Copenhagen

17th August – First Day in Copenhagen

We reached Copenhagen around 9 a.m. after a FlixBus journey, only to realize the stop was a little outside the city. It took another 45–50 minutes to reach our hostel. After exploring all the transport options, we bought a three-day metro card. The city immediately felt different—calm, cool, and effortlessly stylish. The metro itself was a surprise: driverless, sleek, and with minimal seating. I couldn’t help but think, wow. Everyone around seemed taller, fitter, and somehow more relaxed.Our walking tour was scheduled for noon, so we quickly stored our luggage in paid lockers at the hostel and got ready in the washroom. With check-in only at 3 p.m., we headed out for breakfast. The coffee and pastries were divine—flaky, buttery, and rich, the kind of taste that lingers even as I write this. The tour began near Tivoli Gardens, which was buzzing with energy from an LGBTQ parade point. Tivoli itself is famous for its old wooden rides, but we skipped it this time, saving our thrill quota for Disneyland Paris.

The walking tour gave us a deeper sense of Copenhagen beyond the postcard-perfect Nyhavn. The guide spoke about architecture, design, and the city’s creative spirit. Copenhagen is not just about colorful houses—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and pastries that make you smile. After the tour, we returned to the hostel, finally checked in, and took a short nap. Sharing the room with a French family was a new experience—our first time in Europe staying with a complete family rather than solo travelers.

By evening, we headed to Nyhavn, the city’s most famous harbor. The vibe was incredible—brightly painted houses, boats bobbing in the canal, and cafés spilling onto the streets. To our surprise, a triathlon was happening, adding even more energy to the scene. Sitting there, watching the athletes and the crowd, we felt the pulse of Copenhagen.

Must-See in Copenhagen

  • Nyhavn – Iconic harbor with colorful houses, cafés, and lively atmosphere.
  • Tivoli Gardens – Historic amusement park with wooden rides and magical evening lights.
  • The Little Mermaid Statue – A symbol of the city, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale.
  • Rosenborg Castle & King’s Garden – Renaissance castle with royal treasures and beautiful gardens.
  • Amalienborg Palace – Home of the Danish royal family, with daily changing of the guard.
  • Strøget – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.
  • Copenhagen Pastries – Don’t miss cardamom buns, cinnamon rolls, and Danish butter cookies.