One of the most common concerns I hear from fellow travelers is that a cruise really doesn’t give you enough time in any one port, and they are not wrong. We started cruising in Europe in order to get a sense of what we liked and didn’t; a kind of sampler plate if you will. Fortunately we liked it all and have returned again and again. As our travel evolved we now combine the ease and decadence of a cruise with independent tours of our favourite destinations. Copenhagen is one of those cities.
Since it is commonly the embarkation, or disembarkation port for many Northern European itineraries it is rare to get enough time to really explore this city. If you have available vacation time you can arrive a day or two early or stay longer at the end. We have done both and as a result have spent a number of days touring Copenhagen. I believe there is still more to see, but for now lets fill a full day.
Transportation to and from the cruise port is fairly easy. If you do not want to pay for a taxi try the train from the main station to the metro station outside of the cruise port. A shuttle from there will get you to your ship. Reverse the order upon your return.
On our most recent trip we arrived the day after the Tour de France. The course was still set up and it was great fun to watch Danes, young and old alike, ride the course. We walked around a good portion of it as we toured the city. Copenhagen is easy to see on foot, or if you like, bicycles are readily available to rent. Paths are well marked and since so many Danes travel this way themselves it is easy to adapt.
The one not to miss site is Nyhaven, the colourful old sailor’s harbour that is now a tourist destination with great restaurants and shops, cheap beer to enjoy and numerous options for canal tours. Time permitting I would recommend a tour as it allows you to see Copenhagen’s waterfront showcasing the new building and urban revitalization as well as and the interior canals bordered by beautiful homes, boats and unique public buildings. Pay attention to the low bridges. Rowdy crowds of vacationers rent canal boats to tour on their own complete with snacks and drinks. Be on the lookout for Copenhagen’s favourite The Little Mermaid.
Next stop should be a tour of at least one of Copenhagen’s castles; Christianborg, Amalienborg or my favourite the
older Rosenborg Palace, built by Christian IV, in the 17th century. That beautiful castle features 400 years of royal treasures including the Crown Jewels and other Royal Regalia and a lush garden for a picnic or just resting for a while.
The National Museum features a trove of treasures from centuries of Danish history. For hours and to order tickets please check out https://en.natmus.dk/. Just a short walk away is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, an art gallery and museum inside an amazing building in its own right. Ticket information and hours can be found at https://www.glyptoteket.dk/.
When you are ready for a break try a cold beer and a traditional Danish lunch of open face sandwiches on a sidewalk
cafe.
If you are lucky and can spend another day in Copenhagen you will have time to fit in all you missed on the first day and perhaps add a visit to Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli opened on 15 August 1843 and is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world.
Whether you start or end your adventure in Copenhagen it will undoubtedly be one of your favourite cities to visit and one you can return to again and again.