casper the not so friendly ghost won’t jump out in the middle of your visit.

So what can you expect?

Well, the cisterns were created using an underground reservoir that is located beneath Søndermarken park (across from Frederiksberg Castle) in Copenhagen.

Therefore:

To fully immerse yourself in the entire experience, you are encouraged to turn off all cell phones and cameras.

Instead of Being Preoccupied with Electronics:

Creators want you to embrace the full sensory experience that the cisterns offer, with it’s dark, damp, and sometimes bone-chilling (literally) atmosphere.

Accordingly:

You feel, see, and experience the full impact of nature on our lives; a concept that is enhanced by the ability of this dripstone cave to create stalactites and stalagmites within this subterranean, underground cavern.

Be Forewarned:

Because of the lack of light throughout the Cisterns, the walk can be a bit difficult since floor surfaces can be damp and uneven. Therefore, I would not recommend this to anyone who has limited mobility!

Also:

The Cisterns don’t open until 11 am, so don’t show up early because then you’ll just end up aimlessly strolling through the park.

And no, you can’t really visit Frederiksberg Castle, across the street, since it is now a military academy that only offers visitor tours on the last Saturday of every month.

***Like an idiot, I just spent an hour looking up Frederiksborg Castle, and couldn’t figure out why the castle didn’t look like the yellow building in my pictures.

Yeah, that’s because the Palace across from the Cisterns is Frederiksberg Castle, not Frederiksborg Castle, which is an entirely different place. So yeah, don’t be like me. 

***The Cisterns are closed Mondays and open every other day of the week from 11 am – 6 pm, except on Thursday when they are open until 8 pm. Admission is DKK 70 for adults. DKK 50 for seniors/students, and free for anyone 18 and under. 

***One last thing and then I’ll stop writing, I swear. The cisterns are more of a venue space that hosts different events and exhibits that rotate in and out of the former reservoir throughout the year.

Therefore, the exhibit may have changed since I visited. That’s why I would research what the facility is currently displaying before I just strolled on over (I would so be that person who inadvertently took a herd of kids to see some Ron Jeremey installation that totally scarred them for life). 

Sadly, My Dear Reader, this Copenhagen Guide Has Come to an End

I know, dry your eyes. But I can’t reveal all my secrets for weekend breaks, Copenhagen Denmark style, in one post now can I?

Exactly!

Remember, no one is gonna buy the cow if you give the milk away for free!

Okay:

No, I’m not running Green Acres on the side. I just mean that if I give away all my Copenhagen suggested itinerary tips in one post, then you’ll have no reason to come back, besides my undeniable beauty, intelligence, wit, and grace.

Haha!

Stop, it’s not THAT funny.

Okay, Maybe It Is:

But just come back because I need someone to write for. And my dad just can’t seem to remember the URL for my site. So please come back! I get awfully lonely when I’m all up in cyberspace by myself,

Now, I’m gonna end this before I get all awkward, desperate and needy.

Oh wait, it just happened…

*** Please note this Disclaimer: On my blog, I sometimes use affiliate links. I will always tell you and these links are only for items that I use and approve of.

If you click an affiliate link and purchase that product or service, I will be paid a small commission but your cost will still; remain the same or less. I will always disclose this at the bottom of the post.

This money goes towards keeping this site online. Note: We are a participant in an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites.

If you found this website helpful, please support it!