Copenhagen

Copenhagen is clean, safe, expensive, and full of bikes. It’s one of the most livable cities in the world and you can feel it. The design is beautiful, the food scene is excellent, and everyone speaks perfect English. Just bring a huge budget because it’s pricey.

Nyhavn is the postcard shot with colorful buildings along the canal. It’s touristy but still pretty. Grab a beer at the waterfront. Tivoli Gardens is the old amusement park right in the city center. It’s charming even if you don’t do rides. The Little Mermaid statue is small and underwhelming but everyone goes anyway.

The bike culture is serious here. Rent a bike and ride the bike lanes like a local. Everyone bikes everywhere regardless of weather. Christiania is the autonomous neighborhood with different rules and a unique vibe. Interesting to walk through. The design shops and museums are excellent if you’re into that.

Food is a big deal. Smørrebrød open sandwiches are everywhere. New Nordic cuisine started here with Noma. You don’t need to drop huge money at fancy places though. Street food at Reffen or Torvehallerne food hall is good. Hot dogs from stands are surprisingly decent. Coffee culture is strong.

Castles around Copenhagen make good day trips. Kronborg in Helsingør is Hamlet’s castle. Frederiksborg is beautiful. Both are under an hour by train. Malmö in Sweden is across the bridge if you want to add another country.

Getting around means bikes or metro. The metro is clean and modern. Trains connect everything. Walking works for the center. Everything is well organized and safe.

Money is brutal. Coffee is six dollars, meals start at twenty euros minimum. Beer is expensive. Hotels cost a fortune. It’s one of the priciest cities in Europe. Cards work everywhere, barely anyone uses cash.