5 Reasons to Visit Copenhagen In The New Year

My trip to Copenhagen this December was pretty magical. It's definitely up there with one of the most beautiful (and probably most safe) cities I've visited. I spend a lovely few days in the heart of the Copenhagen with my brother James as part of my present to him for his 21st birthday but of course, it was definitely a present for me too.

I was instantly sucked into the quaint beauty of the Danish capital. The architecture and atmosphere were slightly reminiscent of a fusion between Amsterdam and Paris – which I later learned was actually intentional thanks to the good tastes of previous royals and rulers! I also learned how much diverse history of Copenhagen and Denmark has, how it was once consumed by conflict but now the second most peaceful country in the world.

1. Experience The Most Unique Bike Tour - Bike Mike

This was definitely a trip highlight for us. The most northern year-round bike tour, Bike Mike is now running their 10th season in Copenhagen and prides itself on being a unique, no nonsense tour that can venture off the beaten track and gets right into the nitty gritty of Copenhagen. Mike himself was an amazing guide full of expert knowledge of the cities history, politics and philosophy. A native Dane, Mike gives his tour such a great local flair and is certain to get a few laughs out of you on the way – I 100% recommend if you want to avoid the touristy traps. And book it on your first day, as you’ll spot so many places you’ll want to visit during the three hour tour!

2. Stay at the Hotel Kong Arthur

Part of the Arthur hotels group, Hotel Kong Arthur is one of two properties the group owns in central Copenhagen. Nestled in it’s own road opposite the river toward the north of the city, the location (as you can see) is so grand and pretty dreamy. It was also a short walk to the metro, bus  stops and even the most incredible food market so the perfect spot for a short city break! Full of nordic charm, the atmosphere is super cosy and the design is modern meets touches of medieval. 

We had a gorgeous twin room that echoed the vibe of the rest of the hotel complete with a lovely comfy sofa, a collection of modern prints and a great work desk – everything we needed for a perfect stay in the city. One of my favourite things about staying here was probably the gorgeous Nordic buffet breakfast we indulged in every morning. From cooked eggs, bacon and vegetables to sumptuous pastries and freshly baked bread in addition to healthier options of fruit, cereal grains and even a morning health shot, we were spoilt for choice. All in all a perfect stay and a lovely little bit of affordable luxury within Copenhagen. Book here

3. Hygge

A word used to describe the Danish art of happiness, Hygge is creating a warm and cosy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life, with good people. Think candles, blankets, mulled wine and good food with friends and family, enjoying the little things and the big things. This season in particular it’s blown up as a huge lifestyle trend across Europe – it’s at this time of year Hygge is in full force. I bought the book at Bristol airport on the morning of our flight and am finding it such a lovely read and once you see it in Copenhagen and experience the warm Danish spirit you cant help but want to embrace Hygge.

4. Visit the most charming amusement park in the world - Tivoli

Tivoli in Copenhagen was just so spectacular. I don’t think I've ever seen so many fairy lights in one place – the whole place was glowing. Over the festive period until January they have a ‘festival of light’ and everything is just covered in glistening drops of light. From Christmas tress to merry go rounds to even the floor of From gorgeous Christmas market huts to themed restaurants (think a quaint pirate ship and traditional Chinese temple) there was so much to see in-between the rides and regular them park attractions. A must!

5. Go to the Carlsberg factory for the ‘ExBEERience’

We had such a laugh here. I’ve done wine tasting but never beer tasting so was looking forward to visiting Carlsberg – especially after a 3 hour bike tour in the drizzly cold, a few beers were definitely well deserved! During the self-guided tour you learn a lot about the history of Carlsberg and the changes in the beer-making process over the decades and even during the war. They also have one of the largest beer bottle collections in the world which was pretty cool. Situated in the factory is also a set of stables where the most gorgeous (and most enormous) shire horses live which of course I loved! 

The beer tasting takes place underground – formerly a space used for brewing beer that was taken over by the army during the cold war as a secret base which I totally nerded out about. We got to try 3 different beers in addition to the two you get just for visiting the complex and with some at over 8%, it’s safe to say we left slightly riddled and content with such  great afternoon.

My Copenhagen vlog has also just gone live here! I'd love it if you could give it a watch and let me know what you think. 

Extra notes:

Buy a Copenhagen card! It’s around £59 for 48 hours and covers all of your metro and bus travel (including to and from the airport), entrance to over 70 attractions in Copenhagen including Tivoli, boat tours, museums and entrance to the Carlsberg experience. You can grab one at the airport train station.

My trip to Copenhagen this December was pretty magical. It's definitely up there with one of the most beautiful (and probably most safe) cities I've visited. I spend a lovely few days in the heart of the Copenhagen with my brother James as part of my present to him for his 21st birthday but of course, it was definitely a present for me too.

I was instantly sucked into the quaint beauty of the Danish capital. The architecture and atmosphere were slightly reminiscent of a fusion between Amsterdam and Paris – which I later learned was actually intentional thanks to the good tastes of previous royals and rulers! I also learned how much diverse history of Copenhagen and Denmark has, how it was once consumed by conflict but now the second most peaceful country in the world.

1. Experience The Most Unique Bike Tour - Bike Mike

This was definitely a trip highlight for us. The most northern year-round bike tour, Bike Mike is now running their 10th season in Copenhagen and prides itself on being a unique, no nonsense tour that can venture off the beaten track and gets right into the nitty gritty of Copenhagen. Mike himself was an amazing guide full of expert knowledge of the cities history, politics and philosophy. A native Dane, Mike gives his tour such a great local flair and is certain to get a few laughs out of you on the way – I 100% recommend if you want to avoid the touristy traps. And book it on your first day, as you’ll spot so many places you’ll want to visit during the three hour tour!

2. Stay at the Hotel Kong Arthur

Part of the Arthur hotels group, Hotel Kong Arthur is one of two properties the group owns in central Copenhagen. Nestled in it’s own road opposite the river toward the north of the city, the location (as you can see) is so grand and pretty dreamy. It was also a short walk to the metro, bus  stops and even the most incredible food market so the perfect spot for a short city break! Full of nordic charm, the atmosphere is super cosy and the design is modern meets touches of medieval. 

We had a gorgeous twin room that echoed the vibe of the rest of the hotel complete with a lovely comfy sofa, a collection of modern prints and a great work desk – everything we needed for a perfect stay in the city. One of my favourite things about staying here was probably the gorgeous Nordic buffet breakfast we indulged in every morning. From cooked eggs, bacon and vegetables to sumptuous pastries and freshly baked bread in addition to healthier options of fruit, cereal grains and even a morning health shot, we were spoilt for choice. All in all a perfect stay and a lovely little bit of affordable luxury within Copenhagen. Book here

3. Hygge

A word used to describe the Danish art of happiness, Hygge is creating a warm and cosy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life, with good people. Think candles, blankets, mulled wine and good food with friends and family, enjoying the little things and the big things. This season in particular it’s blown up as a huge lifestyle trend across Europe – it’s at this time of year Hygge is in full force. I bought the book at Bristol airport on the morning of our flight and am finding it such a lovely read and once you see it in Copenhagen and experience the warm Danish spirit you cant help but want to embrace Hygge.

4. Visit the most charming amusement park in the world - Tivoli

Tivoli in Copenhagen was just so spectacular. I don’t think I've ever seen so many fairy lights in one place – the whole place was glowing. Over the festive period until January they have a ‘festival of light’ and everything is just covered in glistening drops of light. From Christmas tress to merry go rounds to even the floor of From gorgeous Christmas market huts to themed restaurants (think a quaint pirate ship and traditional Chinese temple) there was so much to see in-between the rides and regular them park attractions. A must!

5. Go to the Carlsberg factory for the ‘ExBEERience’

We had such a laugh here. I’ve done wine tasting but never beer tasting so was looking forward to visiting Carlsberg – especially after a 3 hour bike tour in the drizzly cold, a few beers were definitely well deserved! During the self-guided tour you learn a lot about the history of Carlsberg and the changes in the beer-making process over the decades and even during the war. They also have one of the largest beer bottle collections in the world which was pretty cool. Situated in the factory is also a set of stables where the most gorgeous (and most enormous) shire horses live which of course I loved! 

The beer tasting takes place underground – formerly a space used for brewing beer that was taken over by the army during the cold war as a secret base which I totally nerded out about. We got to try 3 different beers in addition to the two you get just for visiting the complex and with some at over 8%, it’s safe to say we left slightly riddled and content with such  great afternoon.

My Copenhagen vlog has also just gone live here! I'd love it if you could give it a watch and let me know what you think. 

Extra notes:

Buy a Copenhagen card! It’s around £59 for 48 hours and covers all of your metro and bus travel (including to and from the airport), entrance to over 70 attractions in Copenhagen including Tivoli, boat tours, museums and entrance to the Carlsberg experience. You can grab one at the airport train station.